ICEBREAKER
Is there something that you remember from childhood that you wanted to have the skill to do but just couldn't quite get?
Is there something that you remember from childhood that you wanted to have the skill to do but just couldn't quite get?
Focus 2 | Seeing, Not Vision
Have you ever been so lost in thought that you run into something? Or how about this: Have you ever wanted something so much that when something else happened (even if that something else was a good thing) you weren't happy with it because you were so distracted by what you had imagined?
There's a tension between reality and dreams that can hurt (whether you're running into a pole or mad about an unmet expectation.) Amazingly, God is perfect at navigating this tension even though his dreams—and subsequent disappointments—seem infinitely greater than yours will ever be. How does he do this? God's vision never blocks him from seeing—and loving—what's right in front of him because they're the same thing.
There's a tension between reality and dreams that can hurt (whether you're running into a pole or mad about an unmet expectation.) Amazingly, God is perfect at navigating this tension even though his dreams—and subsequent disappointments—seem infinitely greater than yours will ever be. How does he do this? God's vision never blocks him from seeing—and loving—what's right in front of him because they're the same thing.
Let's talk about magic eyes.
Listen to this clip when you’re ready to begin today’s Spotlight.
(And welcome, by the way! It’s great that you’re here!)
Listen to this clip when you’re ready to begin today’s Spotlight.
(And welcome, by the way! It’s great that you’re here!)
Scroll down for what you should see in the above image!
The answer? It's nothing, which hopefully helps those who struggle with stereograms feel better! All equal.
Don't worry, there will be a real one later.
Long for the kingdom of God—and find it.
As the worship portion of this Spotlight comes to a close, find rest in the tension between the expectations you may have of God and the blessed realities of the ways he meets with you outside of (and sometimes despite) those expectations.
The song you're about to listen to explores this tension. The verses are about longing—longing to see God and to be with him. They're designed to make a typical churchgoer think of eternal life in heaven—but the choruses of the song interrupt that thought with the "beatitudes" of Matthew 5.
The conclusion is that it isn't about some bright future—though that future is coming and will be good. True blessedness is in knowing that the Lord is your shepherd, NOW. In dark valley or in green pasture, you shall not want, and that means NOW. You don't have to "get somewhere" or "be some way" for this to be true.
Listen to the song, "Kingdom of God," by Jon Guerra.
(Once you press play to start the song, you can click through the lyrics in the frame below the video player.)
As the worship portion of this Spotlight comes to a close, find rest in the tension between the expectations you may have of God and the blessed realities of the ways he meets with you outside of (and sometimes despite) those expectations.
The song you're about to listen to explores this tension. The verses are about longing—longing to see God and to be with him. They're designed to make a typical churchgoer think of eternal life in heaven—but the choruses of the song interrupt that thought with the "beatitudes" of Matthew 5.
The conclusion is that it isn't about some bright future—though that future is coming and will be good. True blessedness is in knowing that the Lord is your shepherd, NOW. In dark valley or in green pasture, you shall not want, and that means NOW. You don't have to "get somewhere" or "be some way" for this to be true.
Listen to the song, "Kingdom of God," by Jon Guerra.
(Once you press play to start the song, you can click through the lyrics in the frame below the video player.)
Observe the different ways people react when responding to mercy.
Consider this story about John the Baptist. Have a volunteer read this story aloud. It might be useful to look this up on your phone or in your own Bible.
Matthew 11:2–19
When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: “ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’
"Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Whoever has ears, let them hear.
“To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: “ ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”
———
This story is full of times when people's visions and expectations for the future got in the way of their ability to actually see what was right in front of them.
Start with John the Baptist, discussing these questions:
Read and reflect on this commentator's interpretation of Jesus' indictment of their attempt at finding God in outward religiosity:
Jesus describes John's ministry and his own in vivid and contrasting metaphors. John's, he said, is like a funeral—gloomy, sincere, stern. His own? Like a wedding. It is a figure which he frequently used as token of the joy of the good news. But the representatives of Jewish religion had no use for John: they said he was possessed by a demon. They had less use for Jesus: they called him a glutton and a tippler because of his "humanness" and sociability.
