You know what SOUNDS really easy? Walking away. Leaving. Giving up. Avoiding. When we are faced with hard work, a really tough journey, or super unpleasant things our first response is often to let it overtake us and succumb to the pressure. This is the moment when it’s critical for us as Christians to SPUR one another on; to not stop meeting together; to encourage each other.
St Luke has faced some tough stuff in the past few years. We have felt heartache, divorce, depression, declining excitement and brokenness. Yet Jesus says, “hold unswervingly to the hope,”. This is not because He wants us to stay in our state of depravity, but because He is in the middle of all of that pain and disappointment, because He has a better way, because He assures us it’s not going to stay this way. All this garbage; it’s temporary. Pushing through can be really hard, but “he who promised is faithful,” and when we keep going, “toward love and good deeds,” Jesus shows us how much He is alive and at work.
In His Service is a week-long event for our Jr and Sr High youth where we face much of this “hard stuff”. We are taxing our bodies in service for the community and Kingdom. We get cranky and sweat, we have arguments and disappointments, we fight exhaustion and even fight against what Jesus is inviting us to. Sounds exciting, right?
So why is it, year after year, we see students crave this week of ministry? Why would a bunch of teens want to endure all of this and be excited about it? Why would they want to put down the comforts of technology, a comfortable bed and air conditioning for a hard floor, hard work and hot climate? Because of this…
23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. –Heb 10:23-25
You see, our students get it. They understand that this is a hard week, but they also know that Jesus is calling them to serve…together. They are not alone. They aren’t isolated. They don’t give up.
Every year I am amazed at how everyone SPURS and encourages one another on in service. Spurring doesn’t always feel good, but it gets us moving and motivated. I watch reconciliation and forgiveness take place when we have offended. I watch peace and comfort take over when students hug and hold the hands of someone who is battling with difficult stuff. I watch things like paper plate awards fill people with joy and affirmation. I see the hope that Jesus promises to each of us, take over and enter in to the spirit of this week…and it’s completely captivating and contagious.
We will, once again, be entering in to the In His Service from June 19-23 this summer. We will watch our youth live out the promises in Hebrews 10 by meeting together and shining the light of Christ in to the dark places of Washtenaw County, our church, and each other. We will see them spur one another on while living out their faith. It’s a week full of hard stuff…and it draws us in to thirst for more of what Jesus has to offer…hope.
If you have never experienced the joy of In His Service would you consider being part of “meeting together” with us? We have many opportunities for you to serve, as well as be served, and we can’t do it without you. If you are feeling called to pray, provide a project, drive, cook, lead, coordinate, make phone calls, sleep over, or just want to be present as a member of the body of Christ, click here to sign up for the opportunities waiting for you.
Jesus wants all of us on His rope and it takes His Church, working together, to accomplish the things of Heaven here on Earth. We look forward to the chance to spur you on, and be spurred on, all for His glory.
