For Just a Time as This
Tenth
Sunday after Pentecost
August
17, 2014
Genesis
45:1-15
Romans
11:1-2a, 16-21, 29-32
When I was in
college I attended the midweek services held at the theological school. Occurring
3 days a week, these services were open to everyone, never lasting more than an
hour. I stumbled across this service one day and began attending regularly. These
midweek services were such a pick me up amid papers to be written, tests to be
taken and various commitments. They helped to center me and focus me. They also
helped me to form connections with individuals who helped me affirm my call in
ministry.
See I had
avoided this call for a while. I preached my first sermon at 14, led worship
for various events, facilitated small groups in high school, and got involved
with the non-denominational Christian group on campus within a month of
starting college. Yet I still resisted about what I was called to do. It was
easier to say “it’s not for me”, “I must be misunderstanding God” or even “I’m too
scared to do this”. But as time has gone on I have slowly let down my walls and
guard and allowed God to work.
During my junior
year I got introduced to the Communities of Shalom. This group sponsored by the
United Methodist Church and housed at Drew University began as a response to
the conditions and aftermath of the Los Angeles riots in 1992. Communities of
Shalom trains and equips local ministry teams in asset-based and collaborative
approaches to systemic change, economic prosperity, healing and health and
sustainability.[1]Essentially
you are trained to become a community organizer for a pre-determined zone. The
Shalom Zone model has been replicated throughout the United States and around
the world.
As an
undergraduate the Shalom program was not really open to me. But after
discussion and approval of the deans I was able to go through certification to become
a Shalom minister. That summer I got placed in Washington State to work with a
homeless feeding program organizing volunteer involvement and programming. The
original position transitioned into so much more and provided interactions with
those who were struggling but still maintained their faith and trust in God
despite their situations. I learned so much that summer about ministry and
about myself. It shifted how I acted and reacted to certain circumstances and allowed
me to enter my senior year knowing seminary was the next step after graduation.
Starting
seminary and continuing has been an adventure in itself but through it all I
have been affirmed and reminded of my calling and the path God has laid for me.
I have tried to encourage, nurture and learn more about my gifts, and I don’t
think I will ever be able to stop doing this.
Our Romans
passage tells us “for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable”. To
have something be irrevocable means not able to be changed or reversed, to be permanent.
We ALL have gifts, strengths, and skills that are part of us and are meant to
be shared with the world. The interactions we have with others at different
parts of our lives help to shape and mold us into the fullest beings we can be.
By ignoring what God has tasked us with I believe we will always feel like a
part of us is empty or unsettled. If God has granted you with a skill he will
help you to truly express it. What is God calling you to do?
In our Old
Testament lesson we continue our story from last week about Joseph. We find
Joseph reconnecting with his brothers years after they sold him into slavery
and after he has raised in ranks of the Egyptian government. With this new
position of power we might expect to find a changed Joseph, one who is cold and
authoritative. I expect him to yell, scream, tell his brothers how terrible
they are, have the Egyptians thrown them in prison, or even kill them. Yet we
find a man so overcome with his joy at seeing his brothers he weeps loudly, a
Joseph who has come to terms with their actions, one who sees the hand of God
in this whole adventure.
Eight chapters
earlier we are introduced to Joseph. He is his father’s favorite son, He ticks
off his brothers because he has symbolic dreams of them bowing to him and they
hate him. Joseph’s ability for interpretation was what saved him in Egypt. By
correctly interpreting and guiding Pharaoh Joseph is taken care of and given a
high position. This power allows him to take care of his family during an
intense drought. His interpretations allowed for planning to occur seven years
earlier. It was not an instant solution; rather actions were taken place over
time for the right time. In all of these ups and downs Joseph continues to look
to God for help and guidance, un-wavering.
Each of us and
our lives have purpose. Are we leaving to fulfill this? A woman I know from
college has been inspiring me recently. I only knew her through others but
thought she had such a beautiful spirit. Almost 4 months ago she began to sell head
wraps. She designed them and sewed them and started selling a few at a time.
The response to her creation was enormous. In these short months she has
expanded to jewelry, head chains, skirts and t-shirts. While her products are
beautiful I think it’s the message behind that is really inspiring. She has
named her company “Fanm Djanm” which means “strong woman”. Her belief is “that there are strong women everywhere. Some
know their strength, and others haven't yet figured theirs out. This brand is
to empower women from all walks of life to be bold, beautiful, and powerful.”[2]
Many have been inspired by her mission, realizing their worth and encouraging
others to realize the same. Her mission is inspiring but also a challenge of
sorts for us. Does our life have a mission?
In a world that
seems to be going crazy with violence and hatred among strangers, communities,
neighbors and friends, what are we doing to encourage peace? What actions are
we taking to build each other up? There are so many things we have each been
gifted with to use. These gifts may not always be gifts of song or public
speaking, maybe you are a great listener, or you work well with children, or
you are intentional with friendships and nurturing them. Are you recognizing
these gifts for the beauty they hold?
As we prepare
for a new church year have you been wrestling with getting involved with a
ministry here? Have you been questioning your job or relationships? Pray on
them, question yourself, honor the gifts you have been given. Begin to do
something or get involved with something that makes your soul smile. I encourage you in the words of Joseph
“Hurry”. You are prepared and preparing for just a time as this.
