A Kernel of Wheat
Some major shakedowns happening in our little LTG (Life Transformation Group). For almost 7 months now two or three of us have gotten together each week intentionally to build relationships with each other and to raise our awareness of what God is doing in each of our lives. It has been so amazing to sit across the table from two men I have come to love dearly these past few months, remain completely transparent with them about my life, share in the story of God’s Word each week, and regularly pray for the other and for those lost in each others’ lives.
In the last week, something has changed. I am under the pressure of the semester’s finals and papers, unfortunately pushing most of my time spent with these friends to the periphery. Another has found a new lovely lady in his life, and the mix of a busy schedule at work and giving needed attention to this gift in his life has left him at his wits end. Our third brother is facing a crazy work schedule, and besides that he has a new baby boy and family to look after. This may be God calling us to take a break for awhile.
Or could it be something even bigger than that? Could it be that we are finding our specific schedules are no longer compatible because the Lord is ready to start several more LTG’s/similar accountability groups? Sometimes the death of something old, gives way to a new life. Jesus says in the Gospel of John, “Unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels - a plentiful harvest of new lives.” How frightening to be that kernel of wheat!
If we are serious about “seeing a vibrant family of Jesus in close reach of every person in our city, we have to be willing to allow things we have cherished to die when they need to. I never feel ready to say goodbye to something that has meant so much to me, but to think of what it might be like to see the three of us starting brand new LTG’s with other friends makes it all worthwhile. And I’d like to think that as we work with new groups, the three of us would occasionally meet up again to discuss the joys and struggles we face in our little communities.
God’s people are the kernel of wheat. Everytime a church dies, we mourn its death. But if that death gives way to a new church (or multiple churches) we can totally see that as a blessing from God! We keep the KINGDOM at the forefront, and let the LTG’s, churches, networks, etc follow in line.
I’m scared of what might happen - but I keep thinking about the image of the seed. You’ll never have anything more than a seed as long as its gripped firmly in the palm of your hand. Let it go. Let it die. See what God is waiting to do in his resurrection power!
Last 5 posts by Mark
- God is Wholly - October 2nd, 2008
- The Great Moderation - September 30th, 2008