Jericho Alert March 24, 2016

¹ Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside. None went out, and none came in.
Joshua 6:1 ESV 

For churches and individuals we must guard against becoming like the city of Jericho.

Ridgecrest has ministries that serve those outside of our walls and ministries that meet the needs of those inside our walls.  Mission trips abound.  Left-pocket offerings are taken for the Crisis Pregnacy Center.  But are we bringing others in?  Has our membership grown over the past  year?  Has the demographics of our membership changed?  I cannot answer either of these questions, but  as a church we must guard against a Jericho mentality.  

Things are good at The Crest right now.  Energetic pastor.  Many baptisms.  Mission opportunities abound.  All of these point to a healthy church, a church that is moving in the right direction.  Let's be sure that we are extending our arms to those who are different, who may push us from our comfort zone.

I think today's verse can apply to the individual, but on an emotional level.  When is the last time you have allowed someone other than family or a small group member to be a part of your life?  Our adult special needs ministry needs workers.  The homeless ministry needs volunteers.  Life Builders can always use new site leaders.  

Jesus allowed others into his life.  He drew people close and spend time with them.  He did not just show up once a week and spend an hour or two with his comfortable 12.  A once-a-week morning synagogue session was not the entirety of Jesus' ministry.  He made emotional connections.  He allowed others to depend on him.  He laughed at weddings.  He cried at funerals.  He railed against injustices.  He was not a walled city of self.

Let's not, individually or collectively, become a Jericho.