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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion January 16, 2008 IN OUR PATH |
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Frontline Devotion for Wednesday, January 16, 2008 by
Penny Risen
Adapted from October 15, 2003
Isaiah 49:6
“You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me.
I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the Earth.”
When a new season begins, new tasks often appear in our path. Fall signals the time for going back to school, going with outdoor tasks before cold weather, going back to social groups or teams. With Christmas passed, the New Year reminds us to get going on greater things and to do more to put our lives in order.
My family in northern Wisconsin tells me folks there get going in January (or before if they’re smart) to the hardware store to get long colorful stakes or poles. They post these at the borders and ends of their driveways and pathways. So, when they wake up one morning to some serious snow, they'll know the path and where to steer the snow blower or plow.
I use my new burst of New Year’s energy to launch projects, steer clear of the winter blahs, to renew friendships --- to "slick things up," as my mother would say. Things I should be doing appear in my path and call out: "Here I am, you're responsible. Now get going!" When I get in gear, my family knows to just get out of my way, because I've turned into "Penny on a mission."
Accomplishing things does a heart good (and earns you points to be a little lazy by the fireplace when day's done). When you've said to yourself, "That's someone else's problem" or "Someone else will do it," the message eventually becomes clear that someone is YOU. That chore becomes a mission.
The Hebrews in Exodus 1 sound like they are in a new season of their lineage in Egypt, and Pharaoh doesn’t like it one bit. They've been busy since Joseph established his family there through God's intervention. They've prospered and grown as a people, and been blessed by God. But their position in Egyptian society is perceived to be a threat by the new leadership. In a desperate move, Pharaoh decrees the baby boys of the Hebrews must die. Frustrated and angry, he seems to ask himself: "Why have these people been thrown into my path?"
Unknown to Pharaoh, a Hebrew named Moses is thrown into his path by God. Moses' mother knows what she must do to save her son. Pharaoh's daughter willingly takes responsibility for what’s thrust into her path: A boy in a basket in the Nile joins Pharaoh's household. This brave and compassionate woman must have had many joys being Moses' foster mother. Her path in life is made richer and more challenging by taking Moses as her own.
Fulfilling the Prophets’ promise of a Messiah generations later, Jesus launches His mission and sets His disciples on the path to spread God’s Word. After He receives the Spirit in baptism in the Jordan, Jesus takes responsibility for our deliverance and charts His mission further than even the Hebrews could have imagined:
“I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the Earth.”
Helping out, being the one taking responsibility sends strong messages:
“I care ... I appreciate what we can accomplish together ... I value you and love you."
It works both ways, too. Has God thrown you into someone else's path? Are your days made easier, richer or more joyful by his or her presence in your life, this someone on whose path you find yourself?
And you know: You just might be part of someone else's mission!
Prayer for the Day: Dear Lord, I realize I'm not put on this Earth alone and that I'm responsible for my brothers and sisters. Help me to be a willing helper to those you've thrown into my path; to provide them bread if they're hungry; to comfort them if they're hurting; to love them as my own. You have blessed me greatly; so let me see how to be a blessing to others. Amen.
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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