Lectionary Readings: Genesis 12:1-9; Psalm 33:1-12; Romans 4: 13-25; Matthew 9:9-13, 18-26.
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.” Genesis 9:1-2
I’m not always compliant when someone orders me to do something. I’m much more likely to comply if the situation is explained and the time frame is reasonable. The best approach for me is some sort of request that can be refused if necessary, but God doesn’t often work that way, at least in our Bible stories. It seems that God does a lot of ordering, especially in the Old Testament. I cannot imagine the faith that Abraham had in God to do as God commanded—to leave his homeland and move his entire ‘clan’ to a new land he knew nothing about. I know I could find at least a million excuses for not paying attention to a message like that. Even in the New Testament, the disciples left their jobs and families when Jesus said: “Follow Me.” I’m pretty sure I couldn’t do that, if Jesus walked the earth today. But, what is God calling me to do?
The Bible has many stories of ordinary men complying with God’s commands (Noah, Samuel, etc.). We also have stories of those who tried to ignore God’s wishes at first hearing and the consequences of their actions (Jonah, Jacob, Moses, etc.). I know that God speaks to us through our prayer conversations, through our readings and music. He speaks to us through our leaders (ministers and teachers). God speaks through any number of friends and family members. He speaks through the beauty and wonder of nature. God also speaks to us through ordinary situations and in ordinary circumstances. The point is: ARE WE LISTENING? What is God calling you to do today? What task is on your heart? Where will you be asked to go? And then: WILL YOU DO AS GOD COMMANDS? The hymn below helps put into words my fears and concerns about God’s calling.
Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown, will you let my name be known,
will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?
Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?
Will you love the “you” you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you’ve found to reshape the world around
Through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?
Lord, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In your company I’ll go where your love and footsteps show.
Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.
by John Bell
Dear God, we come to you asking for the faith to open our lives to your call. We know your gifts are all that we need for any situation or command. We know that you will lead us through any situation with all the necessary skills and knowledge for the task. Be with all of your ministers who have been called to serve new congregations this summer. We know that you are already at work in their lives and in the hearts of those they will serve. Please, help us all to open our hearts and minds to your commands and then send us the courage to follow. Here am I, Send me. Amen
Chyrl Budd
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