Transformative Power of Proximity in Faith

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the transformative power of proximity and how it can change our perspectives and relationships. We began with a historical account from 1971 in Durham, North Carolina, where two individuals from opposing sides of the racial divide, C.P. Ellis and Ann Atwater, were brought together. Through forced proximity, their prejudices eroded, leading to a lifelong friendship and collaboration. This story illustrates how being close to others can break down barriers and foster understanding.

We then delved into the biblical narrative of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector whose encounter with Jesus radically altered his life. Zacchaeus, despite his wealth and status, was seen as a man of small character. Yet, his desire to see Jesus led him to climb a sycamore tree, where Jesus noticed him and invited himself to Zacchaeus's home. This act of proximity and friendship from Jesus was transformative, prompting Zacchaeus to repent and make restitution for his wrongs. It highlights how Jesus's presence and willingness to engage with those deemed unworthy by society can lead to profound change.

The concept of taking the "alternative route" with Jesus was emphasized, a path that may be challenging but is the only right response to encountering Him. This route involves seeking proximity with God, each other, and those outside the church. Proximity with God is achieved through personal spiritual disciplines and communal worship, while proximity with each other involves building relationships within the church community. Lastly, proximity with those outside the church requires us to engage with our neighbors and communities, seeing them as individuals created in God's image and worthy of love.

As a church, we are reminded that we are not just a community with a mission, but rather, God's mission has a church. We are called to be the light of Christ in our neighborhoods, utilizing the proximity we have with others to share the hope we have in Jesus. This mission is not reserved for a select few but is a calling for all believers to live out daily.

Key Takeaways:

- Proximity Breaks Down Barriers: The story of C.P. Ellis and Ann Atwater demonstrates how proximity can erode prejudices and foster understanding. When we draw near to those we perceive as different, we begin to see them as individuals rather than stereotypes, leading to genuine relationships. [02:00]

- Transformative Encounters with Jesus: Zacchaeus's story shows that an encounter with Jesus can lead to radical life changes. Jesus's willingness to engage with Zacchaeus, despite societal judgments, illustrates the power of grace and acceptance in transforming lives. [19:00]

- The Alternative Route with Jesus: Following Jesus often means taking a challenging path, but it is the only right response to meeting Him. This route involves a commitment to change and a willingness to embrace new perspectives and priorities. [25:00]

- Proximity with God and Each Other: We are called to seek closeness with God through spiritual disciplines and communal worship. Additionally, building relationships within the church community strengthens our faith and supports our mission. [45:00]

- Engaging with Our Neighbors: Our mission extends beyond the church walls. We are placed in our neighborhoods for a purpose, to be a light and to engage with those around us, seeing them as God's children and sharing the hope we have in Christ. [01:10:00]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:00] - Story of C.P. Ellis and Ann Atwater
[10:00] - The Power of Proximity
[19:00] - Zacchaeus's Encounter with Jesus
[25:00] - The Alternative Route with Jesus
[30:00] - Jesus's Invitation to Zacchaeus
[35:00] - Zacchaeus's Transformation
[40:00] - Proximity with God
[45:00] - Proximity with Each Other
[50:00] - Proximity with Our Neighbors
[55:00] - The Church's Mission
[01:00:00] - Living Out God's Mission
[01:05:00] - The Importance of Community
[01:10:00] - Engaging with the World
[01:15:00] - Closing Prayer and Song

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Luke 19:1-10 (The story of Zacchaeus)
- Luke 5:31-32 (Jesus' mission to call sinners)
- Psalm 73:28 (Proximity to God)

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the significance of Zacchaeus climbing the sycamore tree, and how did it lead to his encounter with Jesus? [19:00]

2. How did the forced proximity between C.P. Ellis and Ann Atwater change their relationship over the ten days? [02:00]

3. What does Jesus' statement in Luke 5:31-32 reveal about His mission and approach to those considered "sinners"? [19:00]

4. How does the story of Zacchaeus illustrate the concept of taking the "alternative route" with Jesus? [25:00]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does proximity with others help to break down barriers and change perspectives, as seen in the story of C.P. Ellis and Ann Atwater? [02:00]

2. How does Zacchaeus' transformation after meeting Jesus demonstrate the power of grace and acceptance? [19:00]

3. What does it mean to take the "alternative route" with Jesus, and why is it described as the only right response to encountering Him? [25:00]

4. How can the church embody the mission of God by seeking proximity with those outside its walls? [01:10:00]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when proximity with someone different from you changed your perspective. How can you seek similar opportunities in your community? [02:00]

2. Zacchaeus made restitution for his wrongs after encountering Jesus. Is there someone in your life to whom you need to make amends? What steps can you take this week? [19:00]

