Goodbye to the Pen

I started reading a book yesterday that has put fabulous words to one of the thoughts that has been rolling around in my head over the last couple of years. I am totally lovin' it. The book is called, "Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus," and the following quote is taken from the end of the 4th chapter. There it says this:

". . . at the sound of the shepherd's voice, like magic, the sheep separated again into three flocks. Apparently some things in Israel haven't changed for thousands of years. Just like these sheep, what distinguishes us is not so much the "pen" we inhabit but the shepherd we follow. Some sheep coming running as soon as their shepherd calls, but some struggle to obey his lead, going astray whenever temptation strikes. It takes a lot more energy to follow a wandering shepherd than to be cooped up in a pen. But we are called to be disciples of a Rabbi who is always on the move, one who wants us to go with him, making disciples to the ends of the earth. . . "

I read that paragraph and had a total "Aha!" moment. I have to admit, over the last few years I've developed some frustrations with the Christian church. I don't mean to be negative, but every time I looked at the churches around me I felt like something was seriously missing. . . like the call that Jesus gave and the mission that we inherited had somehow been watered down and marginalized. I think the sheep and the pen story perfectly illustrates and explains what has been plaguing my heart for a while.

As Christians, we have become consumed with our "pen." We have worked tirelessly to create easily identifiable boundaries for our churches, our kids, and anyone who wants to consider following Christ. We have poured our hearts and our money into church buildings, and we have spent countless hours in church meetings arguing over single words in our mission statements. . . All the while we have sat comfortably behind the gate of our pen, oblivious to the fact that the very One we have done all of this for is not inside the pen with us. He is standing outside. Waiting for us to leave the comfort of the Christian community we have created - leave the safety of the pen - and follow Him into the world.

I'm not trying to say that church buildings and mission statements are not important. We find encouragement, refreshment, and growth within the context of these things. . . But while they are good, they are not supposed to be our primary focus. The means have become the end, and suddenly we are suffocating in an environment where there is sometimes little to no connection between deepening our knowledge of the bible and living like Jesus in this messed up world. . .

I am praying that I would be brave enough to follow my Shepherd's voice no matter where it leads. . . Begging God to give me the strength to follow Him. . . even if it means leaving the comfort and familiarity of my pen.