Is life a comedy or a tragedy? Are we the hero or the victim? Or maybe the villain? Is the world descending into chaos and dystopia or are we on a path of ever-increasing prosperity and progress? The stories we tell orient us to our place in the world and our role in the story.
The Bible tells the story of a loving God and a messy people. There is a beginning and an end. Major themes of creation, redemption, and sanctification trace the arc of this grand narrative. And Jesus Christ is the center of it all – the great hero of the story who comes incognito to rescue and redeem his broken creation.
Invocation
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation
O God, you are the beginning, the middle, and the end. You are all in all. Lead me. Help me. Forgive me. Keep me from wandering and weariness. Keep my love ready and willing to serve You by serving others. Praise and honor be to You, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. Amen.
Confession
O God, how can I believe without your help. I am filled with doubt. “What about . . . ?” “Is it really true?” “How do I really know you’re there? That you’re listening? That you care about me?” I confess with honesty all my fear and disbelief. Spirit of the Living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me. Mold me. Fill me. Use me. I believe; help my unbelief.
Word: 1 Kings 19:19
“So he departed … and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him … Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him.”
Meditation: God Calls Us by Allison Lewis
I distinctly remember playing kickball in grade school.
Whether it was for PE class or at recess, the outcome was always the same: I inevitably was chosen second to last or very last for a team. It was humiliating, to say the least.
I’d try to find a place in the outfield, hoping that the red rubber ball would be kicked away from me so that someone else could catch it. But sometimes it came my way, and I’d try —and fail— to catch it. Running frantically, I’d pick it up as quickly as possible, then throw it to a teammate to get it back to the pitcher.
When it came time to kick, I’d wait nervously in the back of the line, hoping and praying that I could do something more than a bundt. Despite my effort, it was usually a miss!
We know that the Lord spoke to his people through prophets. In fact, God handpicks each prophet to lead the Israelites in the Old Testament. When the time is right, God tells Elijah to cast his cloak upon Elisha, son of Shaphat.
Not someone next door.
Not someone two farms away.
God chooses Elisha.
And Elisha knows that he has been called to lead God’s people.
God also calls you and me by name.
Through baptism, we are called and chosen to be a part of the Lord’s family. We are covered with the cross, saved and redeemed by Christ’s sacrifice. We are made white like new snow. We are hand-selected by God to be loved and sent to everyone who lives around us.
I’m so grateful that God calls us to be on his team. I’m honored that he chooses us to be vessels for his kingdom. How will you answer his call today?
Prayer: Dear God, thank you for choosing me. Help me to answer your call today and every day so that others can see your love through me. Amen.
Benediction
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Amen. (Rom. 15:13)