But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), 12 he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. – Hebrews 9:11-12
Today, on this Saturday before Pentecost, I want to share with you something that was shared a couple of months ago from David Biggerstaff. As you will read, this was on the day Lucas came home from Emory and Henry, having, like all students, the semester cut short. I hope you will read and think about these words, as we prepare for our celebration of God’s outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and the “reset” our world needs to find a way to live into the kingdom of God now and always.
This week [April 8th] marks the start of the 4th week of being in my home office and doing Zoom and Skype meetings for work. Don't get me wrong I am truly Blessed to still be working. BUT, I am getting stir crazy. It was only after last Sunday's sermon that I took account for all we had and wanted to pass along this story and some "thoughts."
A week ago Friday [April 3], Lucas and I moved him out of the dorm at Emory & Henry. We had to sign up for a two hour time slot on a google calendar so we were "social distancing." We started our trek mid-morning and drove through Pal's Sudden Service for a bite of lunch, that we ate at the Virginia state line welcome center. It was getting real that no one was out and we could not eat in any restaurant. When we arrived on campus, we saw very few people and began to clean out his dorm. It was sad to think his sophomore year was over. After about an hour and a half we were almost done and the next student was ready to begin his move out. We dropped off the key at the Housing Department where I saw a banner that stated "This is your home, but take EHC with you wherever you go until we come back together as a family." Lucas got back into the truck and said "we did it" (fist pumped each other) and we set sail for home. He then said I am now an upper classman I guess but I am said, not for me, but for all my friends that are seniors that are going on without a good graduation ceremony. It was like the rest button was hit and they would have to start over.
When we got back into town and passed by Ebenezer UMC he stated I like that sign. What sign I asked? He said that small wooden sign because on the back side it states "Now you are entering the Mission Field." That says it all dad and I like it. (he remembered that sign when he was in boy scouts and we passed it each week on the way out of the parking lot!!!) That sign reminds them that after services, God has hit the reset button and you are equipped to go out into His Mission field!!!
When I was younger and got mad when playing a game I would turn over the game and just start over (reset), when my parents gave me a video pong game and my brother would beat me, I would turn it off and hit the, Reset button. Now that I am older and my computer doesn't do what it is supposed to, I slam the lid and hit the, Reset button.
All this came to full circle on Sunday when I heard you speak about the beginning of Holy Week. God gave us His own RESET Button, His name is Jesus Christ. In this unprecedented time we are now being "reset." For me I am taking account of what I am Blessed with not what I do not have. We are Blessed that we have had to slow down and "reset". We are Blessed to have family, friends, and neighbors that are helping each other and we are actually interacting.
What will we do when our God hits the "reset button" on our lives and give us a do over"
We are Blessed that God gave us His only Son that He can give us a "Reset Button" and we can also start over. – David Biggerstaff
God gave us his only Son, and after Jesus arose the grave and ascended into heaven, God sent the Holy Spirit, to be our guide, our counselor, to be God’s presence with us always. May the fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit be received this Pentecost, and may we reset our lives for the good and Glory of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Grace & Peace, Sam