3. The sermon emphasized the importance of proximity with God through spiritual disciplines. What specific practice can you commit to this week to draw nearer to God? [45:00]

4. How can you build stronger relationships within your church community to support each other in living out God's mission? [45:00]

5. Identify a neighbor or coworker you haven't engaged with yet. What is one practical step you can take to build a relationship with them this week? [01:10:00]

6. Consider the idea that "God's mission has a church." How does this perspective change the way you view your role in your neighborhood or workplace? [01:10:00]

7. What are some challenges you face in taking the "alternative route" with Jesus, and how can your small group support you in overcoming them? [25:00]

Devotional

Day 1: Proximity Breaks Down Prejudices
Proximity has the power to dismantle prejudices and foster genuine understanding. The story of C.P. Ellis and Ann Atwater from 1971 in Durham, North Carolina, serves as a powerful example of this truth. These two individuals, initially on opposing sides of the racial divide, were brought together through forced proximity. Over time, their prejudices eroded, leading to a lifelong friendship and collaboration. This narrative illustrates how being close to others can break down barriers and foster understanding. When we draw near to those we perceive as different, we begin to see them as individuals rather than stereotypes, leading to genuine relationships. [02:00]

"For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility." (Ephesians 2:14, ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone you perceive as different from you. How can you intentionally draw closer to them this week to foster understanding and break down barriers?


Day 2: Transformative Encounters with Jesus
The story of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector, highlights the transformative power of an encounter with Jesus. Despite his wealth and status, Zacchaeus was seen as a man of small character. Yet, his desire to see Jesus led him to climb a sycamore tree, where Jesus noticed him and invited himself to Zacchaeus's home. This act of proximity and friendship from Jesus was transformative, prompting Zacchaeus to repent and make restitution for his wrongs. Jesus's willingness to engage with Zacchaeus, despite societal judgments, illustrates the power of grace and acceptance in transforming lives. [19:00]

"And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, 'Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.'" (Luke 19:5, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a time when you felt unworthy of love or acceptance. How can you embrace Jesus's grace and allow it to transform your life today?


Day 3: The Alternative Route with Jesus
Following Jesus often means taking a challenging path, but it is the only right response to meeting Him. This alternative route involves a commitment to change and a willingness to embrace new perspectives and priorities. It requires seeking proximity with God, each other, and those outside the church. Proximity with God is achieved through personal spiritual disciplines and communal worship, while proximity with each other involves building relationships within the church community. This path may be difficult, but it leads to a deeper understanding of God's love and purpose for our lives. [25:00]

"Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many." (Matthew 7:13, ESV)

Reflection: What is one challenging step you can take this week to follow the alternative route with Jesus, even if it means stepping out of your comfort zone?


Day 4: Proximity with God and Each Other
We are called to seek closeness with God through spiritual disciplines and communal worship. Building relationships within the church community strengthens our faith and supports our mission. Proximity with God involves engaging in personal spiritual practices such as prayer, meditation, and studying Scripture. It also includes participating in communal worship and fellowship with other believers. By drawing near to God and each other, we create a supportive environment that encourages spiritual growth and empowers us to live out our faith. [45:00]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally seek proximity with God and your church community this week to strengthen your faith and support others?


Day 5: Engaging with Our Neighbors
Our mission extends beyond the church walls. We are placed in our neighborhoods for a purpose, to be a light and to engage with those around us, seeing them as God's children and sharing the hope we have in Christ. This involves building relationships with our neighbors and communities, recognizing their inherent worth as individuals created in God's image. By engaging with those outside the church, we fulfill our calling to be the light of Christ in the world, sharing His love and hope with those who need it most. [01:10:00]

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical way you can engage with your neighbors this week to share the hope and love of Christ with them?

Quotes


There was a lot of unrest and a lot of un -peace around. And so in the city of Durham, they were having trouble and so they called a 10 -day community meeting. Ten days filled with meetings and presentations and things to try to get people to begin working together. And they called two co -chairs for that meeting. One was C .P. Ellis, a prominent and high leader in the Ku Klux Klan at that time. And the other was Ann Atwater, a prominent civil rights advocate. [00:01:08]

And they were put together to lead this meeting. And so it's ten days of forced proximity where they had to be close to each other and they hated each other. They hated what each of them stood for. And it was very difficult. They were hostile. They barely talked at first. but over the days they had to talk and meet and and begin to discuss some of these issues and what they found is over time as they sat at the same table as they ate meals together as they talked about these difficult issues the prejudices that they both had began to erode they began to fade away little by little. [00:01:48]

