The Simplicity of Jesus

Anyone who knows me well knows that I am convinced that thoughtful, intentionally theological planning is part of the process of youth ministry. Learning how to most effectively do this as a youth pastor is a skill I'm still trying to hone. Then there are those nights where the simplicity of the gospel, the purity of Jesus of as God's great and gracious yes to all of us, is all that is needed. Last night was one of those nights.

We've been in the middle of a series on community, and last night I just wanted to help students understand that at the center of our community is a God who has revealed himself in Jesus Christ, and this God is passionate about them. We looked at Romans 8, and I simply told them about the God who says that nothing can separate them from his love. I then opened up the opportunity for students to pray with leaders. The response overwhelmed me.

Often we get so caught up in what we are doing, that we forget to clear our schedules and programming and just look for what God is doing. Last night, maybe even inadvertantly, we got a glimpse. I was able to hear about friendships being restored after a loss of trust. Students expressed doubt about God, but in the Psalms kind of way, where their doubt was genuine seeking. The light of the cross broke open their hearts and minds, and ours too. I am continually amazed that God invites us in on what he is doing, and last night was a tangible reminder of this.