Dear family,
There is a famous quote, and i will paraphrase here, "If i succeed at anything, it is because i stand the shoulders of giants." In other words, if i achieve anything, if i leave any sort of legacy, and if i can make any difference, it is because i have stood in the steps of those who went before me, making it possible for me to experience success. We need trailblazers, to ease the rough roads, so we can continue their challenge and further their calling. It doesn't matter if we are talking about cancer research, discoveries in mathematics, building a beautiful garden, or continuing the work of Jesus: Peacefully, simply, together.
And its natural, biblical, to depend on the work of previous generations to guide and direct our work and our ministries. Abraham paved the way for Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Moses paved the way for Joshua and the others. Saul paved the way for David, Solomon, and the kings. Sarah proved women have a voice too, as she illuminated a path for Rebekah, Ruth, and Esther.
Hebrew heroes aren't the only ones showing us how to continue the work, but John the Babtist paved the way for Jesus, who paved the way for the 12, who paved the way for the first century church, who paved the way for Martin Luther, John Calvin, Menno Simons, and our own Alexander Mack. Mack paved the way for migration to the United States and people like Sarah Righter Major, Anna Mow, Ted Studebaker, Dan West, Norman Reeder, Kay Baker, Michael Feely, and Gina Roberts.
Each generation depends on the previous for success. It is natural. It is biblical. It is Godly.
But if the "new" generation remains in the past, well it has not carried the work on. It has, as too many churches are discovering, relegated the entire story, of their church, to a time when people went to church on Sundays and pastors were seen as model citizens and not people who perverted power and society for their own gain. So though we must not forget where we came from and who helped get us here, we must not let their addition to our story be the last words written.
To honor them and their work, their ministry, their mission, and their sacrifice requires us to write new and exciting chapters to what they begun. Jesus did it with John. Jacob did it with Abraham. And now you and i have the awesome responsibility to do with Mack and all the other Brethren voices who have made it possible for us to be here, at such a time as this. But what we do with it, well that will determine what we leave for the next generation.
You see that is the other part of the challenge. We must lay foundations for those coming after us. And we must not let the story end with us. We could lament the declining membership, attendance, and giving, or we could see this for what it is: a great challenge, given by God, to rise up and say no to fear, say no to anger, say no to dysfunction, and say no to doubt. Not us. Not now. Not ever.
We will, like our ancestors, live in faith and ministry, and we will, just like our ancestors, leave a legacy for future generations to pick, carry on, and add to. Are you with me? Only the future of our world lies in the balance.. Amen.
Shalom,
jerry
wow, I am humbled to be listed among those...
ReplyDeleteAfter a wonderful long meeting this afternoon, followed by even more time spent in conversation and again in brainstorming about the exciting future- I feel the need to stop and to give thanks to a God who knows so much more than we do. About what our capibilities are, about where our strengths lie. He pushes us to step outside our comfort zones and to Be Jesus to those who need it. I am excited about the changes that are taking place and I feel that with those changes will come new and exciting adventures that our church family will embark on together. There are many that will hang on for a truly awesome ride, and I pray for those who would rather stay in kiddie land. It is my hope that we can all get to a place where we can accept each other, along with any future brothers and sisters who walk through our doors, without a second thought to what their past might be or a judgement placed upon them. That we can love simply and together. And enjoy the family time and fellowship that has been missing for so long.
I had an awesome conversation with one of my closest friends today and many things she said struck me, because I have been feeling a lot of the same things. She said she has challenged herself to "Come home" and she has been doing that more and more, allowing God's love and peace give her the strength to deal with everything being thrown at her. Her simple challenge, to listen to only KLOVE for the month of November, has affected her so much already that those close to her have commented on how much happier she seems. They wanted to know her secret. She shared that is is the love of Jesus that is getting her through difficult times and allowing her to see the bright skies of tomorrow. That is awesome and I had to share her God moment- she realized it for what it was. I am excited for her and for what the future holds for us all.
I simply say: Amen. And may the face of God continue to shine upon you, your friend, and all of us.. Amen....
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