Ch-ch-ch-changes!

He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him.  On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them.  And he was amazed at their unbelief.  Mark 6:1-6

David Bowe recently passed away...but I always think of the above song when I hear Mark 6.  Jesus had changed.  He changed when he was cradled in John the Baptizer's arms, was dunked in the Jordan River, came up gasping for air and water running from his face...and a dove descended and he heard, "You are my beloved."  That will change you.  He was in the wilderness...tempted...that will change you.  He was transformed as he started preaching about God's realm being right here and right inside you.  That kind of message can change you.  He was transformed as he healed people  Imagine being able to take away pain...but perhaps Jesus absorbed some of the pain too.  Those kinds of moments can change and challenge you.  He preached...some he offended...some he softened hearts. The responses of people will change you.

There are changes in life.  Sometimes when we change others around us don't like it.   Have you ever wanted to change something and those around you try to tell you it is a bad idea; more because of who they are and less because of who you are or what you want to do?  That has happened to me.  Ch-ch-cha-changes might be part of life, but we don't always like it.

The people in the synagogue wanted Jesus to remain stuck where he was...wanted him to stay who he was.  Unfortunately, this can still happen in churches today.  The phrase, "We've never done it that way before" comes to mind.  Change awakens some fear, upsets the equilibrium we crave.

So, what kinds of changes are you facing right now?
How are other people responding?
How are others speaking truth in love?
How are they speaking truth for the sake of keeping the peace?

Those are tough questions that need more than trace of God's grace.  May you feel and experience God's presence as you prayerfully ponder this.

Grace and peace ~