Posted on August 21, 2022 Posted By: HCCCategories: journey
Heartland Community Church
THE JOURNEY
Asking for a Friend: Side By Side
By Chris Woodward
Today started with a fun walk down memory lane on friends in television shows. Sometimes we learn how to be friends with others by watching friendships played out, talking about the shows around the water cooler, and thus, becoming comfortable with being vulnerable and open. Perhaps this is one of the reasons that these shows are popular and powerful. They present a desire in us to be in relationship with others and supported by others, no matter the context.
“The Sandlot” is one of the best movies in a study of friendship, in my opinion. Remember how it starts: there’s this young kid who wants a friend and hopes that someone will reach out. He has gone through the loss of his father and his mother has remarried a new man. They have moved to a new house in a new town and he is lonely, separated and on the outside. One day he ventures out, at the prompting of his mother, to “get into some trouble.” His summer and his whole life is changed by a simple invite to play ball. “The Sandlot” is our boy’s favorite movie. Perhaps, because of the fun and the trouble that the boys get into…but I like to think that he loves the movie because it depicts what we heard today: a group of people with a common goal to be restored to acceptance.
As adults we love stories where we can learn and grow. For me, it is a joy to watch the kids at play, running, laughing and making so much noise that the dogs in the neighborhood lose their minds because they want in on the fun. Imagine the healing that the boy in the movie felt when he was a valued member of the group, the team, and gained a lifelong group of friends.
For my family, this movie and this sermon series on friendship is truly right where we are. This is our first go around with public school. Kindergarten is new and exciting and all day long. We are moving from “The Sandlot-summer” to sitting in a chair and listening to the teacher. There are new kids, new parents, new schedules, rules are in season, and new opportunities to find “Jesus-first friends.” Through these experiences and my own friendships, my heart has grown and has been blessed watching these children push in and get close to each other and their teacher. I wonder if that is what the first century church looked like? A band of Jesus followers moving from town to town, gathering in crowds, opening the doors of acceptance for everyone looking for a place to be, a way to see, and a path towards this Jesus teacher. Side by side they followed and pressed in, attempting to get closer to the teacher. Even so far as destroying property, knocking down fences and opening up roofs to carry each other closer to Jesus.
Observe, Reflect, Apply: As you read this story, what resonates with you? Who do you relate to in the story…the paralyzed man, the group of friends, the folks gathered in the crowd to hear Jesus? As you consider your friendships, who are the people that have carried you to Jesus in your lifetime? Who have you helped bring closer to Jesus? Do you have a friendship that you could level up in? We are praying this week that we all will take a step toward a more intentional, Jesus first friendship with someone.
Many times our default in relationship and friendship is to avoid tension, avoid friction, and to not rock the boat. This verse appears to indicate that we can be sharpened by others. Occasionally, using pressure, friction, and heat, God can bring growth in areas that we did not think possible. Who in your life provides the tension or pressure that will sharpen your relationship with and to God? If you have no answer for that question, pray today for a person to fill this role.
We all love new stuff in our friendships. Sometimes we need to let go of the past and find a new way to move forward together. When we do we move to verse 18 and note that God is a God of reconciliation as we move towards a new self. Pray today for reconciliation and a new self. What changes would need to happen to make this a reality?
Heads, shoulders, knees and toes, heads, shoulders, knees and toes, each part is valuable and connected. Each area of the body has its own shape color, and function. Take a moment today to consider the part that you play in the family, community, and church. Now, in your mind look to the right and left…how can you build connection with other parts of the body who work in your area?
One of our many talks with our five-year-old this week as we moved into school mode centered on, “…when we take care of ourselves the teacher has more to teach us.” That is how I see Paul talking about self-discipline, when we have ourselves in order we can work in a system to better the family, the workplace, and the community. When I am leading a Jesus first life I make space for the people who are important to the kingdom. What ways does your self-discipline help your relationships grow deeper, and closer to Jesus?
Has there ever been a more counter-cultural statement than, “…bear one another’s burdens.” Or, “love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus in his teachings gave us several anti-self, anti-cultural commands. This one is an action statement that will galvanize your relationships, walking with a person in their burdens will change you in several ways. It will open the door of vulnerability, challenge your view of the world, and allow you to be used to hold up others in prayer and support. Who in your life needs you to pick up the heavy end and walk with them for a while?
Jesus, in the midst of his betrayal by one of his friends, offers the meal, the sacrifice, the relationship, to the person that was part of his pain, death, and ultimately the resurrection. What a testimony of the character of Christ…even though he was betrayed, he allowed Judas to have a seat at his table. How can this view of Christ change the way that you think about community and friendship?
{extra journey resources}
CLICK HERE to visit The Bible Project site and explore their super simple, super informative Bible videos (and other resources). You can also download The Bible Project App HERE.
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 the free YouVersion Bible for your phone, tablet, or computer. Experience the Bible anywhere, with options to highlight, save notes, and share what you are reading with others.
The Bible App For Kids YouVersion partnered with OneHope to develop the Bible App for Kids, designing it specifically to engage children with Bible stories on an age-appropriate level. The Bible App for Kids is a free app for Android, Apple, and Kindle devices, available in over 60 languages.
Bible Gateway Provides advanced Bible searching capabilities, which allow readers to find passages in scripture based on keywords, phrases, or scripture reference.
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