ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
November 12, 2021
I got an email from the magazine Sojourners yesterday and it referenced the words from Isaiah 43:2…
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.
Have you ever felt like you were absolutely ready for a piece of scripture, as if your recent experiences allowed you to read or hear the words in a way you never had before? I read the words from Isaiah from an individual perspective, a church perspective and from the perspective of a certain group of pastors I know. From each perspective, there have been some turbulent waters capable of pulling us under, but they did not. There were some pretty intense flames, but we were not consumed. None of us came out unscathed. There were clear wounds from the challenges faced, but I am finding those around me feeling as if they are emerging on the other side of some pretty rough stuff (a little different for everyone) with a spirit of optimism, hope and excitement. There is a sense of purpose, both individually and communally. It is not cockiness, but a greater appreciation of others, their unique journeys and how those journeys can work together for something special.
Whatever my challenges might be, O God of the Journey, I hope you will help me use the learned experience for greater compassion and service. Everyone has a story, and though our challenges are different, your Spirit can change our greatest misery into ministry. May it be so. Amen.
