Today was it.
His last day preaching as Sr. Pastor.
We all stood for minutes clapping and cheering as he stood to preach.
A tear would form in my eye. Seriously.
For me, it was a slow admiration. When he first arrived to SBC 17 years ago, I was less than pumped. I was used to Darryl DelHousaye and his phenomenal preaching (plus his extra large heart and love for people). But, Jamie Rasmussen grew on me. As a family we would sit directly in front just to hear every word. He was not only growing on me, his words would become something I would crave weekly. Our church grew tremendously in these last few years because of his leadership and vision.
Every message he would preach would center around ONE THEME:
Grace.
Yes, Grace.
No ego. No haughtiness. No piety. No holier than thou.
Just Grace.
Wow, do we all need to hear this. Why? Well, that is what his last message was all about.
Three simple points:
1. Life is not fair.
This is truly why God sent Jesus. Grace and mercy abounds. Think of the prodigal son and his “perfect” older brother. This older brother would mouth these words..THAT IS NOT FAIR! I’ve done EVERYTHING right and you reward HIM?? God’s grace and mercy ERASE fairness. God says, “You deserve what you get, but guess what? I overlook ALL OF IT.” Ergo, Jesus. He is our ticket to grace, mercy, and eternal life (and I’ll add PEACE).
2. You are not entitled.
When we expect God’s blessings because we’ve done it all perfectly (read our Bibles, been on time, had a good job, been a good mom or dad, gone to church weekly…blah blah blah..), we (not stating it out loud) BELIEVE and FEEL we DESERVE all HIS blessings, RIGHT!!? If we did live this way, guess what happens, you become an angry, discouraged, resentful human. I don’t “deserve” anything EXCEPT God’s ONE promise. “I will never leave you nor forsake you/ I will BE WITH YOU till the end of the age.” DONE. (it was done through Jesus). Ah, now that is peace. And that leads to point 3.
3. The Father Loves you Anyway.
In Luke 15: 31-32 “My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” And then it ends. Takeaway? Being FOUND is what matters. STAY near HIM and HE will stay NEAR to you. If you have your fists in the air and your arms crossed pouting because you haven’t gotten your way (sounds too familiar I’m afraid), then you are going to live a life (of) hell..(figuratively). But, turn to Him and let HIM love you with open arms, and you will have (not an easy life), but a life filled with PEACE in the midst of the storms.
I couldn’t have received a better message for Jamie’s last dance. It truly hit home for me especially.
Grace is not a transaction.
It’s a gift.
And in these past few years through health struggles, disappointment, rebuilding, slowing down, I’ve had to let go of entitlement in ways I didn’t even know were there.
I’ve had to unclench my fists.
I’ve had to stop measuring my faithfulness by outcomes.
I’ve had to let the Father love me anyway.
Grace.
In a world that screams fairness, comparison, hustle, and earning, grace still stands.
And maybe that is what we crave most.
Not a fair life.
Not an entitled one.
But a life rooted in the steady, undeserved, unwavering love of the Father.
I’ll miss you, Jamie. Thank goodness you will still be a PAL! (Pastor-At Large) (HA!…they gave him a new title as not to lose him completely).