Actually, they condemned themselves: they were playing at religion, as children pretend to have weddings and funerals when they play. They may not have known that they were playing, but in fact they were—using outward semblances for inward verity. They had less sincerity than children, though, for children at least live in their play while it happens. The Pharisees used their acting to deceive both their neighbors and themselves. So they resisted every earnestness, whether of John or Jesus, with confused and stubborn minds. Children rate their childish imitations over reality. So also, the Pharisees rated the formalisms of their faith above its deep commitments. Epictetus described such people: "I would have you observe that you will be turning back like children… you are now an athlete, now a gladiator, now a philosopher, now a rhetorician, yet with your whole soul, nothing."
Many of the Pharisees were in truth not as good as even that. For they were like peevish and irritable children, refusing to play any game but the one they could play best. Was there ever sharper or more damning indictment of hollowness in religion?
Thus, truth confronts us:
There is warning truth: it is easy to make religion a game, and meanwhile to imagine that the reproduction is the reality.
There is positive and saving truth: the joy of the good news. Jesus is one with us: he is at home in our homes. That fact shines clear behind the sneer of the Pharisees.
The parable he used only underscores the fact. He had watched with a smile while children wailed with the flute players at a "funeral," and danced to the music at a "wedding." He shared their life. He shares our life, too, to redeem it from its pretenses and outright lies, if we will have him; and to fill it with his own pure joy.
———
What does this commentator’s take lead you to think about when it comes to the difference between “seeing” and “vision” for Christians today?
Matthew 11:2–19
When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”
As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear fine clothes are in kings’ palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: “ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’
"Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and violent people have been raiding it. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. Whoever has ears, let them hear.
“To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: “ ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.”
———
This story is full of times when people's visions and expectations for the future got in the way of their ability to actually see what was right in front of them.
Start with John the Baptist, discussing these questions:
- What is his status in the beginning of the story?
- From there, he sent disciples to see Jesus. Why would John be looking for some assurance at this point, considering his current predicament?
- What Jesus gave as an answer was not the answer John (or just about anyone alive at the time) wanted. They wanted a king, a victorious leader, and someone who would make an era of peace-through-power. What does Jesus point them to instead?
- What does this say to your expectations for the success of the Kingdom of God? What will it look like/what will it not look like?
Read and reflect on this commentator's interpretation of Jesus' indictment of their attempt at finding God in outward religiosity:
Jesus describes John's ministry and his own in vivid and contrasting metaphors. John's, he said, is like a funeral—gloomy, sincere, stern. His own? Like a wedding. It is a figure which he frequently used as token of the joy of the good news. But the representatives of Jewish religion had no use for John: they said he was possessed by a demon. They had less use for Jesus: they called him a glutton and a tippler because of his "humanness" and sociability.
Actually, they condemned themselves: they were playing at religion, as children pretend to have weddings and funerals when they play. They may not have known that they were playing, but in fact they were—using outward semblances for inward verity. They had less sincerity than children, though, for children at least live in their play while it happens. The Pharisees used their acting to deceive both their neighbors and themselves. So they resisted every earnestness, whether of John or Jesus, with confused and stubborn minds. Children rate their childish imitations over reality. So also, the Pharisees rated the formalisms of their faith above its deep commitments. Epictetus described such people: "I would have you observe that you will be turning back like children… you are now an athlete, now a gladiator, now a philosopher, now a rhetorician, yet with your whole soul, nothing."
Many of the Pharisees were in truth not as good as even that. For they were like peevish and irritable children, refusing to play any game but the one they could play best. Was there ever sharper or more damning indictment of hollowness in religion?
Thus, truth confronts us:
There is warning truth: it is easy to make religion a game, and meanwhile to imagine that the reproduction is the reality.
There is positive and saving truth: the joy of the good news. Jesus is one with us: he is at home in our homes. That fact shines clear behind the sneer of the Pharisees.
The parable he used only underscores the fact. He had watched with a smile while children wailed with the flute players at a "funeral," and danced to the music at a "wedding." He shared their life. He shares our life, too, to redeem it from its pretenses and outright lies, if we will have him; and to fill it with his own pure joy.
———
What does this commentator’s take lead you to think about when it comes to the difference between “seeing” and “vision” for Christians today?
