Continue to Carry the Vision

This message was preached at Christ Church Fair Haven on June 26, 2016.

Continue to Carry the Vision

2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14

Friends I have a confession-change will always come in your life. I know shocker...but change will happen as society grows, as people gain wisdom, as life goes on. It’s rarely gradual and even with preparation it can feel sudden and be unsettling. But here’s the thing, eventually that change becomes normal. Eventually you forget that it was even a change at all.

In our United Methodist tradition we are in a season of transition and change. Here at Christ Church you will be welcoming a new pastor next week and getting to know him and his wife. And this makes todays scripture passage even more relevant.

In our passage from 2 Kings we are privy to a number of transitions. We see Elijah transition from life to life eternal, we see leadership transition from Elijah to Elisha, we even see a shift in the nature of prophetic work-focusing on miracles rather than talk. And in all of these transitions we are reminded of the need for preparation.

Elisha had been learning, and journeying with Elijah for his entire life. He had seen miracles performed, he had learned about the importance of God and Gods work. He had grown, and developed as an individual and as a leader. Yet even with all of this Elijah’s departure feels sudden. Elisha’s words could have been said by any of us, we dont want things to get upturned in our worlds. Those who we love, who impacted our lives, who helped shape and grow who we are and what we believe hold such an important place in our narrative. 

I grew up in a church where many of the members were older than my parents. I was blessed to learn from many of them about service and what it means to live out a life of faith in the world. In the last 2 years a number of them have passed on but I have been reminded of the lessons they  and others have taught me. Ms. Esther taught me to be generous, Ruth taught me to never take myself to seriously, Delroy taught me to work hard and with joy, Ms Una taught me to always be learning and gaining wisdom….and so many more. And I imagine that you too can think of those, living and gone, who have impacted you. 

Yet this is not the important and relevant part of this story. “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit”. I struggled with this request at first. DId Elisha want to be better? Did he want to be remembered as more prophetic? Why would he ask for double? Does he not know the work that will entail and the burden it may be?

And as I reflected more I relized THAT should be our legacy. That those we leave behind should have be so inspired that they want to do more in memory of us but also in confidence of their ability. That those we leave behind should eagerly want to continue the work. See Elisha had journeyed for so long he knew what was trying to be accomplished. He knew the takeaway- that God would do AMAZING things for Gods people through prophetic leadership. He knew the sacrifice and work that Elijah had put forth and was encouraged and inspired.

At the end of todays scripture passage we see that the transition is complete. ELisha’s great faith allows him to part waters and move forward. I must believe that he was still sad of the passing of his beloved mentor, but also so grateful for the lessons and the security of knowing  that he could continue the work. 

Beloved what is the vision of this place? Not where do you see the building in five years, or how do we maintain what is being done but what is the prophetic work of this place? How are you showing this community who Jesus is, how are you transforming the world, how are you making disciples? How has the effect of those who passed, and pastors who have transitioned from this place affected who you are as a community?

What is your identity? What are you known for? If you asked someone in town about this church what would they say? Would they even know about you? These are the things that shape the vision.

These questions are hard but they are also a challenge. There is a VISION, you just have to remind each other about it. There is an AMAZING community in this place and beyond that you must tap into, because my goodness the potential is astounding. There is an adjustment period. As you enter into new relationship and new covenant with Rev Ferguson next week I encourage you to take it slow. He will not be the same as former pastors, you wont be the same as former congregations. But you need to take time to adjust and learn one anothers habits and tics. And you must feel confident to shake things up, try something new, open your souls and your hearts to Gods ever moving Spirit.

Beloved I encourage you to pray as individuals and as community to our all knowing, ever present God, who is ready to show you where you need to go. Change happens. But regardless of the change, regardless of whatever life throws at you, continue to carry out the vision.

Amen