Introduction
The people of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Hickman, Neb., have organized a Spirit-Driven Task Force, bringing together almost forty members who have committed to a year of study, prayer, reflection, and deliberation to discern how God is calling the congregation to renewal for the sake of his mission.
This is the twentieth of a series of weekly meditations with the aim to inspire reflection and encourage conversation among the members of the task force as we journey together in obedience to our Lord’s calling to serve him. You can find an archive of these meditations on the Web at http://widesky.biz/blog/ephemera/spirit-driven-task-force-meditations.
Author
Pastor Ron Drury, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, a member of the Spirit Driven Task Force and advisor to its Steering Committee.
Scripture
“But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not be afraid! Am I in the place of God? Even though you intended to do harm to me, God intended it for good, in order to preserve a numerous people, as He is doing today. So have no fear; I myself will provide for you and your little ones.’ In this way he reassured them, speaking kindly to them: (Genesis 50:19–21, New Revised Standard Version, Reading for the Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost)
Meditation
This is and has been for many years one of my favorite Old Testament stories. I see so much power in these words and, more importantly, the amazing grace of God at work in the lives of God’s people thousands of years ago and now! There is so much cheating, cruelty, deception, disobedience, favoritism, lying, and sadness throughout the first book of the Bible … that it is such a blessing to end with this account of forgiveness, grace, mercy and trust in the Almighty!
The story of Joseph being almost murdered and then sold into slavery by his own brothers causes me to ponder how I treated my sisters. I know I made mistakes with my three little siblings (and still do), yet I take some comfort in the fact that I was nowhere near as cruel to them as these sons of Jacob were to each other. Even Joseph jerked his brothers around before telling them who he really was, when they came to Pharaoh’s second-hand man for assistance.
Genesis makes it very clear that it is God who is in control! The loving Lord of all brings good out of the worst situations—even when we cause them or bring them upon ourselves! Not one of these humans is blameless or righteous in these stories, only God is continually working to bring righteousness to all!
Thirty-four years ago this weekend people gathered at the Norris School for our first worship celebration with Pastor Robert Fedde. We have come a long way here on 68th … and are called to continue to move forward in faith! Trust in God, mercy, grace, and forgiveness have taken us this far, and it is the only path that will lead us faithfully into the future. Ten years ago, terrible tragedy struck this great nation of ours and since then so much has changed. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have been, are and will continue to be with us and the steadfast love of the Lord has not changed! May we be inspired by this scripture to give thanks to God, share forgiveness, and to “do mission” with Jesus!
Reflection
- Who in your life needs to realize that you regularly give thanks to God? Invite them to worship next Sunday, September 18, for “You have a friend here Sunday!” Worship at 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. with our Learning Hour in between.
- Who would be blessed by your sharing with them a forgiving moment or word?
- How can we allow the Holy Spirit to empower us to be in mission together in Jesus?
Prayer
Merciful Maker of all, move us to an attitude of gratitude as we, through the Spirit, share forgiveness and you remove fear so we can see the good you desire for all to do mission in Jesus. Amen.