Expectations

The sum of all our efforts didn’t add up and meet our expectations. We read books on how to renew a church. We discerned the future with the congregation. The Council met late into the night discussing strategic changes to attract younger members. We renovated the building, updated the logo, and installed a new sign at the road. We went door to door and mailed 5,000 postcards inviting our neighbors to church. We provided local service opportunities for our members to put their faith into practice. And yet, all of our efforts didn’t add up. The pews were still empty. The budget was still strained. The service projects still lacked participation. We had hoped that all of our efforts would result in assimilating new members and discipling new believers, not dissolving the church and disbanding the faithful congregation that had given so much to see the church continue for the next generation. We were downcast and discouraged similar to the disciples on the road to Emmaus.

Cleopas and his traveling companion had expectations that formed after befriending Jesus and witnessing his ministry. They saw Jesus extend hospitality, heal the sick, and confront the religious authorities. They listened to him teach about stewardship, equity, and justice. And yet, he was crucified. They had hoped he would be the one to redeem Israel (Luke 24:21). But he was gone. He was dead and the grave was empty. He was dead and gone. Or so it seemed. 

Dead did not mean done.

Things aren’t always what they seem. The conclusions we expect aren’t the only possible conclusions. Some of the possible conclusions are beyond our comprehension particularly when God is involved. Resurrection from the dead definitely falls into the ‘beyond our comprehension’ category. Even though the disciples saw Jesus resurrect others from death and heard Jesus say that he would be restored after three days, they didn’t expect him to be resurrected from the dead. And yet, here he was in the flesh. Walking by their side. Sitting at their table. Eating their bread. He was alive. Dead did not mean done.

The sum of all of our efforts resulted in the death of our church. Or so it seemed. The Emmaus Road story teaches that things aren’t always what they seem. Our expectations were limited by our human vision and ability to bring transformation. God was at work doing something beyond our comprehension. Dead did not mean done for us either. God resurrected the church and brought new life to dead and empty. The church that meets in what was our building is assimilating new members and discipling new believers. The pews are full. The budget has grown. Service projects and small groups are flourishing. The name changed but the mission of God continues.

Jesus was walking us all the time. Sometimes we just didn’t recognize him.

Each of the CRCNA's Gather events has been focused on this text.  This year as you read Do Justice prayers each week you'll notice that each introduction will refer to this theme of walking with Jesus a helpful reminder as we seek to live justly and bring justice issues in need of prayer before God.

Photo by Jan Tancar