Spring grows changes of color and life right before our very eyes. Grassy knolls are shaded overhead while the flora and fauna emerge from the undergrowth of the dense forests. Such joy in new discovery. Such loss of a winter wonderland.
Not all changes behold us all this season. We in the United States feel as though the pandemic is now over though it is reaching its deadliest point around the globe. Soon our high schoolers will be moving onto their next steps – often far away from home. The list goes on.
Change is. Change is the default state of the world we find. Growing. Learning. Pruning. Strengthening. Dying. Moving. Resting. Change.
Sometimes, we tell ourselves from contrived perspective on the happenings and assume ‘this is how it always has been’ or ‘this is how it will always be.’ Such absolute sentiments are fools errands. That is until we get to eternal unchanging things of God, His character, our sinfulness, His love, etc. Coming before our Maker naturally then changes the approacher in the manner of the eternal (this is Prayer of course and deserves a further thought at another time).
The Bible talks much about change. One of the most significant times of change comes in the book of Joshua:
“After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.
Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.””
Joshua 1:1-9
Wherever we go.
The Lord your God will be with you.
Friends, our God still calls us forward into the inheritance of the Kingdom. We are entering a time of transition here at Central as we emerge from the pandemic and prepare send offs to several staff. We can and will celebrate as we grieve. For the Kingdom in the new covenant of Jesus’ blood is not one confined to 1425 E Main St. It spreads around the globe. We are sending our brothers and sisters out to serve in new places and new ways while making space for new people to gather amongst us.
Yes, it will not be as it was before. Everything is changing. Be strong and Courageous.
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Joseph
