IMAGINE

By Terri White 

I believe that we are on the threshold of the next "age."  As I meditate on this, I am struck anew with the challenges that the Jews who lived during & after Jesus' earthly life experienced.  Imagine trying to believe that Jesus was The Messiah when for generations, families had been taught that the Messiah would be a "warrior-king" who would break the stronghold the Romans had over Israel.    Imagine being told that the sacrifices were no longer needed when they had been offering sacrifices for hundreds of years.  Imagine losing your friends/family/livelihood and being excommunicated if you embraced  the gospel of Jesus, The Christ.   Imagine the struggle to change your whole way of thinking and all the ramifications mentioned above  - and more.  Imagine. 

Now imagine contemporary Christians - you and me - having to rethink all that we have been taught about Christianity.  Many of us have already done plenty of that and thrown out bushels of doctrine.  We've lost friends, family, jobs, and ministries because of those changes.  Some believe that "universal reconciliation" is the ultimate revelation in God's plan.  Indeed, it is an incredible revelation, but not the final say.  It is, though, the open door to further "mind-boggling" revelations on the purposes of God.  Imagine that there is more to adjust and throw out that completely changes our perspective on God's purpose.  Imagine letting go of what we have heretofore considered precious to our relationship with God.  Imagine. 

"What is it?" you ask.  That's not the point.  The point is are we willing to take the risk?  Are we willing to take that leap of faith and maybe fall flat on our faces?  Or maybe not?  When we were children, we had a childish perception of our parents.  As we grew, those perceptions changed.  Now that I'm in my 60's, I have a much better understanding of my parents than ever before.  Were those childish perceptions wrong?  That's not the point.  How could our perceptions been different?  We were children, and extremely limited in our capacity to understand.  But those limitations are constantly adjusted;  perceptual boundaries broaden as we mature.  So it is in our relationship with God.  

Are we still relating to God like we did as a new believer?  Are our perceptions of God stuck as a "teenager" in the faith?  Are we zealously gripping doctrines that have fulfilled their purpose, but now need to be cast aside?  Diapers are necessary - if you're a baby.  Crying to get your needs met is good  - if you're an infant.  Getting an allowance is a blessing - if you're ten years old.  Asking Dad if you can use the car is appropriate - if you're a teenager.  All of these serve their purpose - in their time.  But as we grow, they are no longer needed.  

It's time to move forward, to cross that threshold, to take that leap of faith - wherever you are in your journey. 

Imagine.