Kaikorai Presbyterian Church

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Last week we began looking at this idea of being ‘Walk-across-the room’ people; this thoroughly God-honouring concept calls us to ‘listen for the encouragement of the Spirit’, to ‘leave our circle of comfort’, and to ‘enter the zone of the unknown’.

Every time we do so we are letting go of personal control; we are trusting God; we are usable by God.

During this past week I’ve been conscious of those around me and trying to listen to what God the Spirit has been saying. I don’t claim to have heard right, or to have followed fully, but I have noticed that many people to cross my path every day. There are no shortage of opportunities to reach out to others.

There was a couple in the supermarket, muttering about the self-checkout system, as was I. Recognising we had something in common I made a point of slowing down and simply talking with them for a brief moment: nothing dramatic happened, no hallelujah chorus from the gathered angels, but we did share a laugh, tension was releved, the day brightened. I continued to my car thinking:  ‘that was easy!’ And while nothing of deep spiritual impact took place that I was aware of I did have the sense that I’d done all that God had asked of me.

Sadly earlier in the shop I’d brushed past another, not even catching their eye – in direct violation to the whisper I was hearing from God. Of course I rationalised my ignoring God but in truth I remain disappointed in myself.

The reality is that there are people everywhere – if only we have the eyes (and care) to see.

People at the check-out, PostShop queue, people walking past, class mates, workmates, receptionists, side-line parents. People it would seem are not in short supply – nor are opportunities to share the love of Jesus!

I’m reminded that we are in this together, we have all got much to learn and experience as we take these faithful (faith-filled) steps across rooms.

As we discussed last week it is the First Steps that are the hardest – but once we start walking we’ve committed ourselves to reaching out; those first tentative steps have become faith-filled steps.

Jesus began the process when he stepped from heaven into our place – once here his life was marked by the way he consistently walked across rooms, market-places, cultures, and societal norms to reach out to others – complete strangers normally, women and men, often those from the wrong side of town; often those that good folk would prefer not to be seen with.

Luke gave an example of this with the story of Zacchaeus, one man amongst a crowd, one man – probably the least likely to receive special attention; but when Jesus saw Zacchaeus precariously perched in his sycamore tree he seemed to see something that most of us miss.

We see a crook, a swindler, a greedy little man, a sinner. Someone to be avoided.

Jesus sees a child of God, a heart open to grace, a broken needy man. Someone to be loved.

First seeing followed by active caring Jesus reached out in 3 quite simple, practical and faithful steps.

We see how he

• developed the friendship
• discovered the Zacchaeus story
• discerned next steps

Bill Hybels calls this living in 3D: develop – discover – discern. Faithful steps we can all take.

Jesus began by developing the relationship.

Jesus had arrived in town with the intention of passing through. This was not his destination, stopping the night was not on his agenda.

Zacchaeus however heard that Jesus was coming and he was determined to see Jesus. Given his unpopularity I imagine the crowd made it hard for him, also being a short man he didn’t stand much chance of seeing anything. Desperate he climbed a tree – I guess this caused further derision as he sat perched there like a frightened sparrow – but he was determined – he hung on – just for a glimpse of Jesus.

Imagine then what it felt like when Jesus stopped, looked at him over the heads of the crowd, called him by name, and invited himself around for supper, and a bed for the night.

In those few moments a bond was formed – trust began, a friendship sparked.

Every day we pass people who need a friend – someone who’ll call them by name; someone who is not embarrassed to be seen in their company; someone who will take time for them.

As I think of my week past I can think of a number that probably just wanted me to notice them – and again I’m reminded of the one in the supermarket by the frozen goods that I just brushed by.

Think about your week. How many did you just brush by who needed a friend? Think too of the one’s you slowed for, stopped, exchanged a few words, a smile, a joke, a longer conversation; it wasn’t hard was it?

It in these conversations that we begin to discover stories, to get to know others as they talk about their stuff.

Zacchaeus told his story – maybe for the first time because he found someone he could trust with it. Jesus listened! Jesus learned! Jesus loved!

I don’t mean to downplay Jesus but what Jesus did was pretty simple – not at all super-spiritual; he simply offered Zacchaeus himself: he was present, he listened, he didn’t judge. We can do this!

Jesus listened because he cared, he listened to understand, he listened to discern what else he could do, needed to do, for Zacchaeus.

And so it can be with us. Having developed trust we can discover the person’s story and as we do we listen with our physical and spiritual ears; we listen to discern what it is that God is asking of us.

With Zacchaeus it seems to be that Jesus simply listened and encouraged. With the woman at the well Jesus confronted, the woman caught in adultery he refused to condemn, the rich young ruler he challenged, with Mary and Martha he relaxed, enjoyed their company and home cooking.

In any conversation there are a number of places we can take the relationship; how do you know what is appropriate? Only by careful listening: to the person while at the same time to God the Spirit.

God does want us to be ‘walk-across-the-room’ people; followers of Jesus who are prepared to move from comfort into the unknown – to share God’s love.

We remember that when it comes to loving God does not have favourites; God is devoted to all people; those that are faithful, and those without faith; God is going all-out to let everyone know they are loved; God is doing it through you and I.

We have made a beginning; those first steps are important and there will be more of them required tomorrow, but then we need to go a step further as we live in 3D, taking those faithful steps that will have us developing friendships, discovering stories, and discerning next steps; all so that God’s love can be experienced.

Will you step out in faith this week?

 

Arohanui

Ian