Hopes and Expectations for Illume Church
Step 1: Reflect on Your Hopes and Expectations
Step 2: Recognize Potential Challenges
Step 3: Share and Discuss
Step 4: Pray Together
- Before discussing with others, take a few moments to answer these questions for yourself. Be honest about what you hope Illume Church will become and what expectations you bring to its ministry.
- Reflection Questions:
- What do you hope Illume Church will accomplish in the next few years? (Think about the kind of community it serves and the connections it builds.)
- What specific outcomes would make you feel that Illume Church is successful? (For example: strong small groups, impactful outreach, or consistent worship gatherings.)
Step 2: Recognize Potential Challenges
- Our hopes and expectations can inspire us, but they can also limit our ability to see how God is leading Illume. Take a moment to reflect on how your vision might need to grow or shift. There is great value in acting as your own critic. Taking the time to disagree with yourself—to challenge your own assumptions and desires—can reveal surprising insights. When you do this, you make space for growth, humility, and a clearer understanding of what God may be doing. Ask yourself: “What if I’m wrong? What if God has something better in mind than I expect?” This exercise doesn’t diminish your hopes; it refines them.
- Reflection Questions:
- Where do your personal hopes for Illume Church come from?(Are they based on past experiences, personal preferences, or assumptions?)
- How might your expectations get in the way of recognizing what God is doing through Illume Church?(Are you open to God leading in unexpected ways?)
Step 3: Share and Discuss
- Gather with a small group to share your reflections. Focus on how your personal hopes and expectations intersect with what God may be doing through Illume Church.
- Discussion Prompts:
- What hopes or expectations did you write down that might need to shift?
- Where do you see opportunities for trusting God’s unexpected work?
Step 4: Pray Together
- Close your discussion by praying together. Ask God to open your hearts to His vision for Illume Church’s ministry and to help you see where mercy, not personal sacrifice, will guide the way.
- Lord,
we bring our hopes and dreams to you.
Help us to see where our desires align with your will,
and where they need to be reshaped.
May we always be open to your leading,
trusting that your mercy makes space
for something far greater than we could imagine. Amen.
Feel free to submit a prayer request by filling out the below form.
(If you choose to make your request public, you'll see it display in the Current at the end of the Spotlight along with anyone else who did the same.)
(If you choose to make your request public, you'll see it display in the Current at the end of the Spotlight along with anyone else who did the same.)
Pray through your requests—together—as a group.
After submitting your requests in the above form, take some time to share with your group whatever requests the group might have for this week.
After submitting your requests in the above form, take some time to share with your group whatever requests the group might have for this week.
See Jesus—right now.
Jesus says you can see him—right now. You just have to see things a little differently than people usually do. While teaching people about what is truly important as recorded in Matthew 24 & 25, Jesus is abundantly clear about where you can interact with him right now.
Matthew 25:34–40
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
———
There's a lot to unpack here, but for the sake of closing today, it's enough to say that this is what it looks like to see* God.
*For what it's worth, this is why God commanded his people:
You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
Exodus 20:4
There are better, more powerful ways to see him than idols.
Jesus says you can see him—right now. You just have to see things a little differently than people usually do. While teaching people about what is truly important as recorded in Matthew 24 & 25, Jesus is abundantly clear about where you can interact with him right now.
Matthew 25:34–40
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
———
There's a lot to unpack here, but for the sake of closing today, it's enough to say that this is what it looks like to see* God.
*For what it's worth, this is why God commanded his people:
You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
Exodus 20:4
There are better, more powerful ways to see him than idols.
Close with this song encouraging you to find God—here and now.
(Once you press play to start the song, you can click through the lyrics in the frame below the video player.)
(Once you press play to start the song, you can click through the lyrics in the frame below the video player.)
Let's wrap things up by taking a look at what's Current at Illume.
Tap on the buttons in the frame below to see what’s currently happening at Illume—information on everything from current and upcoming online content to live events and opportunities to serve in the community can all be found here.
Tap on the buttons in the frame below to see what’s currently happening at Illume—information on everything from current and upcoming online content to live events and opportunities to serve in the community can all be found here.
Posted in Illume in a Certain Light
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