"Engage every neighborhood"

I was out for my morning run not long ago when I heard footsteps approaching from behind. This in itself was not an unusual experience. I’m used to having people pass when I run. It was unusual that this fellow didn’t pass. He just saddled alongside and started running with me.

At first I was a bit startled. What was this guy doing? Most people run by themselves because they like running alone. My morning runs are a chance to clear my head and process the day. This guy was invading my space and interrupting my routine. But rather than try to outpace him (an unlikely prospect) or take a detour in hopes that he wouldn’t follow, I decided to embrace the opportunity and introduce myself.

His name was Jim. He and his wife had moved to Clear Lake a couple of years ago. We chatted about our kids, sports, and the weather – all the usual suspects. Jim works for a chemical company and attends University Baptist Church. I shared that I was one of the pastors at Clear Lake Presbyterian Church.

As we approached the end of the running path at Brook Forest Drive Jim turned to go the other direction. As we shook hands to say goodbye, Jim held his grip. “Steve could I pray for you?” he asked.  Before I had a chance to respond, Jim’s head was bowed. He prayed for my family. He prayed for my ministry at CLPC. He prayed God would bless my day and watch over me. And then he was gone.

God used Jim to “engage” me. The third of our Three E mission statement is to “engage every neighborhood.”  It means to live with a constant awareness that we are God’s people – the church – wherever we go and whatever we do. We are agents of God’s blessing in the world. That’s what Jim was doing.

My “engage” encounter with Jim also reminds me that as I live as God’s person in the world I will often be on the receiving end of God’s engaging. We do not control or dispense God’s Kingdom. Rather, we are partners and participants in God’s Kingdom. As agents of this Kingdom it is indistinguishable when we are the “blesser” and when we are the “blessed.”

Be blessed today. Be a blessing today. Engage your neighborhood with the good news that Jesus has risen. The Kingdom of God is at hand.