|
I am the God who was worshiped by your ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses was afraid to look at God, and so he hid his face.
-Exodus 3:6
As I left the church on Sunday, I opened the glass doors to the welcome center. Trapped in the storm door breezeway was a small bird. I used a table to prop open the exterior pair of doors. But the poor bird was so panicked, he continued flying into windows. I knew that part of what was so scary was my presence. I tried to guide him to freedom, but that only caused him to panic more. I became very still and waited for him to find his own way to the open doors. Eventually, he flew right for the opening. And into one of the doors. He lay dazed and motionless. I was afraid he was greatly injured or dead. I poked him gently with a pen and he stirred and flew away.
I thought about what it must be like for the bird,what it would be like for anyone to have such an experience of wonder and fear. I thought about Moses trembling in the presence of God and what that must truly be like. I thought about how God showed Moses the path to freedom for him and his people and how he was too frightened at first. Like the bird, it took some assurance, it took some prodding. And so it is for us sometimes. An opportunity presents itself, a door opens, a person in need or a purpose we can lend our work and gifts to fulfilling stands before us. In such moments, the door stands open, the way is clear, and we may even know God has opened the door wide. Where we are is safe, but where God is calling us to be is wider, freer, and with much greater possibility and purpose.
There’s a lot of uncertainty in our world at the moment. Some opportunities to serve have reopened. New needs have emerged. And we are struggling to find safe and wise ways to help or engage. Is there a way you used to serve but have put on pause? It may be time to return. Is there something you’ve hesitated to try? Now may be the time. Have you tried something before and it was a struggle or you were dazed and deterred? Maybe it’s time to try again. Is there a new opportunity to step up, spread your wings, and trust that the God of open doors, new freedom, and your very wings is calling you to serve? As the new school year starts, I encourage you to be in touch with your JCPC elders and staff and mission team. We are eager to show you all the open doors, and go with you through them. We are a family of faith. Let’s go serve together.
|
