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Hello St. John’s Family,
How do you come to know someone? That may sound like a strange question, yet it’s a question I’ve been pondering often over the past few days. We humans have a deep need to connect with others: to interact, engage, and be in relationship with other human beings. It’s well known that our development from infancy, through childhood, and into adults is dependent on connection. Without connection that conveys friendship, nurture, care, and love, we will not survive that process.
The most obvious way we connect is through direct, human-to-human interactions. Yet that isn’t the only way we connect. Across the ages, connecting and developing relationships by corresponding via letters was common and could form deep bonds over great distances. Technology has both enhanced and altered that, as telephone, email, and video platforms enabled direct, instantaneous contact over distances. Yet connection can also form without a direct “exchange” per se. Mediums such as radio programs (remember those!), TV/streaming videos, podcasts, and similar technologies can enable us to cultivate connections with others that we may never personally speak to or correspond with. Over time, reading, hearing, and seeing the perspectives of someone else as they navigate life can serve to form a connection with that person. We feel we “know” them, whether we have a direct relationship or not.
Last Friday, the Rev. Timothy Keller, a well-known and beloved pastor, author, and evangelist died after an extended battle with pancreatic cancer. Tim Keller displayed steadfast faith and a sure hope in Christ throughout his illness, and the powerful insights in his many writings will continue to teach, strengthen, and uplift others for many, many years. I never met Tim Keller; I never listened to a sermon or podcast, viewed him on video (that I can remember!) or corresponded in any way. I didn’t agree with all his thoughts or theology. Yet I felt like I knew him well. The vast wisdom of his writings, his meaningful reflections (especially in his devotions on the Psalms), and the honesty and integrity with which he lived have made a significant impact on my life. Although I didn’t not personally know Tim Keller, I felt a profound loss when learning of his death. In a very real way, I felt as if I had a personal connection with him.
And I do have a connection with him! See, that feeling of connectedness isn’t merely psychological, or from pangs of nostalgia; it is fostered by God’s Holy Spirit. For those who follow Christ, the Holy Spirit dwells both in us and among us, forming bonds and connections to build up and strengthen the living presence of Christ in this world… better known as the Church. We are connected in real and profound ways, and that connectedness is intended to be a blessing for us and to all people. I think we can forget that sometimes. While reflecting on Tim Keller’s death, I’ve been reminded how his life paints a moving picture of the blessing that comes in our connectedness. In this moment, I hope the connectedness of praying Christians across the world will be a source of peace for the Keller family as they release him into God’s eternal care. And I pray you will be reminded of the connectedness and strength we share through the Holy Spirit.
This Sunday is a special Sunday, as we’ll gather to celebrate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the birth of Christ’s Church at Pentecost. During worship, we’ll reflect on the transformation of a small group of followers who abandoned Christ in his moment of greatest need into the group who courageously witnessed on Christ’s behalf and established Christ’s Church… and we’ll see how we have the same power in us. I hope you’ll check out Acts 2:1-12 and John 20:19-22, then join us in worship on Sunday-
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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