2020 and 2021 has been a time of many different things! Can I get an amen?

One experience we've all had at one time or another this past year has been feeling as if we are on the outside looking in. Outside our normal circle of family and friends... outside our normal experiences of work, school, and community... outside our normal realm of certainty and comfort... outside our ___________.  How would you finish that sentence?  

COVID-19, racial and social injustice, divisive politics and more have contributed to this experience of feeling like an outsider. But really, you have to admit it's been that way long before 2020. North/South… black/white… rich/poor… red state/blue state… Muslim/Christian... conservative/liberal... friend/enemy…outsider/insider… It just seems easier that way. If we’re really honest, we’re okay with that, until we’re the ones on the outside looking in.

God sees things differently! 

“...God shows his love for us, because while we were still sinners Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, CEB)

“You are all God’s children through faith in Christ Jesus… There is neither Jew nor Greek... neither slave nor free; nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28, CEB 

My prayer is that you'll be able to look beyond what you see, to the open invitation of God's grace. Because here's that thing, God's relentless purpose is to bring those who are outside in! Can I get an amen?

Your partner on the journey,
Pastor Steve