We have begun to explore what it means to be ‘Jesus-centred’.
- We grasp the fundamental principle that ‘God always looks like Jesus’; not just partly like Jesus, who we presume is always and only given to uncritical acceptance, while also partly like our image of Yahweh from the Old Testament, who we presume is often and uncomfortably given to ‘wrath’. (Spoiler alert; both presumptions need to be reviewed.)
- We recognise the importance of learning to read the bible (and specifically the Old Testament) ‘through the lens of Jesus’, to whom all Scripture bears witness.
- And we are learning about becoming a ‘centred-set’ community, where our fellowship as believers is based upon, and grows in proportion to, our gravitating ever-closer to Jesus; the sun around whom we orbit.
But becoming Jesus-centred goes far beyond merely establishing the correct theological framework;
Jesus-at-the-centre changes my whole life, not simply my ideas.
- It directs how I use my time, my energies, and my resources
- It defines my loves, my ambitions and my priorities
- It determines my hopes, my longings and my dreams
It shapes my days, constrains my words, and governs my interactions.
Jesus, the epicentre of my life, teaches my heart how not to be afraid.
And then tutors me regarding who I should truly fear.
All this I know, Master. And towards this I reach, though often weakly.
Above all, I know that to be genuinely centred on you, Master, is to live in, and live from, our persistent dialogue together, aware that: “The memorable moments of spontaneous prayer emerge from a rooted, disciplined life of prayer.” [Tyler Staton]
You declare that the truth will set me free (Jn 8:32). And it does.
Yet still more profoundly you are the truth, and I find my daily freedom from being daily yoked to you.
