Like Abraham, we're called to be a blessing. God has a mission, therefore, there is a church. God has a mission to heal the world that he loves, so he calls together communities to be witnesses. (I need to be careful with that sentence: I don't mean everyone is called to evangelize, but we're called to reflect the character of God, together). This is what God is frequently up to--he's calling people together to be witnesses, to be a blessing. It's our call as well.
But to get there, God will frequently call us to leave the familiar. God will call us to leave what we find so comfortable so that we can embrace the new. It's a critical step that should not even need much comment. However, this is where many struggle. Isn't this where New Year's resolutions fail? People make a commitment, forgetting that every commitment requires a renunciation. If you want to read 100 books this year, you'll have to unplug the TV. So it is for our spiritual lives. God calls us to follow him and join him in a new adventure. But to do that, we often--not always--are called to leave the familiar. We must leave the sin that so easily entangles. Or perhaps we're being called to a ministry, and we must leave the TV shows we really enjoy--moving away from the trite toward a treasure.
Now please hear me: I'm not trying to paint dramatic pictures of leaving the Tri-Valley area. I'm envisioning a renunciation of a self focussed solely on comfort (or on some other idol) for a self centered on God and His will. I'm also envisioning several tiny renunciations that keep us from getting stuck in a habit or a way of thinking which keeps us from loving others. In short, most of us will not have to go anywhere in order to leave.
The next part of the formula is that we're called to journey with God. Abraham is not given a map or timeline--just a call to go with God, and God will show him the land. It's truly a journey.
The same is true for us. We're not called to follow some rules but to follow our savior. It will be different for all of us. But still we follow together. Each person must decide whether or not he or she will respond and follow Jesus. You won't know what it looks like. It's a journey, but a journey well worth it.
I pray God will continue to show the way you should go.
Peace.
1 comment:
The call in the text of Isa 51:1 "Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock (whence) ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit (whence) ye are digged." exhorts us to cleave fast to Jesus The Christ, the rock of our salvation, his promise of redemption and our citizenship in the kingdom of Heaven.
Psa 12:6 "The promises of the LORD are promises that are pure, silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times."
To follow after him is to serve him. Jhn 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will (my) Father honour."
Oh for Grace to Trust Him More!
Help us, Lord, day by day to give up more of ourselves for your cleansing so that you can impute more of your character in us. Put a strong desire in us for the love of your Word (Christ Jesus and the Bible) for your glory and honor and praise! Amen.
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