It’s a question that I’m sure the very first child asked his/her parent on their very first trip in an ox cart. It’s a question that is designed to destroy the mental stability of any parent. It’s a question that doesn’t need to be learned, it simply is part of every child’s DNA. What’s the question? The question is, “Are we there yet?”
As much as that question drives parents nuts on a long drive it’s not something that is reserved only for children. We all want to know if we have arrived in our relationships, our vocation, our goals, even in our faith.
In Mark 12:28–34 we read of a teacher of the law who asked Jesus that very question. Well, his actual words are, “Of all the commandments which is the most important?” Perhaps he wanted to test Jesus. That’s possible. The teachers of the law continually debated which of the 613 commandments of the Old Testament was the most important. But it is more than that. This teacher knew the law, he sought to practice the law and you almost get the sense, given Jesus’ answer, that he already knew the answer – he was just seeing if Jesus agreed with him. He wanted to see if his knowledge of the law made him acceptable in God’s eyes. He was asking, “Am I there yet?”
I hope you’ll be there this Sunday morning to discover the answer to that important question. And, I hope you will be challenged to think about your relationship with God and ask, “Am I there yet?”
In the meantime, will you please join me in praying for this Sunday morning and our life together at SCBC? Please pray:
- For those who will profess their commitment to Jesus Christ through the waters of baptism. Pray that the Holy Spirit will minister powerfully as we celebrate the new life Christ brings.
- For our celebration of Christmas. Pray that each of us would be free from the materialism that so often accompanies this season and consider how we can give to others rather than hoarding for ourselves. (Lots of opportunities are out there – from our own General fund to the Big Give campaign)
- For our 40 days of prayer starting January 12. We kick off the days with a half day prayer retreat on Saturday January 12 at the church (9:00–12:30). Pray that the 40 days will not be an “event” for us to attend but a genuine encounter with the living God.
With thanksgiving for you,
Pastor Tom.