Posted on August 19, 2018 Posted By: HCCCategories: journey
Heartland Community Church
August 19 – 25, 2018
Growing Up: We Are His Body
By Brooke Hodnefield
Growing up we moved around a lot. Like six-different-elementary-schools a lot. We had the opportunity to see many different parts of the country and I have mostly fond memories. Building snowmen with my neighbor buddy in Colorado Springs. The ferns & banana slugs that would slime our driveway in Seattle. The cherry spitting contest I won in Spokane and even made the local news, which was super cool to a 7 year old. The amazing amount of popsicles I was allowed to consume in Houston (due to the hot summer temps). Singing at the top of my lungs to Sinead O’ Connor’s song, Nothing Compares, while having my first sleepover in Oklahoma City.
The not so fond memories center around trying to fit in. Not feeling as though I had roots. Trying to figure out who to be. My parents have always called me by my middle name, so at each and every new school when roll was called and I heard ‘Lauren Burns’ I cringed. I had to explain again, to a whole new set of people, that I went by my middle name. It felt as though I was re-building my identity each and every time we landed somewhere new. The funny thing was, I’m not sure I knew what my true identity was. I became resilient and could chameleon my way into fitting into and being whatever I needed to be. There was a day I stopped long enough to realize that I wasn’t exactly sure who I was. I felt very alone and very lost. I put so much energy into being something that I wasn’t, I was depleted. I needed God to resurrect me, first in him, and then help me understand who the heck he’d created me to be.
We are one and we are NOT the same. God has created each of us so individually and diversified in his glorious image — we are ONE — but completely and beautifully unique — and we are NOT the same. Ephesians 2:10 tells us, “For we are God’s MASTERPIECE created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God had prepared in advance for us to do.” Jesus, who so lovingly and tenderly designed you and designed me, is grieved when we try to operate outside of exactly who he created us to be. Not only because we are his individual creation, but we have a role to play (created in Christ Jesus to do good works) and he has given you and only you the DNA you need to do it. Mine is different than yours, but I have a different role to play. YOU are vastly important to God’s kingdom, ON EARTH as it is in heaven. If you don’t step into the you that God has created and own that you are his masterpiece, you could be withholding the light you have to offer from someone walking in the dark.
So what if we don’t know who we are, the role we play in God’s great kingdom, or even where to begin? Check out the assessment tool (see link below) that Dan suggested. This is a great place to start. Ask. Ask your creator. He made you and he is the only one who can truly shed light on the ground to direct your steps towards the fullness of you.
In this way we are like the various parts of a human body. Each part gets its meaning from the body as a whole, not the other way around. The body we’re talking about is Christ’s body of chosen people. Each of us finds our meaning and function as a part of his body. But as a chopped-off finger or cut-off toe we wouldn’t amount to much, would we? So since we find ourselves fashioned into all these excellently formed and marvelously functioning parts in Christ’s body, let’s just go ahead and be what we were made to be, without enviously or pridefully comparing ourselves with each other, or trying to be something we aren’t.
Observe, Reflect, Apply: Can you relate to the idea of feeling depleted, operating outside of your own self to be something you are not? If so, in what ways? Do you believe that you are God’s masterpiece? If not, what might be holding you back from embracing that biblical truth? In looking at the various roles we are created for (apostle, prophet, evangelist, shepherd, teacher) which one do you most identify with?
CLICK HERE to learn more about all of the roles and choose an opportunity to explore them on our Growing Up page.
As you read the verses each day, make notes of questions you have about what you’re reading as well as answering the reflection questions below. Grab a friend or two to discuss what you are learning and what God is doing in your lives.
To dive deeper into Luke 19-20, CLICK HERE or on the image below and check out this great video from Seth Davidson.
Observe, Reflect, Apply: “They didn’t understand any of this. The word was hidden from them, and they didn’t know what he meant.” A lot of our relationship with God is spent trying to figure what He is saying. What confuses you the most about God?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: “Everybody began to murmur when they saw it. “He’s gone in to spend time with a proper old sinner!” they were saying.” Gossip and judgement are nothing new. Not even Jesus could escape it. In what situations do you feel likely to gossip other people? What will you do to overcome this?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: We all have talents and skills that God has given us, how are you going to use yours? Share this with a trusted group or friend and give them permission to hold you accountable for using your skills and talents God gave you.
Observe, Reflect, Apply: Would it be weird if you saw a modern day president of a 1st world country pulling up in a 20 year old used car? What does this say about God showing up in Jerusalem on a “less than royal” donkey?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: In response to the Pharisees Jesus says, “Very well, then,” said Jesus. “Nor will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” At first glance it looks like Jesus is making it harder for the Pharisees to understand what God is up to. Why would Jesus not just make everything crystal clear to everyone he comes in contact with? What purpose does this serve?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: This parable is prophetic and a threat of what’s to come for the Pharisees. Why do you think that we as people can hear and see what’s about to happen but we choose to ignore the warnings? How can you be more open to what God is saying to you?
{community discussion questions}
We weren’t meant to experience the life of Jesus alone, so we encourage you to rally a few others to discuss what you are hearing, reading, and reflecting on together. Whether you are meeting as a Journey Community group, talking with a few friends throughout the week, or bringing up spiritual conversations around your table at home, feel free to use some of these questions as conversation starters on your journey.
Can you name a takeaway or challenge from the Sunday message?
How has that been relevant, challenging, or meaningful to your life this week?
What have you observed about God, Jesus, yourself, others, or God’s plan for you from these readings?
Where do you need a breakthrough from God this week?
Who do you need to share what you’re learning about God with?
{extra journey resources}
CLICK HERE to visit The Bible Project site and explore their super simple, super informative Bible videos (and other resources).
CLICK HERE to get the Read Scripture App, from our friends at The Bible Project.
CLICK HERE for more on how to use the observe-reflect-apply approach to getting the most out of your Bible reading.
The Bible App Get a free Bible for your phone, tablet, and computer. Experience the Bible anywhere, with options to highlight, save notes, and share what you are reading with others.
Bible Gateway Provides advanced Bible searching capabilities, which allow readers to find passages in scripture based on keywords, phrases, or scripture reference.
Please visit us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and share what you are learning, questioning or experiencing. We love conversations!
