March 17th, 2025
by Pastor Brandon
by Pastor Brandon
The Journey Towards Holy Disruption
As we navigate the Lenten season, we find ourselves on a profound journey, following in the footsteps of Jesus from Bethany to the cross. This sacred time invites us to examine our lives, our faith, and our relationship with God in new and transformative ways.
The concept of "holy disruption" emerges as a central theme in this spiritual expedition. Just as Jesus' presence in Jerusalem caused a stir among various groups - from jealous religious leaders to curious Greeks - we too are called to allow God to disrupt our comfortable routines and challenge our perspectives.
Consider the scene in Jerusalem as Jesus arrives. The air is thick with anticipation and unrest. Religious leaders, threatened by Jesus' growing influence and miraculous acts (like the resurrection of Lazarus), plot to silence not just Jesus, but even the living proof of His power - Lazarus himself. Meanwhile, Greeks visiting for Passover eagerly seek an audience with this captivating teacher. In the midst of this tumult, Jesus speaks of His impending fate, His soul troubled yet resolute.
This snapshot of history serves as a mirror for our own spiritual lives. How often do we find ourselves resistant to change, even when that change might bring us closer to God? Like water seeking the path of least resistance, we humans tend to settle into comfortable patterns, sometimes at the cost of spiritual growth and vitality.
The Lenten season challenges this tendency. It's a time specifically set aside for holy disruption - a period where we intentionally shake up our routines, examine our hearts, and create space for God to work in new ways. Whether through fasting, increased prayer, acts of service, or other spiritual disciplines, Lent invites us to step out of our comfort zones and into a deeper relationship with our Creator.
But why is this disruption necessary? Often, our comfortable habits can become spiritual ruts, dulling our sensitivity to God's presence and leading us away from the vibrant faith we're called to live. The pains and struggles of life can push us into protective patterns that, while offering temporary comfort, ultimately hinder our growth and joy in Christ.
Jesus Himself modeled this willingness to be disrupted for a greater purpose. In the Gospel accounts, we see Him wrestling with His impending crucifixion. John's Gospel portrays a resolute Christ, fully aware of His destiny and purpose, declaring, "Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour." This image of Jesus reminds us that even in our moments of deepest anguish or uncertainty, we can find strength in our God-given purpose.
Other Gospel accounts, like Luke's, present a more visceral picture of Jesus' struggle in Gethsemane, showing His very human response to the suffering ahead. This portrayal offers immense comfort, reminding us that our God intimately understands human fear, anxiety, and reluctance. When we feel ashamed of our struggles or hesitant to bring our true selves before God, we can remember that Jesus Himself experienced similar emotions.
This dual nature of Christ - fully divine yet fully human - offers us a holistic model for our own spiritual journeys. There are times when we need to lean on the unwavering strength and sovereignty of God, finding comfort in His control over situations that feel chaotic to us. Other times, we need the empathetic presence of a Savior who has walked in our shoes, who understands our weaknesses and loves us through them.
As we progress through Lent, we're invited to embrace both these aspects of our relationship with God. We're called to surrender control, allowing the Holy Spirit to disrupt our lives in ways that lead to growth and transformation. Simultaneously, we're encouraged to draw near to God with honesty and vulnerability, knowing that He understands our struggles intimately.
The beauty of this season lies in its potential for profound change. As we allow God to shed light on the darker corners of our hearts, we open ourselves to experience His love, grace, and power in fresh ways. The discomfort of disruption can lead to the joy of deeper communion with God and a more authentic expression of our faith.
Let us consider: What areas of our lives have become too comfortable, too set in their ways? Where might God be calling us to embrace holy disruption? Perhaps it's in our prayer lives, our relationships, our approach to scripture, or our engagement with the world around us. Whatever form it takes, this disruption is an invitation - a chance to see God work in new and powerful ways.
As we journey through Lent, may we have the courage to let go of our need for control and comfort. May we open our hearts to the transformative power of Christ's love, allowing it to shine into every aspect of our being. And may we find, in the midst of holy disruption, a deeper, richer, more vibrant faith than we've ever known before.
In this season of reflection and renewal, let's embrace the challenge to live more fully in God's light. Let's surrender to the God who loved us enough to take on flesh, to experience our struggles, and to overcome death itself for our sake. As we do, we may find that the disruptions we once feared become the very pathways to profound spiritual growth and unshakeable joy.
