Unorthodox Lives

I’m not the most orthodox of preachers. With a background in both art and youth ministry, I tend to look at things differently. I often approach my study of scripture by asking, “God, what am I missing?” This question often takes me to places I’ve never been before. 

Both Christianity and United Methodism began as movements within existing religious traditions. Christianity began as a sect within Judaism. Jesus and his Disciples were Jews. Whether it was picking grain on the Sabbath or socializing with tax collectors and prostitutes, Jesus and his disciples were known to cross the line of orthodoxy and were persecuted and killed for it. Methodism began as a renewal movement in the Anglican denomination. John Wesley, an Anglican priest helped pioneer field preaching, appointed Lay Speakers, and even converted a canon foundry into a mission center for the poor providing food, clothing, education and medical care. Such unorthodox activities made him a pariah in the Anglican Church. Despite this, Wesley lived and died an Anglican priest. 

Isaiah prophesied that God's people were to be a “light to the nations” (Isaiah 42:6) and concludes with these words, “See, the former things have come to pass; and new things I will now declare…” I believe that when God said these words through Isaiah God had an eye on us.  Isaiah's words challenge our sense of orthodoxy, forcing us to rethink 2500 years later, how we are to be God’s light to the nations. To borrow a metaphor from Jesus, “You are the light of the world…so let your light shine (Mt. 5:14-16).”