I asked my son the other day (the outdoor pursuits instructor/adventurer one) where he’d like to be in ten or twenty years and he gave me such a good answer. He said, ‘Wherever cool stuff is going on.’
And I thought absolutely, this dude has his head screwed on right. Life is such a gift, why would we waste it on anything less than wonderful, excellent ‘cool stuff’?
Of course people’s definitions of what is cool will differ a lot. For him it may mean kayaking white water rivers or campaigning for a more just, environmentally responsible world, probably a bit of both! For others it may mean listening to enthralling music from orchestra and choir in a grand cathedral or auditorium, or doing some work of kindness to people in need.
(Talking of which, check out the news story below about the renowned chef who has inspired the world by feeding the homeless of Rio with the food left over by Olympic athletes!)
The Gospel of John ch 1 records the experience of two young men who were looking to find where the cool stuff was happening. Andrew and his friend had been hanging with radical visionary John the Baptist, fired by his teaching that the arrival of a ‘Messiah’ Saviour/King was imminent. One day their guru straightened up and pointed. ‘Look,’ John said, ‘there is the One you’re looking for! There is the ‘Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world!’
The two friends followed the man John had pointed out, who turned and asked their business. ‘Where are you staying?’ they asked.
‘Come and see.’ Jesus replied, and so began the adventure of a lifetime.
These lads heard the most wonderful teaching ever from the Master’s own lips, witnessed Him healing and driving out evil, did some of the same things in His authority, travelled, served and suffered martyrdom but began the spread of God’s kingdom which to this day is redeeming the world one sinner at a time.
Crazy as it may sound to some, this Jesus, Son of God, gives the same invitation today. Those who come to and follow Him in faith find all sorts of seriously cool stuff happening.
Like miracles? Yes sometimes, people healed, situations changed, not least hearts and minds transformed by His love and Spirit’s presence. Wonderful ‘coincidences’ that we realise afterwards are actually prayer answers, our ‘Good Shepherd’ guiding and looking after us. Comfort and inspiration to bring extraordinary light in the shadow of death, or in the face of enemies. Meaningful living, even to the point of personal sacrifice, which in His name bears the fruit of multiple blessing.
So where do I want to be in ten years?
I want to be where Jesus is. Living and serving according to His will.
That’s where the coolest stuff will be going on. Guaranteed.
Starting today.
And I thought absolutely, this dude has his head screwed on right. Life is such a gift, why would we waste it on anything less than wonderful, excellent ‘cool stuff’?
Of course people’s definitions of what is cool will differ a lot. For him it may mean kayaking white water rivers or campaigning for a more just, environmentally responsible world, probably a bit of both! For others it may mean listening to enthralling music from orchestra and choir in a grand cathedral or auditorium, or doing some work of kindness to people in need.
(Talking of which, check out the news story below about the renowned chef who has inspired the world by feeding the homeless of Rio with the food left over by Olympic athletes!)
The Gospel of John ch 1 records the experience of two young men who were looking to find where the cool stuff was happening. Andrew and his friend had been hanging with radical visionary John the Baptist, fired by his teaching that the arrival of a ‘Messiah’ Saviour/King was imminent. One day their guru straightened up and pointed. ‘Look,’ John said, ‘there is the One you’re looking for! There is the ‘Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world!’
The two friends followed the man John had pointed out, who turned and asked their business. ‘Where are you staying?’ they asked.
‘Come and see.’ Jesus replied, and so began the adventure of a lifetime.
These lads heard the most wonderful teaching ever from the Master’s own lips, witnessed Him healing and driving out evil, did some of the same things in His authority, travelled, served and suffered martyrdom but began the spread of God’s kingdom which to this day is redeeming the world one sinner at a time.
Crazy as it may sound to some, this Jesus, Son of God, gives the same invitation today. Those who come to and follow Him in faith find all sorts of seriously cool stuff happening.
Like miracles? Yes sometimes, people healed, situations changed, not least hearts and minds transformed by His love and Spirit’s presence. Wonderful ‘coincidences’ that we realise afterwards are actually prayer answers, our ‘Good Shepherd’ guiding and looking after us. Comfort and inspiration to bring extraordinary light in the shadow of death, or in the face of enemies. Meaningful living, even to the point of personal sacrifice, which in His name bears the fruit of multiple blessing.
So where do I want to be in ten years?
I want to be where Jesus is. Living and serving according to His will.
That’s where the coolest stuff will be going on. Guaranteed.
Starting today.
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