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Advent Reflections: Day 6

Mt. 24:36-44
Is. 11:1-10

isaiah.jpg

A shoot rising from a stump - life springing from death. God is constantly breathing life into dead bones all around us. Part of the alertness and active longing we should be experiencing this season involves actively and intentionally watching for the dead stumps where God is springing forth life-giving shoots and join him in his mission - for we serve the Missio Dei - the God of mission.

When you really think about it, this is like asking someone to go on a nature walk but instead of looking for flowers and trees and animals, go find dead animal carcasses and dried up leaves and flowers, dead trees and rotting foliage. Who wants to do that? Not many people I know. But in essence, that is often what being missional means. Intentionally looking for the dead and dying in the dark places and being sensitive to the voice of God to discern how it is that he is bringing life and light so that we can be active participants of His work.

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8 Comments

  1. Jeromy — December 7, 2007 #

    Hi Makeesha,

    My friend Jonanthan speaks highly of you so I thought I’d begin getting to know you, in a blogging sort of way. Beautiful analogy, thank you for sharing and the encouragement.

  2. Mak — December 7, 2007 #

    welcome Jeromy - Jonathan is a wonderful guy so if you are friends with him you must be ok :) thank you and you’re welcome

  3. kathyescobar — December 8, 2007 #

    i love these words you share, that the role of the body is….

    Intentionally looking for the dead and dying in the dark places and being sensitive to the voice of God to discern how it is that he is bringing life and light so that we can be active participants of His work.

    yes, i agree. jesus brings light and life to dead and dying places through us. it would be so much easier to look at the dead trees in our path and just run the other way, as fast as we can toward the local nursery where we can find a new happy tree that is alive & pretty & blossoming. but there are plenty of people buying beautiful trees. i believe jesus calls his people to be gardeners who do what they can to nurture the dead ones back to life.

  4. Pingback - The Scribe Saturday Expo 12082007 — December 8, 2007 #

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  5. Jemila — December 8, 2007 #

    I love it, Makeesha :)

  6. Lori — December 8, 2007 #

    that picture is awesome!

  7. Brian — December 9, 2007 #

    Yes.

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