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Lent Reflections: Transformation - France
Apr 7, 2012
We need to re-imagination our definitions of the word “Transformation” for our new urban context.
We already have the dictionary-friendly explanation: Life-giving change that comes from the inside – powered by the Spirit of God. Yet while this may work in philosophy class, there is a way in which it doesn't draw out the poetic miracle of it all.
Where I have personally gone for a deeper inspiration in the past, have been the transformational garden metaphors of Jesus. I love the fact that transformation can be so earthy in flavor. Watching a seed transform into a small plant, a caterpillar pop out as a butterfly, a desert spring with water. There is so much power packed in these events. Its obvious that through the death of the seed – a new and mysterious force impulses that plant to grow. Through fragility we see the strength in the beauty of the final product. All culminating in possibly the greatest Biblical metaphor for what happens when God brings transformation: good fruit. It’s juicy, tasty, nourishing and stunningly beautiful. Good fruit doesn't hurt anything; it’s natural, it’s not forced. It’s no accident that this eco-friendly image is used to describe what happens when the Spirit of God is at work in us: There’s fruit: Love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are not dry concepts – and they can’t be faked for long. They are profound and have deep earthy roots into whom God has made us to be. We come from that seed – we have that power – let’s live for that miracle.
So as we reach for that organic apple and get a taste of these larger spiritual truths, we are still left with a challenge: Servant Partners is in the business of URBAN transformation, and with history is on our side. It’s often said that “the Bible starts in a garden and ends in a city”. And now – finally in our lifetime – we live in world that is more urban than rural. The transformed city is our future.
So while I believe in Jesus of Nazareth, I want to know more about Jesus of New Jerusalem. The country Jesus is moving to the city.
Talk about a historical transformation we are barely keeping pace with. We have been working with that old rugged hammer and chisel. With a future that is some kind of sleek power tool. Yet as is evident here - our metaphors are just not catching up. We are not calling for the abolishing of garden parables. After all, my idea of a transformed city includes rooftop gardens, large parks, tree lined streets with clean air and water. But what we do need - is a "new urban translation" for a new global urban people.
On the theoretical side, Servant Partners has explained this transformation through the 8 signs. These signs of positive change come with stories that give them life. But I am not sure we have codified the modern day parables to back up the theory. We need to re-imagine Jesus' principles for a new generation. So here is our challenge today: Any ideas on new metaphors for urban transformation?
Where I have personally gone for a deeper inspiration in the past, have been the transformational garden metaphors of Jesus. I love the fact that transformation can be so earthy in flavor. Watching a seed transform into a small plant, a caterpillar pop out as a butterfly, a desert spring with water. There is so much power packed in these events. Its obvious that through the death of the seed – a new and mysterious force impulses that plant to grow. Through fragility we see the strength in the beauty of the final product. All culminating in possibly the greatest Biblical metaphor for what happens when God brings transformation: good fruit. It’s juicy, tasty, nourishing and stunningly beautiful. Good fruit doesn't hurt anything; it’s natural, it’s not forced. It’s no accident that this eco-friendly image is used to describe what happens when the Spirit of God is at work in us: There’s fruit: Love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are not dry concepts – and they can’t be faked for long. They are profound and have deep earthy roots into whom God has made us to be. We come from that seed – we have that power – let’s live for that miracle.
So as we reach for that organic apple and get a taste of these larger spiritual truths, we are still left with a challenge: Servant Partners is in the business of URBAN transformation, and with history is on our side. It’s often said that “the Bible starts in a garden and ends in a city”. And now – finally in our lifetime – we live in world that is more urban than rural. The transformed city is our future.
So while I believe in Jesus of Nazareth, I want to know more about Jesus of New Jerusalem. The country Jesus is moving to the city.
Talk about a historical transformation we are barely keeping pace with. We have been working with that old rugged hammer and chisel. With a future that is some kind of sleek power tool. Yet as is evident here - our metaphors are just not catching up. We are not calling for the abolishing of garden parables. After all, my idea of a transformed city includes rooftop gardens, large parks, tree lined streets with clean air and water. But what we do need - is a "new urban translation" for a new global urban people.
On the theoretical side, Servant Partners has explained this transformation through the 8 signs. These signs of positive change come with stories that give them life. But I am not sure we have codified the modern day parables to back up the theory. We need to re-imagine Jesus' principles for a new generation. So here is our challenge today: Any ideas on new metaphors for urban transformation?
Location: Lent Reflections: Transformation
Posted By: Dean
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