Pastor's Weekly Word

Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. (John 20:21-22)

Three things happened in worship Sunday morning. First, at the 9am service, we received a wonderful group of new members into the life of the church. We prayed for them and asked God’s blessing on this new relationship. Then, at the 11am service, we celebrated the 2019 Confirmation Class and welcomed them as full members of the church. Family members, friends, and mentors came forward to place hands on them as we prayed. I was particularly proud this year as our oldest daughter was confirmed as well. Finally, it was Set Free Campaign Commitment Sunday when we all brought our commitments forward. If you have not been able to do that yet, a team will be contacting you soon as a friendly reminder, and on Sunday, May 12, we will make the big announcement of the total amount raised.

In and of themselves, these are all wonderful events. But what makes them spiritual? Is it that we all come together for a common cause or exciting moment? Is it that we become a little emotional because of what is happening? Is that what makes it spiritual? Come to think of it, what makes worship itself spiritual? Is it the music, the prayers, the message? The answer is simple, of course. God makes it spiritual. The Holy Spirit makes it spiritual. It’s an easy answer that is hard to understand.

I was in a conversation yesterday with a group of pastors and musicians from other churches in Dallas. At one point, one of the more seasoned pastors in the group chimed in and said, “You know, I’ve read a whole lot in my life, and all I can still say is that I don’t know how it works, I just know that God does it.” We don’t know how it works; we just know that God does it. That’s what makes what we do together spiritual. God mysteriously shows up and turns something ordinary into something much bigger.