the Steadwich

This quarter is off to a great start. Great meetings with mentors, great INN stuff is moving forward, all is well, and things with Sarah are great. The only thing I’m wishing for right now is that I was in Genesis and less behind in general. That’s not too big of a wish though, because God is showing me some great stuff here in John that has been incredible.

In the ten chapters I’ve read of John so far, I’ve been blown away. Firstly, by how different this gospel is in style than the others, and secondly, how some of the events just have a radically different perspective. There’s also more of an overall spiritual feel to it. Well, they all have that, but maybe more of it in John is sticking out to me.

I had a few verses that I wanted to write about, but the section that grabbed me and wouldn’t let me put it down is this: John 6:66-69:

From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

This section says a lot. Immediately before this, the disciples are grumbling about how hard Jesus’ teachings are. It seems to be a “when the going gets tough situation”, and a lot of the disciples decide to not follow on account of these “offensive” teachings.

What about us? When Jesus actually challenges us, do we stay and listen, or take offense and run away? If we’re sitting in church and something offends us, do we pack our bags and leave that church? In our culture today, we seem to be offense-adverse. I know, that sounds obvious, who likes to be offended, right? No one. But I have to admit that I would like a little more offense in my life. I’d like more people to teach, guide, and correct me. I’m surrounded by lots of people who have plenty of advice to give, and life guidance who are much wiser than I am in many places (many, many people!). In many cases, I wonder if someone isn’t commenting on what I’ve done or what I believe because they’re afraid to offend.

Of course, if I get my wish here and people start commenting on everything I say, do, or believe, I may be more careful with what I wish for in the future

I’m part of it though too. Even at things like church or the INN, a few words that might be offensive to others make me cringe. I start thinking who might be offended, who won’t ever come back, or who’s going to walk away with some skewed version of who we are. While it’s probably good to be a little mindful of these things, I probably need to chill out and trust that the Holy Spirit is doing something in listener’s hearts that I can’t see and don’t understand.

I find the second part of this verse even more profound than the first. Disciples are leaving, and Jesus asks the rest of them if they’re going to leave too. Peter’s response only adds to how much I already like Peter. Peter asks where else they would go, acknowledging that Jesus has the words of eternal life and is the Holy One of God.

It strikes me that Peter is someone who has looked other places for the hope and life he had found in Christ. He knows what else and who else is out there, and is putting his faith in Jesus. In the same way, I know what else is out there too. I’ve walked away from my faith before and filled my life with other things, only to discover that they don’t satisfy. Only a relationship with God through Jesus Christ has ever allowed me to live life to the fullest.

As we minister to students on campus, do we believe that there is no other place to go for the life that we’ve found in Christ? In a world that pulls students to place their time in a thousand different activities on campus and a culture that tells us to forget our faith, learning to articulate the unique relationship with and life that comes from following Christ is of huge importance, and unavailable elsewhere.

There’s so much more to be said and thought of about Peter’s response. I’ll be talking about this verse with people for a while! What do you think?

Back at it! Whatcom Community College started classes yesterday, and Western Washington University starts classes today! I’m starting classes again today as well!

I didn’t make as much progress through the four Gospels as I hoped I would during fall quarter. Or maybe I made just as much progress as I hoped. I didn’t meet my schedule by about 25%. But I also took it slow through some sections to examine more, think more and blog better. With that in mind, I don’t really view my slowness as a failure. Although, perhaps 15% of my slowness could be attributed to regular laziness/needing a mid-quarter break, which is a pattern that I saw in myself during my regular academic career. In that case, I suppose I could add the two, and claim that the Stead Halstead School of Biblical Literacy is 90% doable. That sounds pretty good.

Anyway, digging into John today, the very first chapter struck me as amazing and hope inspiring. Specifically two sections stood out to me.

In John 1:5, it says, “The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” This little verse captures what I have felt like recently in trying to understand how to effectively share my faith with the people around me, but INN folks and friends not connected with the INN. To say that God is doing a lot in my life right now would be too small of a statement. Things are great right now. I’m learning new things, seeing new things, and discovering new things as I continue as part of the staff at the INN. I have an amazing house. Great roommate(s). A nice lady friend. All those things are great.

And in the midst of that, as I sit on campus this morning, I’m watching people walk by in the commons. What does it mean for Christ to be shining in the darkness? As for the darkness on campus not understanding it, I understand that.

There are a lot of people on this campus that Jesus shines through. I’ve seen people serving others this morning, friends opening the doors for each other, great conversations happening, and more. INN students keep walking up to my table on their way to classes and meetings, and we both get excited about sharing about our time over Christmas break. I’m sure that Jesus shines in the small things.

And that’s what the darkness doesn’t understand. In a world that’s all about making sure that I’m alright, and I’m well taken care of, and I’m getting what I deserve, how can someone understand a selfless act of service? How can it be looked at as anything but totally foolish and throwing life away?

In verse 9, it says, “The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world”. What a great hope! Sure, the darkness doesn’t understand the light, but Christ has come to be the light! Not only that, but to every man.

This is exciting, on so many levels. This is a great message of hope.

On this note, I’m excited to dig into this quarter. I’m excited to see what other things John holds, as well as to dig into the Old Testament and see what I’ve been missing. Thanks for sticking around!