May this Lenten journey be one of holy disruption, deep transformation, and renewed commitment to following Christ - wherever He may lead.
The concept of "holy disruption" emerges as a central theme in this spiritual expedition. Just as Jesus' presence in Jerusalem caused a stir among various groups - from jealous religious leaders to curious Greeks - we too are called to allow God to disrupt our comfortable routines and challenge our perspectives.
Consider the scene in Jerusalem as Jesus arrives. The air is thick with anticipation and unrest. Religious leaders, threatened by Jesus' growing influence and miraculous acts (like the resurrection of Lazarus), plot to silence not just Jesus, but even the living proof of His power - Lazarus himself. Meanwhile, Greeks visiting for Passover eagerly seek an audience with this captivating teacher. In the midst of this tumult, Jesus speaks of His impending fate, His soul troubled yet resolute.
This snapshot of history serves as a mirror for our own spiritual lives. How often do we find ourselves resistant to change, even when that change might bring us closer to God? Like water seeking the path of least resistance, we humans tend to settle into comfortable patterns, sometimes at the cost of spiritual growth and vitality.
The Lenten season challenges this tendency. It's a time specifically set aside for holy disruption - a period where we intentionally shake up our routines, examine our hearts, and create space for God to work in new ways. Whether through fasting, increased prayer, acts of service, or other spiritual disciplines, Lent invites us to step out of our comfort zones and into a deeper relationship with our Creator.
But why is this disruption necessary? Often, our comfortable habits can become spiritual ruts, dulling our sensitivity to God's presence and leading us away from the vibrant faith we're called to live. The pains and struggles of life can push us into protective patterns that, while offering temporary comfort, ultimately hinder our growth and joy in Christ.
Jesus Himself modeled this willingness to be disrupted for a greater purpose. In the Gospel accounts, we see Him wrestling with His impending crucifixion. John's Gospel portrays a resolute Christ, fully aware of His destiny and purpose, declaring, "Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour." This image of Jesus reminds us that even in our moments of deepest anguish or uncertainty, we can find strength in our God-given purpose.
Other Gospel accounts, like Luke's, present a more visceral picture of Jesus' struggle in Gethsemane, showing His very human response to the suffering ahead. This portrayal offers immense comfort, reminding us that our God intimately understands human fear, anxiety, and reluctance. When we feel ashamed of our struggles or hesitant to bring our true selves before God, we can remember that Jesus Himself experienced similar emotions.
This dual nature of Christ - fully divine yet fully human - offers us a holistic model for our own spiritual journeys. There are times when we need to lean on the unwavering strength and sovereignty of God, finding comfort in His control over situations that feel chaotic to us. Other times, we need the empathetic presence of a Savior who has walked in our shoes, who understands our weaknesses and loves us through them.
As we progress through Lent, we're invited to embrace both these aspects of our relationship with God. We're called to surrender control, allowing the Holy Spirit to disrupt our lives in ways that lead to growth and transformation. Simultaneously, we're encouraged to draw near to God with honesty and vulnerability, knowing that He understands our struggles intimately.
The beauty of this season lies in its potential for profound change. As we allow God to shed light on the darker corners of our hearts, we open ourselves to experience His love, grace, and power in fresh ways. The discomfort of disruption can lead to the joy of deeper communion with God and a more authentic expression of our faith.
Let us consider: What areas of our lives have become too comfortable, too set in their ways? Where might God be calling us to embrace holy disruption? Perhaps it's in our prayer lives, our relationships, our approach to scripture, or our engagement with the world around us. Whatever form it takes, this disruption is an invitation - a chance to see God work in new and powerful ways.
As we journey through Lent, may we have the courage to let go of our need for control and comfort. May we open our hearts to the transformative power of Christ's love, allowing it to shine into every aspect of our being. And may we find, in the midst of holy disruption, a deeper, richer, more vibrant faith than we've ever known before.
In this season of reflection and renewal, let's embrace the challenge to live more fully in God's light. Let's surrender to the God who loved us enough to take on flesh, to experience our struggles, and to overcome death itself for our sake. As we do, we may find that the disruptions we once feared become the very pathways to profound spiritual growth and unshakeable joy.
May this Lenten journey be one of holy disruption, deep transformation, and renewed commitment to following Christ - wherever He may lead.
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