Thursday, October 21, 2010

Where the Spirit of the Lord Is...

My church is a very typical mainline church, comprised for the most part of faithful people who are nearing the end of this life's journey. They cannot understand why their children and grandchildren do not attend this church with its stone walls and somber sanctuary. It saddens them that the organ that they love does not pull the younger generation towards God, that the programs that nurtured them do not provide spiritual sustenance for those who are climbing life's mountain instead of aiming downhill.

In the midst of this I know that I am called to help blaze a new trail. I'm called to promote a vision that is compelling enough to help the people overcome their doubt, fears and stubbornness. Why me? Literally, God only knows, because I don't.

Today I was reminded of the story in Numbers where the Israelites had reached the edge of the Promised Land. Moses sent in a team to check out what awaited them across the river. Of the team of twelve, ten of them were convinced that there was no way that they could find a home in that new place. Only two of them, Joshua and Caleb, came back saying "Hey, it's all good. God will be with us. That place is ours for the taking."

The ten told tales of giants too big to slay, cities too fortified to invade and people too numerous to overcome.

Joshua and Caleb said "God is with us. What's the big deal?"

The people listened to the ten. I probably would too. "Let's elect a new leader to take us back to Egypt. Maybe they'll let us be their slaves again and we'll have a place to live and food to eat." It made perfect sense. Moving forward made no sense at all. Joshua and Caleb must have been smoking the wacky weed!

How the heck did the scouting report of Joshua and Caleb become the one that they followed?

Because where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is hope, faith and courage.

The spirit of fear is vanquished.

Translating the vision is also a God thing. The spirit of doubt and discouragement that lives within needs to move over. I don't have time or space for them.

Thanks God, for the reminder.

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