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"Sometimes Ignoring Is the Best Action" 

Do you ever get tired of someone who just doesn't get it? You've tried multiple times in multiple ways over the course of many days, weeks, or years to communicate something...but they just don't get it. Or they doubt you.

Jesus knew that experience, too. Pastor Rick Blunt points to Matthew's gospel wherein the final few verses (28:16-20), some disciples still don't get it. "Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted...” Some of the 11 doubted after multiple years with Jesus. After multiple times seeing him and conversing with him after the resurrection. "BUT SOME DOUBTED!"

What is Jesus' reaction? Rolled eyes? Deep sigh? Reteaching? Humiliating? Dismissing them for the disciples? Nope. Jesus ignores their doubt. Then, he commissions them (even the doubters) to "Go and make disciples of all nations..."

Clearly, they don't have to be perfect to be used by God. They don't have to have everything figured out. Their theology doesn't have to be perfectly formed or carefully articulated. Hear this: even the disciples had faults and shortcomings, yet Christ loved them and God used them. That's true for you and me, too.

Disciples are called to emulate their master. They are to be like Jesus. To love like Jesus loved--selflessly, sacrificially, and focused on the well being of others. Pastor Rick reviews the Great Commission and Jesus' promise to be with us until the end of time.

It is a word of hope for those of us who still find times and places of doubt, who wonder if our little part in life makes any real difference. It is a word of encouragement when we've not been able to convince or teach someone else effectively. It is a reminder that sometimes...many times action precedes belief and leads to it.

Here are a few topics to discuss with someone this week:
1.) Can you give an example of someone purposely ignoring you, or of you intentionally ignoring someone else?
2.) Jesus ignored the doubt but commissioned and sent all the disciples to go represent him to the world. Was that too risky? What happens when imperfect people choose to speak for God?

Music that might lift your spirits this week:

"Here I Am, Lord" by Dan Schutte, recorded by the White's Chapel United Methodist Church and Orchestra. 4:55 minutes. A wonderful, stirring anthem of this beloved song. https://bit.ly/HereIamLordWhitesChapelUMC

"God of Grace and God of Power" by Mountain Brook Baptist Church Choir in Birmingham, AL. 4:41 minutes. A power arrangement with brass, organ, piano, tympani, choir, and congregation. https://bit.ly/GodGracePowerMountBrook

"Hallelujah" from Beethoven's "Christ on the Mount of Olives" Op 85 by the Angeles Chorale, UCLA Chorale, and UCLA Philharmonia. 4:14 minutes. As the Easter season draws to its end, give a listen to this "other" Hallelujah Chorus. It's one of Pastor Rick's favorite pieces. https://bit.ly/HalleluiaBeethovenUCLA

If you have a bit more time... "Ascension Oratorio" by J.S. Bach. 33 minutes. Sir John Elliot Gardiner and PROMS, London. Includes a brief introduction and English subtitles of the German text which recalls and celebrates the whole story of Jesus' ascension. https://bit.ly/AscensionOratorioBach

Sermon Link: https://youtu.be/k36wAN5hR34

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