palm leaf

dis·rupt
disˈrəpt/
verb
   interrupt (an event, activity, or process) by causing a disturbance or problem.
   drastically alter or destroy the structure of (something).
 
To say Jesus disrupts might be a bit of an understatement.   But I’ll stick with that because that is was the wordage my husband used this past Sunday when he preached.  He and, as always, the Lord get credit for any thoughts written here this week.
 
Jesus disrupts.
 
So you probably know the story.  Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey.  The people wave palm branches and praise him.  Once again the religious leaders are disrupted and tell Jesus to rebuke his disciples.  “He answered, ‘I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out’ ” (Luke 19:40).
 
Hosanna
He is worthy of our praise and honor.
 
And then He went on to disrupt more…
 
“And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold,  saying to them, ‘It is written, My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of robbers'” (Luke 45-46).
 
Jesus was fiercely protecting the temple for it’s main purpose…prayer and worship.  And that purpose was to be shared with those who didn’t know him, the Gentiles.  But the area to be reserved for the Gentiles was being used for commercial purposes.
 
Is there any way in which the Lord needs to disrupt me as a Christian, the local church body or the worldwide church?
Is there any way I/we are putting up barriers to those who don’t know Him from hearing about Him, learning more about Him or coming to know Him?
Is there an area of my life that Jesus is wanting to disrupt so that I can grow in Him or so that I can love Him or others better?
 
Jesus disrupted the world about 2,000 years ago.  He disrupted my life about 15 years ago.  My world was turned upside down.  And you know what?  He is still turning my world upside down.  Just the other day He reminded me to turn, once again, toward loving my family well. He is calling me to slow down on some personal goals and dreams and remember my first loves…Him and my family.
Because Jesus not only disrupts, He also restores.
Jesus disrupts and restores us to proper functioning as followers of Jesus.
 
So how is Jesus disrupting your life?  Where is He wanting to restore you to proper functioning? Where should you let him?
 
Is He calling you to simply move from a usual schedule this week toward praising and honoring Him?
 
May we do that with all of our hearts, minds, souls and strength.
 
Do you long for His disruption?
 
May He disrupt you and restore you this Easter and always…by His grace.
 
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” -Hebrews 13:20-21
 
Blessings to you as you celebrate the Risen Lord this Easter!
 
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Due to Jesus’ disruption, I’m turning away from the busyness of a typical week.  I will not be participating in any link-ups but I’ll be back next week!
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