And one of the major things was Atwater's concern for children even C .P. Ellis's children she went out of her way to help them and over those days they began to see each other as people they tried to see beyond the stereotypes and the caricatures that we all have of certain groups of people right and they had them of each other too and at the end of 10 days C .P. Ellis the Ku Klux Klan leader stood in front of this the large gathering to you know they were giving their conclusions here's what's going to happen and in front of the whole crowd he tore up his his members car to the Ku Klux Klan and and renounced his membership. [00:02:28]

And Ellis and Atwater began a 30 -year friendship during which time they worked together to help overcome the divides and and the difficulties that the racial divides of that part of the country at that time and because you see proximity proximity changes our perspective on things proximity changes the way we see things and when we see the faces and the people behind the issues and the things that we debate and the things we see on news it changes the way we see people it changes the way we think about things. [00:03:08]

Last week we talked about taking the alternative route you know the the magi had to decide where we're going to go back to Herod and go that way or are we going to go in the way of Jesus and we talked about the alternative route and that it's a difficult way it's it's a longer path sometimes it's fraught with with trouble but taking that alternative route with Jesus is really the only way to go and it's a difficult way to go and it's a only right response to meeting Jesus and bowing down to worship him. [00:03:48]

And Jesus answers them with a statement that is really important for us today and is going to inform what Luke's talks about all throughout his gospel Jesus says in verses 31 and 32 of chapter 5 healthy people don't need a doctor but sick people do I didn't come to call the righteous but sinners to change their hearts and lives or to put it in our language to take an alternative route to go a different way to change who they were and go in a different direction. [00:05:48]

And when Jesus walks by sure enough he sees he sees Zacchaeus and he points him out and he says in verse 5 of chapter 19 Zacchaeus come down I'm going to your house I mean Jesus totally invited himself over for dinner right in our culture that would be you know impolite maybe a little imposing maybe improper but in in you know for Jesus that's no big deal he invited himself over for dinner but here's the thing we need to realize it's not just a meal in in those middle eastern cultures and you know of that time and even today sharing a meal together is not just sharing a meal it's friendship. [00:11:48]

When you invite someone over or when you're invited over it's it's an offer of friendship it's an offer of hey I want to get to know you better hey I think I want to spend some time with you you're worthy of me investing a little time in you're worthy of me investing a little time in you're worthy of me investing a little time in you're worthy of me investing a little time in you're worthy of me so let's share a meal together and so Jesus does that and because everyone everyone notices and they say what's he doing he's going to go be the guest of a sinner and a tax collector he can't do that Jesus you should have learned by now we've told you so many times you can't do that because everyone saw him call out to Zacchaeus and everyone saw him invite himself over for dinner and everyone knows what that means Jesus wants to know this person to be his friend. [00:12:28]

But Jesus is not fazed by the stairs he he's not worried about the whispers of scandal he's going to Zacchaeus's house because Zacchaeus is a child of the heavenly father a man created in God's image and because of that he has inherent value and as we look around the people around us too sometimes we need to be reminded of that that this person in front of me no matter who they are I'm going to be his friend I'm going to be his friend I'm going to be his friend no matter who they might be no matter what their reputation might be no matter what they've done and who they are they are a person loved by their heavenly father created in God's image and because of that they have inherent value as one of God's children. [00:13:08]

And Zacchaeus response is is great he says look Lord I'll give half of my possessions to the poor if I've cheated anyone I'll pay them back four times I mean I'm serious about this this this meeting with Jesus is transformative it changes his life it puts him on that alternative route a different way than he was going the hands that once grasped and hoarded are now open in generosity the the heart that once took and stole what wasn't his to take and steal is now making efforts to restore and repay what was taken and it's a beautiful picture of how meeting Jesus puts us on a different path puts us on an alternative route and shifts our priorities and our perspectives. [00:13:48]

Because the truth is we can't see people's hearts right I look at so I don't know what's in their heart we can get some evidence by by observing them but only God knows what's in the heart right and because of that we sometimes need to give the benefit of the doubt we sometimes need to give people the opportunity to or we need to look at things in the best light possible and sometimes we need to look at things in the best light possible and sometimes we need to look at things in the best light possible and sometimes it means that you know if we're going to make a mistake if we're going to lean too far in one direction we're better off leaning too far in the direction of love rather than something else and that's hard to do sometimes isn't it really hard to do. [00:14:28]

And as we continue this through this series of alternate routes we're going to continue on this theme of of walking that route and being with Christ as part of our mission as the church we're going to see that the church does not have a mission but the the mission of God has a church we say that again the church does not have a mission i think we might have a slide on this one yeah the church does not have a mission not like we -we -we say you know our mission is this another church says our mission is that the church is the mission of God god's mission has a church god's mission has us to carry that mission out in the world we are the plans we are the final plan a and plan b and the backup plan to plan b this is the church we we are god's mission in this world. [00:15:08]

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Transcript
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