Mike Edmisten Follower of Jesus. Husband of Nicki. Father of Ryan & Brock. Communicator of the Word.

Scary Real

I'm still reflecting on APEX last Saturday. (Check out my previous blog entry for a full description of what went on there.) I'm still trying to figure out exactly what happened. I know what happened physically. We washed one another's feet. But what happened spiritually? What was it that broke so many people?

I don't think I'll ever fully understand what happened in that room, but as I continue to reflect on that night, some things have come into more clear focus. I shared a long conversation with my friend Jim. He said that one thing that struck him about the evening was the authenticity. That's it! He nailed it! It was authentic. It was people being selfless, authentic, and real. People broke down because they were real with each other…and even more so because they were real with God. It was the authenticity of the night that made it powerful.

But it's also a scary thing to be authentic with God. Mike Yaconelli wrote, "The tragedy of modern faith is that we no longer are capable of being terrified. We aren't afraid of God, we aren't afraid of Jesus, we aren't afraid of the Holy Spirit. As a result, we have ended up with a need-centered gospel that attracts thousands…but transforms no one."

What I saw at APEX was the church being real with one another and with God…and it was uncomfortable. It was disconcerting. It was scary. But that is why APEX has already been an amazing ride…because it's scary real. I had a person tell me that they almost didn't come to this APEX because they couldn't handle the "emotional bodyslam" again. This person is very thankful that they came anyway. But sometimes that's what it's like when you really, truly come into contact with God. We've gotten so good at just waltzing into God's presence and saying, "Hey God. What's up?" Then we slap a high-five with Jesus and go on our merry way. Let's not forget that this is GOD that we're talking about. When we honestly and authentically come into his presence, we'd better come with honor and reverence and, yeah, even fear.

"Our world is tired of people whose God is tame. It is longing to see people whose God is big and holy and frightening and gentle and tender…and ours; a God whose love frightens us into His strong and powerful arms where He longs to whisper those terrifying words, "I love you." (Mike Yaconelli, The Safety of Fear)

Authentic faith means being authentic with God…even if that authenticity scares us to death.