Weekly Update// Pastor Will

Dear Asbury Family,

Hi Asbury Family!

A reading Christian is a growing Christian! At least, that’s what a friend and mentor of mine used to say to me all the time as I grew in my faith. Nowadays, with the ability to consume different forms of media such as podcasts, audiobooks, or watching sermons online, I think it is still helpful to read. There is something calming about reading. Something that demands almost all your attention. I used to have a reading “corner” literally in the corner of my room in college where I would do most of my reading. The problem was that it sometimes unintentionally turned into a napping corner. When I did get some reading done, though, it helped me realize reading is such a gift because it allows us to connect with the author, and almost have a conversation with them. Rich Villodas, a pastor in New York City, says that if there is someone we admire and want to learn from, we should be reading their material. All of this to say, that’s why we are wanting everyone to read along through the Gospel of Luke with us. We hope that as you read through Luke, you will be in conversation with the writer too.

Pastor Chris mentioned last week in his sermon that Luke is considered the Gospel of Nobodies. It is considered this because it includes stories and interactions that Jesus has with certain people that are not mentioned in the other Gospels. For example, just last week, Pastor Chris talked about the shepherds only being mentioned in Luke. As we continue through this series, we will get to see other interactions that Jesus has with people who are normally excluded.

I know for me, I had plenty of times where I felt excluded. I was the baby of the family and always looked up to my brother and sister, but as in most households, the love wasn’t always reciprocated, especially when they had their friends over, so I often found myself alone. Similarly, I was never the first person picked during PE, so I relate to being excluded, as I’m sure we all do in some shape or form. However, because of my previous experiences, I have learned to appreciate the love that Jesus has for me that much more. To know that we have a God who includes every one of us, especially those of us who feel excluded, is an incredible gift. It’s one thing to love the lovable, but a whole different thing to love those who are considered unlovable, especially when we ourselves are the unlovable. It brings new meaning that is sweeter than honey to the song “What a friend we have in Jesus!”

As we continue through this season of Lent, where we recognize our frailty and our brokenness, where we may even consider ourselves unlovable, I pray that you will know that there is hope. There is hope in Jesus, who came to include everyone, especially the excluded, so that all may know his love that can change lives. I hope you will join us Sunday as Pastor Chris continues our journey through Luke. We’ll look at Jesus’ healing of a man with leprosy (Luke 5:12-15). You can join us (in person or online) at either our Celebration Service at 9:30 am or our Traditional Service at 11:00 am. Have a blessed weekend!

Thanks!

Pastor Will