Disruption

    I want to explore a theme that resonates deeply within the tapestry of our lives—disruptions. Disruptions, by their very nature, are unexpected and often uninvited changes that challenge the status quo of our existence. They come in various forms, sizes, and impacts, each with its unique set of consequences and lessons.

    Reflecting on personal experiences, I'm reminded of dear friends who, after nearly completing the journey of raising their sons, were surprised by the news of a new addition to their family. At 40, they discovered they were expecting another child—a situation that, to my younger self, seemed almost bewildering. Yet, as I stand closer to the milestone of turning 50, the perspective shifts, underscoring the unpredictability and grace embedded within life's journey.

    This story of unexpected change serves as a poignant reminder that disruptions are not anomalies; they are a part of the human experience. Whether it's a change in family dynamics, a sudden health diagnosis, or any event that reroutes the course of our lives, disruptions demand our attention and adaptation.

    As we approach Easter, a celebration that marks the most significant disruption in human history, I find my thoughts anchored in the power and purpose of divine disruptions. The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate testament to God's ability to transform apparent defeat into eternal victory. It disrupted the course of history, altered the trajectory of humanity, and offered us a new covenant rooted in love, sacrifice, and redemption.

    The Gospel of Mark presents a narrative filled with instances of Jesus' disruptive presence. From calling disciples to follow Him, leaving their lives behind, to performing miracles that transcended human understanding, Jesus continually challenged the norms and expectations of the society around Him. He didn't just disrupt for the sake of disruption; His actions were purposeful, aimed at ushering in a new kingdom governed by God's love and justice.

    In Mark chapter 1, Jesus declares, "The time has come...The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" This statement itself was a disruption to the status quo, a call to awaken to a reality that transcended the physical and immediate. It invited a reevaluation of priorities, beliefs, and the very essence of life itself.

    The story of Jesus healing a paralyzed man, brought to Him by friends who went to extraordinary lengths to see him healed, illustrates the transformative power of faith and the willingness to disrupt our lives for the sake of others. It's a vivid reminder that sometimes, bringing others to Christ requires us to move beyond conventional methods and comforts.

    My prayer for us, as individuals and as a community, is that we embrace the disruptions in our lives as opportunities for growth and deeper faith. May we be agents of positive disruption, driven by love and guided by the Holy Spirit, to bring hope and healing to a world in desperate need of the Gospel.

    As we reflect on the disruptions we face, may we also consider the role we play in being a disruption for the kingdom of God. Are we willing to go the extra mile, to break through roofs if necessary, to bring others to Jesus? Our faith, courage, and actions can significantly impact the lives around us, serving as a beacon of God's transformative love.

    Let us move forward, embracing the disruptions with faith, knowing that in God's grand design, they are often the precursors to blessings and growth we could never have imagined.