On Adventure and the Advent of God

I often wonder how many people associate the word "God" with "adventure", and yet, is that not what discipleship is? The Latin origins of the word "adventure" mean to leave yourself to that which is to come, whatever it may be. The adventure of faith and of discipleship is surrendering to and following after a wild-hearted Savior. It is surrendering your heart to the One who plunged over the abyss from the Father's side and fell across the impossibly distant divide of the finite and the infinite on the greatest adventure conceivable, abandoning himself to whatever would become of him in a world that would not recognize him. The Incarnation, the Advent of God, was the greatest adventure ever conceived. Only the mind of God could have dreamt such a thing. Only He could walk the infinitely winding road to where sin had led us. He knew that if He were to find us, that if he were to truly be the Messiah, the redeemer of all things, he must also be the ultimate Explorer; for no place, absolutely no place, could be left untouched by his love.

Indeed he is the Great Disturber (be careful if you meet him!), he is the Wandering Vagabond who carves initials and hearts in the shadows as he waits at the doors of our souls. And what is more startling and troubling than to be loved absolutely? How much more we prefer to be judged by God than to be loved! At least judgment can be predicted! At least judgment will speak its word and be done with us and leave us alone! Oh! To us, that is a mercy! To be loved... God! Who knows what could happen to you!? Who knows where that wild-hearted Savior could take you if you trusted completely in His love?! Who knows what adventure he might call you to when he arrives from across the universe at the doorstep of your heart, looking for your love?

Written by: Fr. Nathan Sparks