Christian's love for the Creator congregation and the congregation's reciprocal love was evident. He delivered a powerful, yet vulnerable sermon. Where many pastor's would explore, analyze and condemn all the ways we are like the rich farmer with the possessions so many of us have, Pastor Christian loves how Jesus refuses to play the role he is asked to play as judge. He examines the farmer's reasoning "I need bigger barns.", not "I need less stuff".
Also the farmer will discover, as they say in Texas, why you never see a hearse hauling a U-haul. The parable teaches us how we ought to live and what we need to ponder. What truly matters in our life? What gives us joy and meaning? What or who carries us?
He pointed out who we substitute an abundant life for what we consider a good life when we could be seeking a blessed life. He quoted St Augustine who wrote "God is always trying to give good things to us but our hands are always so full, they are too full to receive them"
The vulnerability came when he shared that he has left the ministry for four years. He had left, angry at God, feeling something was lacking, and wondering what he should do in his life. When he was asked to do pulpit supply he accepted and suddenly it came to him what the blessed life was for him. He saw the goodness God was providing him in sharing worship with others.
I wonder how often many of us are blinded, at times, to what God is providing in our blessed lives.
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