Jonathan Shradar

Over the last few years, there has been a slew of books in the "Christian living" category that targeted the cultural experience of hurry. The need to move fast, succeed, achieve, hussle, put in more sweat than the next guy. Of course, these were needed invitations off of the cliff as the societal expectations were driving us, and still do, to anxiety, depression and a weight of displeasure with our experience of life.  While there has been some divine intervention, a pandemic that forced us to slow down, the inclination remains. We see it in the ache to get "back to normal," even though that normal was killing us.  I took up a couple of these books and my fair share of articles calling for the same embrace of slowness and Sabbath. Some with more reference to Jesus than others, but in all of them, I felt like I was left wanting. While they presented some good thinking and advice, most made me think that I was watching the formation of a new law, a new set of tasks t

 " Because of our God’s merciful compassion, the dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. " -- Luke 1:78-79 (CSB) This weekend at Reservoir Church we begin a study of the Gospel of Luke. The account of life and ministry of Jesus, his death and resurrection as compiled by the Gentile physician who came to faith likely after the events of the gospel and traveled doing ministry with the Apostle Paul.  We are beginning in a Gospel because as leaders we have recognized cultural amnesia about who Jesus is, what he accomplished, and his way for those that are part of his kingdom. Many voices suggest the teachings of Jesus are antiquated (even for those professing to be Christian). Other voices rightfully highlight the cross and Christ's sacrifice but at the same time neglect his model of care for the least and the upside-down nature of the kingdom while they pursue earthly power and i