'This is why it is so crucial that we be all the more engaged and attentive to the truths that we have heard so that we do not drift off course.'
(Hebrews 2:1, The Passion Translation)
PHOTO from June 2002: Jeff Schofield, Josh Harris, Myself
I am sad about the valley Josh Harris is (publicly) walking through in his life right now:
- The end of a marriage is the loss of a gift from God.
- The shipwrecking of one's faith grieves the Holy Spirit.
Josh is a good guy who has produced strong discipleship materials in the past including books I still reference on my personal bookshelf:
Yes, I know that a few years ago Josh disavowed his books.
That was a bummer to hear, yet I still believe firmly in these Scripture-drenched discipleship tools.
And I still believe in Josh Harris.
I'm just sad that in this season of his life, things are being deconstructed and are very public.
Separation and divorce are painful enough without the added fishbowl of social media thrown into the mix.
I pray for Josh, Shannon, and their children.
I pray for their former church family.
I pray.
'For there are many who reject these teachings and are now outside of the true faith, such as Hymenaeus and Alexander who have fallen away.'
(Paul in 1 Timothy 1:19-20)
I don't think the Apostle Paul felt smugness or judgement when writing these ancient, inspired words of Scripture.
The Holy Spirit directed Paul's pen on the parchment.
Walking away from Christ is painful to watch.
As a pastor, I'll be honest: It felt like a punch to the gut reading Josh's words on Instagram.
I am not privy to Josh's personal life nor should I be.
My response is to pray for him.
'For even though they were once a part of us, they withdrew from us because they were never really of our number.
For if they had truly belonged to us they would have continued with us.
By leaving our community of believers they made it obvious that they never really belonged to us.'
(1 John 2:19)
I pray this is a temporary deconstruction like when Peter denied Christ.
I pray that Christ Followers will show grace and kindness to Josh in this season.
I pray that the world will see repentance and restoration -- an explosion of God's grace that creates awe and wonder.
'Before you were led astray, you were so faithful to Messiah. Why have you now turned away from what is right and true? Who has deceived you?
The One who enfolded you into his grace is not behind this false teaching that you’ve embraced. Not at all!
Don’t you know that when you allow even a little lie into your heart, it can permeate your entire belief system?
Deep in my heart I have faith that the Lord Jesus the Anointed One, who lives in you, will bring you back around to the truth.'
(Paul in Galatians 5:7-10)
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