Have You Ever Been in A Three-Legged Race? It Can't be Done Without Unity.
“Uniting for a Divided World"
Impressive? It’s a shortened form of the J17 mission statement. I suggested it was, you know, punchier? But it also sounds like something from a Marvel movie? With Dave Drum wearing a cape? Ok, stay with me here …
Looking for Links!
Because Jesus did: “Jacob’s well was there; and Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well about noontime. Soon a Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Please give me a drink.” – John 4:6-7.
When I volunteer at the zoo, I’m always looking for links:
“Oh, wow, that’s a great shirt—do you love giraffes? Have you seen ours’ yet?”
“Dodgers! [Seeing a baseball cap.] Your team is tough on my Dbacks! Who is your favorite player?”
“Is this your first time at the zoo? Can I help?”
Because if I only get my facts straight about the interlocking bone structure of a flamingo leg and how they can rest on just one, but do not link with those who are guests at our amazing zoo, I am only a noisy gong or a clanging docent.
If I have a beautiful understanding of theology and spiritual practices, with a reasoned list of which political candidates are the ones Jesus would vote for, but am not sharing my life and faith in a spirit of edifying love, then I am gaining nothing.
Jesus found a link with a woman most would say he had no business talking to. A Samaritan!? A woman!? And a woman at a curious time of day at the local well!?
That link led her to invite her whole village to meet Jesus, and discover hope, meaning and salvation. His link? We need water. Jesus stated, “I’m thirsty. Can you help?” To me, it’s brilliant. It doesn’t get more “linky” than our shared need for water to live!
As we interact with folks around town, many of whom might be spiritually seeking or believers, can we focus on the 83% we agree on and share together, and not on the 17% that makes us different?
Uniting for a divided world is a grand and beautiful purpose, but it could sound a bit bombastic, to be realistic? I believe it becomes real when you pray for it - and seek to live it out - in your life.
Today take a bold step. Pray that God will lead you to others who seem different from you.
Warning: Jesus will answer that prayer! And when he does, look for links, and you’ll be surprised at the living water of Christ you can share together.
Pastor Andrew Ross
J17 Ministries Board Member
Meet the Team
Name and Role with J17 Ministries: Pastor Andrew Ross and Board Member (but Dave's favorite)
About: Husband to Michele, father to three grown-up hooligans, and three precocious grandchildren. Soulmate of Phoebe, the golden doodle. Retired from pastoring at Northminster Presbyterian Church.
What do you enjoy in your free time?: I am a harmonica, Banjo, guitar enthusiast, and play in two bands, Frank & Beans, and Bluegrass From Heaven. Actively serving as a docent at the Reid Park Zoo.
What drew you to be part of Jesus' Prayer in John 17?: I have a passion for unity in the body of Christ, and encountered Pastor Dave Drum, and the ministries of J 17 while serving at my church.
What does unity in the Body of Christ mean to you personally?: I rejoice to sense the presence of Christ, when I meet with someone else and the Holy Spirit connects us beyond what divides us.
Favorite Scripture or life verse: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." - 2 Tim 1:7
Favorite snack, or "go-to" treat: Arbuckles! Hot vanilla latte.
