Embracing the In-Between: Transformation Through Christ
Summary
In my sermon today, I explored the profound moments that occur in the spaces between our experiences, the times that are neither here nor there but are filled with potential and transformation. I began by reflecting on the excitement of Resurrection Sunday and the anticipation of witnessing God's power in our lives, emphasizing that we are often called out of places of despair and into new beginnings.
I delved into the resurrection account in Matthew 28, highlighting the women who went to Jesus' tomb at dawn, a time that is neither night nor day but something in between. This in-between moment is significant because it represents the transition from grief to joy, from death to life. The angel's message to the women not to be afraid, despite their fear, is a powerful reminder that God meets us in our in-between moments with reassurance and direction.
Drawing from Viktor Frankl's wisdom, I discussed the space between stimulus and response, where we have the power to choose our response. This space is where growth and freedom lie, and it is where Jesus, our space-making Savior, operates. Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection are the ultimate examples of God's response to our sin, offering grace instead of wrath.
I shared personal anecdotes, including a challenging interaction with someone who sent me an antagonistic message. I emphasized the importance of creating space before reacting, a lesson that Jesus exemplifies as a space-making Savior. This space allows us to respond with the power of the resurrection, transforming our lives and the lives of others.
Throughout the sermon, I wove in the theme of being something in between—neither fully one thing nor another, but in a state of becoming. This is where Jesus meets us, in our mess and our in-between, offering us his presence and power.
Key Takeaways:
1. The resurrection account in Matthew 28 teaches us that God often works in the in-between moments of our lives, the times when we are transitioning from one stage to another. These moments are filled with potential for God to reveal His power and purpose for our lives. [03:06]
2. The space between stimulus and response, as Viktor Frankl described, is where we find our power to choose and where our growth and freedom lie. As Christians, we are called to inhabit this space with intentionality, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our responses and shape our character. [23:35]
3. The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate space-making act, bridging the gap between our sinfulness and God's holiness. It is in this space that we find grace, forgiveness, and the power to live transformed lives, reflecting the love and mercy of Christ to the world. [26:37]
4. Our identity as followers of Christ is often found in the in-between, as we navigate the tension between our earthly struggles and our heavenly calling. Embracing this tension allows us to rely on God's strength and to experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers. [12:17]
5. The sudden encounters with Jesus, like the one experienced by the women on the way to Galilee, remind us that God is actively involved in our journeys. He meets us where we are, often in unexpected ways, to bring hope and direction to our in-between places. [36:28]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:1-10 - The resurrection account where the women visit Jesus' tomb and encounter the angel.
2. Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
3. John 19:18 - "There they crucified him, and with him two others—one on each side and Jesus in the middle."
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event occurs at dawn in Matthew 28:1-10, and why is this timing important? ([03:06])
2. How does the angel reassure the women at the tomb, and what message does he give them? ([04:00])
3. According to Romans 8:28, how does God work in the lives of those who love Him?
4. In John 19:18, where is Jesus positioned during the crucifixion, and what might this signify about His role?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might the timing of the women's visit to the tomb at dawn be significant in the context of "in-between" moments? ([09:22])
2. How does the concept of the "space between stimulus and response" relate to the way we handle challenges and opportunities in our lives? ([23:35])
3. What does it mean for Jesus to be our "space-making Savior," and how does this impact our daily decisions and reactions? ([28:57])
4. How can the idea of being "afraid yet filled with joy" apply to our personal faith journeys and experiences? ([15:48])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent "in-between" moment in your life. How did you see God's presence or absence in that situation? How might you approach similar moments differently in the future? ([09:22])
2. Think about a time when you reacted quickly to a situation without creating space. What was the outcome? How can you practice creating space before responding in future interactions? ([27:35])
3. How can you intentionally inhabit the space between stimulus and response this week, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your reactions? ([23:35])
4. Identify an area in your life where you feel "in-between"—neither fully one thing nor another. How can you invite Jesus into that space to bring transformation and growth? ([12:17])
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of responding with the power of the resurrection. How can you apply this principle in a specific relationship or situation you are currently facing? ([28:57])
6. How can you embrace the tension between earthly struggles and heavenly calling in your daily life, relying on God's strength? ([12:17])
7. Share a time when you experienced a "suddenly" moment with Jesus, where He met you unexpectedly. How did this encounter change your perspective or direction? ([36:28])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Life's In-Between Moments
In life's journey, there are moments that seem to suspend between the past and the future, where the present holds a breath of anticipation. These are the in-between times, where one chapter has closed, and the next has yet to begin. It is in these moments that one may feel a mixture of uncertainty and hope, as the familiar gives way to the possibility of something new. The resurrection account in Matthew 28 illustrates this beautifully, as the women approached the tomb at dawn, the world caught between night and day. They were transitioning from the sorrow of Christ's death to the joy of His resurrection, a powerful metaphor for the transformative potential inherent in our own in-between moments. These are the times when God often chooses to reveal His power and purpose, inviting us to witness the unfolding of His divine narrative in our lives. [03:06]
"And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. And behold, Jesus met them and said, 'Greetings!' And they came up and took hold of his feet and worshiped him." - Matthew 28:8-9 ESV
Reflection: Recall a recent 'in-between' moment in your life. How can you remain open to God's presence and guidance during such times of transition?
