What do you want to keep?
In last night’s sermon, James talked about why the disciples wanted to set up shelters for Jesus, Moses, and Elijah after the transfiguration. It might seem like a way to honor them, but it could also be seen as a way to keep them longer. If you build a shelter, they will stay. James talked about high points in our lives and how we often try to encapsulate them. Instead we ought to be thankful for them and grow from them, never forgetting them, but also not holding ourselves back because of them.
I hope you have experienced that feeling when God uses the Pastor to speak to you. Yesterday I worshiped for the last time with a community I have loved dearly, but a community that I know I am no longer called to. I wanted to stay with a group of kids who have my heart. God has done some incredible things in that group, but I know in my core that I have to step down. It hurt to say goodbye even though I know it is just a see you later.
Serving as the Youth Minister to a group of kids in Richmond was definitely a high point in my life. I know God did what He wanted with that time and that I followed His call to this community in His perfect timing. I was hired at Saint James to find a second site. Last night I worshiped in it with some incredible people–new and old. What would have happened if I had chosen to hold hostage what was and not move on as called? That message last night was no accident, I needed to be reminded of that.
I don’t know if the message affected you. I know others got that they needed to celebrate the high points. I hope that even if your mind wonders in worship, your heart is there, and you are willing to let Gods words move you. The thing is, it is never just James or I up there, we are simply vessels.
The title of this post is a question. I hope you will think about it. You are always welcome to shared as inspired, or not. You have a piece of what God was showing me, I’ll continue to pray for what God is showing you.
