RETREAT TO ADVANCE (2022)

In the early sixth century, cultural Christianity was shifting. The Roman emperor had recently been converted, and the entire civilized world become ruled by the church. Where following Jesus had previously meant denying yourself and taking up your cross, now it meant stability, access to power, and an opportunity for wealth and status. It was not only tolerable to be called a Christian—it was preferable. The rise of CINOs (Christians-In-Name-Only) seriously threatened the way of the cross. And so, a few brave followers retreated into the deserts to rekindle their passion for God and love for others.

In order to pursue a greater witness, to live out the testimony of God , sometimes we have to retreat in order to advance. To withdraw in order to engage. To draw near to God’s presence in order to truly be present with others.

Maybe you’ve grown tired with something. Maybe it’s your job, maybe it’s your church, or THE church, maybe it’s the political conversation or the media drone. I don’t know. And something in you just wants to run. To escape from it all. But perhaps what God is calling you toward is not escape, but retreat. Retreat is a missional strategy, a regrouping, an reassessment, a reformation of your priorities and purposes. The sixth century monastics did not leave for the deserted spaces to protest, or to escape. They retreated for the wilderness in order to regroup and advance in the mission of God. In the wilderness, they rediscovered Jesus. They rediscovered the simple way of following.