Reflecting On This Journey
As you read these words, we are entering the final ten-day stretch to Resurrection Sunday. We’ve spent these (almost) 90 days together…reflecting on the earth-shattering good news of Jesus, allowing our hearts to be stirred to Joy, and by living into our mutual commitment to be Kingdom agents in sharing this gospel with all the peoples of the world.
So now, as we approach the end of another week…as we pivot toward Holy Week in this Lenten season, I’d like to invite us to a moment of reflection and examen.
In Luke 2, the silence of the shepherds’ dark night was pierced with the frenzy of angelic voices and proclamation. Good news, great joy, for ALL the peoples of the earth. The supernatural encounter came with great fanfare and in the most unexpected of places. Perhaps over these weeks you’ve also encountered God in dramatic and unexpected ways.
By way of contrast, Matthew 1 tells the story of Joseph’s encounter with God’s announcement of Messiah. Immanuel! God is with us. This proclamation, however, came to Joseph in the most intimate and personal of ways…in a dream while sleeping. God with us indeed.
So, as you reflect on this journey of good news of great joy, for ALL the peoples of the earth, where did you notice God?
For reflection…
In what moments have you noticed awakened or renewed faith? When/where have you experienced an increased capacity to trust the words and promises of God?
Are there any shifts you’ve noticed in your heart posture or your spirit over these past few weeks? As you reflect here, is there anything you need to express gratitude to God for? Is there anything you need to repent of?
Clearly, we all are committed to the gospel; we are missionaries after all. That said, how is God currently wanting to shape, form, and refine your understanding of the good news of Jesus in this season? What are the additional layers of experience, understanding, and intimacy that he is inviting you into?
I’ll close with a promise and blessing from Jeremiah 29. The Lord promises, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” So men and women of Novo, I bless you with an increased capacity for faith and trust in the Love of the Father. I bless you with seeking and attentive hearts, in tune with his movement in and around you. And, I bless you as heralds of the King, announcing and proclaiming the Kingdom of God. Amen.
About the Author
Matt Weston lives in what he considers to be one of the great cities of the world, Memphis, Tennessee, along with his wife Jennifer and two boys: Seth and Jonathan. The Westons have been Novo staff for the past fourteen years, and Matt currently serves as Novo’s Director of Field Operations.
