In Or Out!

May 9, 2024

In Or Out!

I have been a part of the “in crowd” and I have been a part of the “out crowd.”  Most of us have walked in both camps.  Sometimes we have walked in both camps at the same time but in different environments. 

During most of my time as a student during middle school and high school, I was part of the “out crowd.”  I was quiet, I was focused on my studies, and I was working part time.  In some ways, there was no time or energy or desire to be part of the “in crowd.”

During the same time, however, I was part of the “in crowd” at my church.  I was very involved in the student ministry, was part of church leadership teams, and was be-friended by several adults. 

Some of the time during my career, I was part of the “out crowd.”  There were times I was misunderstood because my perspectives and practices seemed too unconventional or too radical for other Christian leaders.  I had just a few colleagues who were close friends.

However, there were others times in my career (about 15 years) that I was part of the “in crowd.”  I was very involved in the state-wide leadership of the church, especially in the area of credentialing new pastors.  I was highly respected and my opinions were often sought out by others.   

I learned something from the time I was a student as well as during my career; I don’t need to be part of the “in crowd.”  I don’t need their approval or their affirmation.  I don’t need their friendship or their influence.  I don’t need their status or their standing. 

Admittedly, sometimes it feels good to be included in the “in crowd.”  However, I don’t need that crowd to be a faithful husband, a loving father, or a trusting and obedient follower of Jesus.  Maybe all I need is a little recognition or acknowledgement every once in a while. 

I am reminded of Jesus after He had been raised from death to life.  Jesus appears to some women, then to  Peter and John in the morning.  Later in the day, Jesus appears to 10 disciples locked in a house.  About a week later, Jesus appears a second time to those same disciples with the addition of Thomas.  Some days later, Jesus joins with some (not all!) of those same disciples for breakfast on the beach.

The Risen Savior appears to the “in crowd” on multiple occasions.  However, the Risen Lord also appears to the “out crowd!”  The Apostle Paul tells us Jesus appears to 500 other Christ-followers.  Listen to the Apostle Paul’s account of the appearances of the Risen Savior.  In I Corinthians 15:3-8 Paul writes;

“For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures and that he was buried and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures and that he appeared to Cephas (Peter), then to the twelve (apostles).  Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died.  Then he appeared to James (an apostle), then to all the apostles.  Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me (Paul).”

The most important thing was the life and death and resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God.  The appearances of the Risen Christ was confirmation of the most important thing for those who claimed to be Christ-followers.  That confirmation came to those who felt they were part of the “in crowd” and to those who felt like they were part of the “out crowd.”

+No matter how popular we may be or no matter how moral we may be or no matter how good we may be, Jesus will show up in our lives. 

+No matter how messed up our life or no matter how difficult our life or no matter how sinful our life, Jesus will show up in our lives.

+No matter how little faith we have in God or no matter how infrequently we attend church or no matter how different our lifestyle, Jesus will show up in our lives.

The challenge for those who are part of the “in crowd” is they can begin to feel they do not need Jesus.  The difficult thing for those who are part of the “out crowd” is they can begin to feel Jesus does not notice them. 

The most important thing was the life and death and resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God.  In other words, Jesus loves you so much Jesus lived for you, died for you, and was raised from death to life for you.  It does not matter with what crowd you run or who likes you or what your status is today.  Jesus loves you!

When you and I begin to believe the most important thing about Jesus and then commit to believing in Jesus with all our heart, mind, and soul, our life will change.  It will be the acceptance of Jesus, the affirmation of Jesus, and the admiration of Jesus that will fill our heart with delight in the Lord. 

Take Delight In The Lord!

Doug