Reaching Out

Dear Worshipers,

These are uncomfortable words for all of us. We realize that we have to extend ourselves a little to do it. There is risk involved.

The image that comes to mind for me is reaching out to something that is just beyond your grasp, like the top shelf where the cookie jar is. Imagine the thought process of a child, "I can probably reach it if I climb on the chair then onto the counter." Sure, the thought may cross the child's mind that he could be hurt, but it is quickly dismissed. There is risk involved, but the payoff makes the risk worth taking.

I am certainly glad Jesus was willing to do that. To take the "risk" of reaching out to me. He was willing to suffer reproach and loss, rejection and death for me. Do you REALLY want "to be like Jesus"? Is that really your "desire"?

To be honest, there really was no risk for our Lord. He knew that He would finish the task entrusted to Him by His Father. He knew He would provide reconciliation for me back to God.

Ultimately, there is really no risk for us either. Let me explain why. In doing so maybe I can take some of the fear of reaching out away from your soul.

Remember that He said "When I am lifted up I will draw all men to myself…" John 12:32 Your reaching is really about reaching your arms up as you "lift" Jesus. You do not have to carry the weight of that person you are "reaching out" to; all you need to do is lift up Jesus. And that is not so hard, after all He is already ascended. So, ultimately your reaching is more of a pointing toward for the purpose of drawing attention to Jesus than a grasping for the purpose of holding or moving the person(s) in question.

Easter is less than three weeks away. How will you seize this opportunity? How will you reach out in this season?

There are a lot of symbols that represent this season, but for rne one of the most prevalent, and often least understood, is the egg, showing new life. Once again this year we are employing this symbol and redeeming it in the minds of people who will see our impact cards. They are located all around the church for the purpose of outreach, a.k.a. "reaching out"

Make this Easter season a new beginning for you. Take a card, write a note, and stick it in the mail, or better yet, reach out to someone and hand it to them. That may be all that is required of you for them to have a real NEW BEGINNING this Easter. Let us reach out with the love and life of Jesus Christ.


In Christ,

Pastor Scott