Streams of Mercy

We’ve just completed this year’s Lenten Study, “Who is This Man?”, a video series based on a book by John Ortberg. Each Wednesday evening, we shared a simple meal of soup and sandwiches, watched the video and participated in a discussion, leaving with a challenge to live faithfully in some new way in the coming week. It was a meaningful study, helping us to think about the life of Jesus in new ways.

Perhaps the final lesson presented our greatest challenge. Jesus used the metaphor of seeds to describe the purpose of his own death and the way of life he wants his followers to embrace:

“Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you’ll have it forever, real and eternal. If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then you’ll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment’s notice. The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves me.” (John 12:24-36, The Message)

We were asked to reflect upon the grains of wheat in our own lives. What are we aware of in this area of life that keeps us in an immature state or limits us in some way?

• our pace of life

• our finances

• our relationships

• our health

• our plans

• our needs

• other

We were challenged to address the following questions in the days to come:

• Of all the things that came to mind in each area, of which do you feel most protective? In other words, where do you feel most determined to “hold on to life just as it is”? What are you most afraid of losing?

• What comes to mind when you imagine being “reckless in your love” and letting it go?

• If you were able to die to this aspect of your life – to let it go for love of Christ – what is the harvest you hope for?

Reflecting on the “grains of wheat” in our own lives is an important step in growing and bearing fruit and learning how to be “reckless in our love.”

Elizabeth