In a bible study series that I have taught in the past, a statement was made that helped me to gain a fresh perspective on Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of Luke. To be able to understand the present, Jesus' teachings to his disciples offered a glimpse into the future reality of the coming Kingdom of God. He began to illustrate for them the vision of what the Kingdom will be like, and in so doing, began to line out for them the necessary changes in the present in order to be in accord with what is going to be. Jesus, who has already seen the future, had a radically different perspective on the present than most of his contemporaries.
A couple of weeks ago, several folks from Canyon Lake UMC met with about 1,500 other United Methodists in Corpus Christi to engage in our annual gathering of "holy conversations" - what we have come to call Annual Conference. During that time, we worshiped, and did the business of the church. We gathered the first night to sing praises to God for having the blessing and privilege of having been touched by the saints of the church who have died during the year since our last meeting. We lifted up the pastors and pastors' spouses who have gone on to that great reward - who have transferred their membership to the Church Triumphant.
Then, on Thursday, we celebrated the ministries of ten retiring pastors who have reached the end of their appointive ministries. While their calling is still valid - only God can take that away - their active ministries will take a new turn, and for their many years of service, we are thankful.
Friday evening was the opportunity for us to witness the next generation of ministers who have come into the calling actively, and we watched them receive the blessing of our Bishop, and the command to be faithful to the tasks of serving the Church through Word, Order, Sacrament, and Service.
Saturday witnessed the setting and fixing of appointments for all the clergy and churches in the Southwest Texas Conference.
All in all, it was a wonderful conference. But there was a lingering feeling in my bones - something that was different this time (or perhaps I just noticed it fully for the first time this year). As we were saying goodbye to several of our brothers and sisters, and thanking God for their ministries, we were also saying hello to our newer brothers and sisters. Stepping back, taking a longer look, our beloved Church is not finished yet. We can see clearly where we've been. But we worship a Savior who sees very clearly where we're going. And that faith is what will inspire us to come into line with what Jesus has been teaching us all these years. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we will become what Jesus has been calling and guiding us to be. What he sees as the Kingdom of God is where we are headed. I have been inspired by those who have come before us, and I am equally inspired by those who will come after us! I can see God's hand in the present, because God sees us from the perspective of the future. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
See you in Church!
Grace and peace,
Brad
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