Day 2: Choosing Growth in the Pause
The space between stimulus and response is a sacred pause, offering a choice that can lead to growth and freedom. This pause is a gift, a moment to breathe, reflect, and choose a response aligned with one's values and beliefs. Viktor Frankl spoke of this space as the last of human freedoms—the power to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances. For Christians, this space is an opportunity to invite the Holy Spirit to guide reactions and shape character. It is a chance to respond not out of instinct or emotion, but with intentionality and grace, reflecting the transformative power of the resurrection in everyday interactions. [23:35]
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." - 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
Reflection: When faced with a challenging situation today, how can you intentionally create a space to allow the Holy Spirit to guide your response?
Day 3: The Resurrection's Transformative Space
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate act of space-making, bridging the vast expanse between human sinfulness and divine holiness. It is within this space that grace and forgiveness are found, and where the power to live transformed lives takes root. This transformative space is not just a historical event but an ongoing reality that invites individuals to live in the light of the resurrection, reflecting Christ's love and mercy to the world. It is a reminder that no gap is too wide for God's redeeming love to cross, offering new beginnings and hope for renewal. [26:37]
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." - 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection influence your daily life, and in what ways can you embody its transformative power in your interactions with others?
Day 4: Navigating the Tension of Becoming
The Christian journey is often characterized by a tension between the struggles of earthly life and the calling of a heavenly purpose. This in-between state is not a place of confusion but of identity formation, where reliance on God's strength is paramount. Embracing this tension allows for a deeper experience of the life Jesus offers—a life of fullness amidst the trials. It is in the in-between that faith is stretched and character is forged, as believers navigate the complexities of being in the world but not of it. [12:17]
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us." - 2 Corinthians 4:7 ESV
Reflection: What is one area of tension between your earthly struggles and heavenly calling, and how can you lean into God's strength to navigate this space?
Day 5: Encountering Jesus in Unexpected Places
The journey of faith is punctuated by sudden encounters with Jesus, often in the most unexpected places and times. These divine appointments are reminders that God is not distant but actively involved in the details of life. Just as the women on the way to Galilee encountered the risen Christ, believers today can expect to meet Jesus in their own in-between places. These encounters bring hope, direction, and a renewed sense of purpose, as God continues to reveal Himself in the midst of daily routines and challenges. [36:28]
"And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid." - Mark 16:8 ESV
Reflection: Can you identify a recent unexpected encounter with God? How did it impact you, and how can you be more attentive to His presence in your daily life?
Quotes
"We were bound in sin, we were wrapped in our past, we were trapped in our trauma, we were locked in our loneliness, we were down in our despair, and the space maker came to show us that all things are possible." [32:43]
"I think this Easter, the space maker wants to change your 'gotta' from 'I've gotta do it' to 'I've got a God.' I don't gotta do it anymore, because I've got a God who made space, who shed blood." [32:43]
"Jesus is my conjunction. Jesus is my in-between thing. Jesus is how I can say... It's not all good, but it's not all grief either. You have to remember that when you're going through a dawning season where it's not exactly dark and it's not exactly light." [21:10]
"Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." [23:35]
"The cross was God's response to your sin. The stimulus was your sin. 'All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.' God's response to your sin could have been wrath. Instead, it was grace." [26:37]
"Your Savior is a space maker. How many need a space-making Savior in your life today?" [28:57]
"They're running, and maybe between the two of them they're sharing, 'I don't know if we should trust that big man who was sitting on the stone. He said he was an angel, but who knows? You can't trust any men.'" [37:13]
"Suddenly Jesus met them. Oh, you mean they didn't have to go all 80 miles? No. While that angel was still talking about Galilee, the Savior was headed your way." [36:28]
"Everybody in here has a grave God is calling them away from. Everybody in here has a place in them, a place in life, a place they can't stay, and a long way to go." [34:20]
"He is Jesus in between, making you right with God. You could never be right with God in your own righteousness. You don't have to. You have Jesus in between." [47:14]
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