Have you ever felt that nervous flutter in your stomach when faced with a new responsibility? That mix of excitement and anxiety that comes with stepping out of your comfort zone? As your pastor, I want to share a story that beautifully illustrates this feeling and challenges us to embrace it for the sake of serving others.
Breakfast on the Beach
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is found in John 21:1-19. It's a story about Peter, a disciple who knew a thing or two about stepping—or in this case, jumping—out of boats. After Jesus' resurrection, Peter and some other disciples went fishing. They caught nothing all night. Then, at daybreak, a figure on the shore called out to them:
"Children, you have no fish, have you?" When they answered no, he said, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." (John 21:5-6)
They did, and suddenly their nets were full. That's when they realized it was Jesus. What happened next is a beautiful picture of grace and restoration:
"When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, 'Come and have breakfast.'" (John 21:9-12)
Imagine Peter's anxiety as he approached Jesus, still dripping from his impulsive swim to shore. The last time he had been near a charcoal fire, he had denied knowing Jesus three times. But instead of condemnation, Jesus offered breakfast and grace.
A Call to Follow
After breakfast, Jesus asked Peter three times, "Do you love me?" Each time Peter affirmed his love, Jesus responded with a command: "Feed my lambs," "Tend my sheep," "Feed my sheep." (John 21:15-17)
Then Jesus said something that must have made Peter nervous:
"Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go." (John 21:18)
Jesus was telling Peter that true discipleship often requires discomfort and can demand significant sacrifice. And then he said two simple words that would change everything: "Follow me." (John 21:19)
Stepping Out as a Church
Friends, I believe Jesus is calling our church to step out of our comfort zone just like Peter did. Last week, our Session voted to approve a recommendation to use our church basement as temporary shelter for a dozen men experiencing homelessness this summer.
I've never been prouder of this congregation. Many churches would have found reasons to say no. But we chose to say yes. We're making this choice not because it's the easiest path, but because it's the right one.
How Can We Respond?
Jesus is turning to us and saying, "Guilford Park, do you love me?" For 77 years, this church has answered just as Peter did, "Yes, Jesus, you know that we love you." Now, Jesus is giving us three verbs in response: feed, tend, and follow.
Here are some concrete ways we can embody these verbs:
Christ in Our Midst
As a Matthew 25 church, we take seriously Jesus' words: "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me." (Matthew 25:40)
This summer, we have the opportunity to welcome Christ himself into our church. It might feel uncomfortable. It might require sacrifice. But that's what following Jesus is all about.
So, Guilford Park, are we ready to step out of the boat? Are we ready to feed, tend, and follow? Together, let's be the argument for Christ, for justice, and for radical neighborliness in a world that desperately needs it.
In the name of God the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, may all of us, God's neighbors, say: Amen.
Breakfast on the Beach
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is found in John 21:1-19. It's a story about Peter, a disciple who knew a thing or two about stepping—or in this case, jumping—out of boats. After Jesus' resurrection, Peter and some other disciples went fishing. They caught nothing all night. Then, at daybreak, a figure on the shore called out to them:
"Children, you have no fish, have you?" When they answered no, he said, "Cast the net to the right side of the boat, and you will find some." (John 21:5-6)
They did, and suddenly their nets were full. That's when they realized it was Jesus. What happened next is a beautiful picture of grace and restoration:
"When they had gone ashore, they saw a charcoal fire there, with fish on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, 'Come and have breakfast.'" (John 21:9-12)
Imagine Peter's anxiety as he approached Jesus, still dripping from his impulsive swim to shore. The last time he had been near a charcoal fire, he had denied knowing Jesus three times. But instead of condemnation, Jesus offered breakfast and grace.
A Call to Follow
After breakfast, Jesus asked Peter three times, "Do you love me?" Each time Peter affirmed his love, Jesus responded with a command: "Feed my lambs," "Tend my sheep," "Feed my sheep." (John 21:15-17)
Then Jesus said something that must have made Peter nervous:
"Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go." (John 21:18)
Jesus was telling Peter that true discipleship often requires discomfort and can demand significant sacrifice. And then he said two simple words that would change everything: "Follow me." (John 21:19)
Stepping Out as a Church
Friends, I believe Jesus is calling our church to step out of our comfort zone just like Peter did. Last week, our Session voted to approve a recommendation to use our church basement as temporary shelter for a dozen men experiencing homelessness this summer.
I've never been prouder of this congregation. Many churches would have found reasons to say no. But we chose to say yes. We're making this choice not because it's the easiest path, but because it's the right one.
How Can We Respond?
Jesus is turning to us and saying, "Guilford Park, do you love me?" For 77 years, this church has answered just as Peter did, "Yes, Jesus, you know that we love you." Now, Jesus is giving us three verbs in response: feed, tend, and follow.
Here are some concrete ways we can embody these verbs:
- Provide meals: We need volunteers to prepare dinners and to-go bag breakfasts.
- Wash bedding: We'll need people to occasionally wash our guests' bedsheets and towels.
- Pray: Commit to praying for our guests by name throughout their stay.
- Donate items: We need towels, pillows, board games, books, snacks, toiletries, etc.
- Write welcome notes: Help us shower our guests with love through personal messages.
- Reach out: If you know local businesses or organizations that might donate, let us know.
Christ in Our Midst
As a Matthew 25 church, we take seriously Jesus' words: "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me." (Matthew 25:40)
This summer, we have the opportunity to welcome Christ himself into our church. It might feel uncomfortable. It might require sacrifice. But that's what following Jesus is all about.
So, Guilford Park, are we ready to step out of the boat? Are we ready to feed, tend, and follow? Together, let's be the argument for Christ, for justice, and for radical neighborliness in a world that desperately needs it.
In the name of God the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, may all of us, God's neighbors, say: Amen.
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