September Eldertorial: Linda Noonkesser

Perhaps it was the title that first resonated with me, inciting a curious peek at an article entitled "Missing Jesus" by Jonathan Martin, or perhaps it was a personal response to the thought of Jesus among us, but unrecognized.

As Martin observes, most of us as believers, while standing firm in the faith, are often a bit disconcerted by the Jesus of Nazareth who makes a practice of appear-ing in the most unexpected and disruptive of places. This Jesus challenges all of us by refusing to be constrained into acting the role of the mascot or symbol, by refusing to be afraid and in need of defense. He challenges us to put Him in the center, not on the edge, serving not only as our Lord, but also as the relevant standard against which all questions and decisions are measured.

Is the active, surprising Jesus of the New Testament being overlooked in our church? I got some answers ra-ther quickly just by attending the August Family Night Supper where our young people so passionately spoke of their encounters with Jesus as they ministered to the needy at Sunset Gap. Also I noticed the loving prepara-tion of food, offered to any and all, by the hard-working volunteer groups who are so faithful in every function. Many of us found Jesus in learning new music for worship, and there were chats, smiles and hugs as Jesus’ love was passed among us.

After the supper and program concluded, I noted the colorful bulletin boards in the hallway which spoke to the many activities for youth, education, evangelism, church maintenance- all supported faithfully by church members and friends. And then there were the dedicated members of the mission committee responding to requests for aid coming from every direction, and doing that task with prayerful care. A tour of the church yard showcased hours of quiet tending providing a lovely setting for medi-tation and a welcoming approach to our building. All an-swering my question-Jesus is not overlooked!

Yet we are challenged anew each day to look for Jesus in those unexplored places, events, opportunities where He is already working- places where compassion and mer-cy are most needed. Jesus "relentlessly" loved people and demonstrated that by standing up for the oppressed (economically or socially), the hurting and those whose wounds were less visible, but only too real.

Phrases of an old hymn come to mind…"Footprints of Jesus that make the pathway glow; We will follow the steps of Jesus wherever they go." Can we as a congregation even more prayerfully follow the steps of an active, caring Jesus?