I Can’t Wait to See That Movie!
You know a movie trailer’s done its job when the person next to you leans over and says, “I can’t wait to see that movie!”
Michael Frost in his book The Road to Missional writes, “…movie trailers are tasters, short film versions of the soon-to-released feature, and they usually include the best special effects or the funniest scenes or the most romantic moments, depending on the film, of the upcoming feature.”
He goes on to say, “Now, watch those around you in the theater at the end of each trailer. If it has done its job, usually one person will turn to the other and say, ‘I want to see that movie’”!
I believe this is a great metaphor for the missional life to which God has called us. IF our rhythms of life are welcoming, kind, joyous, helpful, socially adventurous, and yes godly, our neighbors, co-workers, friends and family will perhaps say, “I want to see the world they come from”!
As Jesus graced our home in the form of a man, he both embodied and previewed a Kingdom to come that if dubbed with a movie title would simply read “The Good News”! His life points to a way and a time and place where all will be right with the world.
At Loving Community when we see glimpses of this magic at work, we remark that we are getting front row seats (and even better allowed to participate) in “bringing a little heaven to earth”. Did you get that? We GET TO participate with Jesus in seeing a little heaven come to earth in the places we live, work, and do life. Pretty cool, huh?
In reflecting on this past week, my sense was that in everyplace I arrived, Jesus was one step ahead already bringing his brand of beauty, justice and wholeness to a viewing world. And I’ve got to admit, it’s a freeing feeling to be growing in my understanding that I don’t need to stress or feel burdened or burned out on a religion that calls me to somehow be the “rain maker” of all good things (as if I even could)!
As I journal from my favorite coffee shop this Sunday morning, I am reflecting on my past week. I have much gratefulness in the enjoyment of splashing around in the puddles of the good news of the kingdom. Jesus is the good news. He invites us to join him in participating and praying ~ your Kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven!
Following Jesus,
Jim
PS – A few pics from this past week of following
