Encountering the Tenderness of Jesus: A Deep Dive with Dr. Rob Reimer
“Do you love God more this year than you did two years ago? Do you love people more today than you did a year and a half ago?” - Dr. Rob Reimer
I've had the privilege of engaging in conversations that are not only thought-provoking but also soul-stirring. In a recent episode, my co-host Lindsy and I sat down with Dr. Rob Reimer, a man whose life and work embody the pursuit of spiritual renewal and a deeper understanding of the Divine. In this blog post, I want to share with you the profound insights and personal reflections from our conversation with Dr. Reimer, whose experiences with faith and ministry have left an indelible mark on many.
A Journey of Faith and Surrender
Dr. Rob Reimer, a professor of pastoral theology and the founder of Renewal International, graced us with his presence on the podcast. His passion for seeing the kingdom of God advance through spiritual renewal is palpable, and it was an honor to delve into his personal testimony. Dr. Reimer opened up about his upbringing in a church environment and a transformative encounter with Jesus during a personal crisis. This pivotal moment of surrendering his life to Christ led to an outpouring of God's love that shaped his calling to ministry.
The Dark Night of the Soul
I shared my own experience of encountering the Holy Spirit and discussed with Dr. Reimer the concept of the "dark night of the soul." He recounted a period where he felt the absence of God's presence, a time that brought him to a deeper understanding of dying to self. This experience was a crucible, forging a greater manifestation of God's power in his ministry.
Sovereignty and Free Will
Our conversation took a turn to the sovereignty of God, where Dr. Reimer challenged the notion that God orchestrates every event in the universe. He made a compelling case that, while God is steering history towards His ultimate purposes, He has also endowed humanity with a degree of sovereignty and choice. This balance between Divine sovereignty and human agency was a refreshing perspective that sparked much reflection.
The Tenderness of Jesus
Dr. Reimer's insights on the tenderness of Jesus were particularly moving. He spoke of the importance of viewing life through this lens, especially when grappling with the problem of evil and the church's imperfections. A poignant moment was his recounting of a conversation with his daughter during a vacation in Hawaii, which inspired him to write his book "The Tenderness of Jesus" as a response to her struggles with faith.
Soul Care and Authentic Humility
The importance of soul care was a central theme, with Dr. Reimer emphasizing the need to clear the clutter of the soul to make room for Christ's fullness and freedom. He called for a transformation of the heart and a shift from self-centeredness to an obsession with Jesus and others. This heart-centered approach to faith and ministry is a clarion call for authenticity and genuine love for God and others.
Encountering God Through the Lens of the Cross and Eternity
Dr. Reimer encouraged us to look at God through the lens of the cross and eternity. The cross, he explained, reveals God's compassionate caring goodness, while the lens of eternity offers hope that all suffering and injustice will one day be overcome. He shared his own experiences of grief and homesickness, reminding us of our eternal citizenship.
Classic Soul Care Literature
In our discussion, Dr. Reimer shared his top three classic soul care books, including "Let Go" by Francois Fenelon, "The Life of Saint Anthony" by Athanasius, and works by modern authors like Dallas Willard and Ruth Haley Barton. These books, he noted, offer a synergy of head and heart that is crucial for encountering Jesus beyond mere theological knowledge.
Miraculous Encounters and the Power of Prayer
A powerful testament to faith came when Dr. Reimer shared a miraculous encounter in Brazil, where a woman's tumor disappeared after prayer. This story, reminiscent of the Azusa revival miracles, challenges our rational thinking and inspires a more passionate approach to prayer.
A Prayer for Intimacy and Transformation
The episode concluded with Dr. Reimer offering a heartfelt prayer for deeper intimacy with Jesus, a revelation of His love, and a life that reflects His presence and advances His kingdom.
Final Thoughts
Our conversation with Dr. Reimer was a profound reminder of the transformative power of encountering Jesus and the importance of a genuine, heart-centered approach to faith and ministry. It's my hope that this blog post has conveyed the essence of our discussion and that you, too, are inspired to seek a deeper connection with the divine, embracing the tenderness of Jesus in every aspect of your life.
