Making an Entrance
“All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages.” - William Shakespeare
My wife often jokes about the theatrical flavor of some of the statements I make. She says I have a flair for the dramatic…I say, that I prefer a pencil. Bad puns aside, I do have an announcement.
Cue the bright lights and theme music
This Sunday (January 6, 2013) I walk onto a new stage, I will be ordained as an Associate Pastor at Bridge Builder Community Church. OK, dim the lights and cut the music, the drama is over.
Or is it?
This has been a remarkable journey for me, but I’m not going to rehash past blunders, miscalculations or ministry mishaps. No bright lights, no theme music…nothing that dramatic.
I’m just going to thank Him
“God often takes a course for accomplishing His purposes directly contrary to what our narrow views would prescribe. He brings a death upon our feelings, wishes, and prospects when He is about to give us the desire of our hearts.” - John Newton
Something stirs in my heart that is more than theatrics…it’s a hunger to see people set free. A burning to speak to hurting, lost people and introduce them to a Savior that loves them passionately. This is not because I’m great, gifted or glowing with Moses-like holiness. It has (I believe) nothing to do with my calling.
It’s because I’m redeemed
I am reminded about something my wife wrote about a few years ago. I was clearing out some old paperwork and came across a letter that my wife wrote to honor me on one of my birthdays. I won’t bore you with the whole letter but there was this one section that grabbed me by the throat. (BTW…it still does)
“Some men build massive skyscrapers, awesome bridges, complex computers, things which can be destroyed. My man builds lives.”
His life, His power, His Spirit…through us…brings life. This is what I’m thinking as Sunday approaches.
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
Isaiah 1:17
I want to build lives…what about you?
Comments
I actually build structures... I mean literally. But I also realize that only the things done in this life to honor God count for anything.
And yes, I consider it an affirmation of your calling and love how Christine put it: "My man builds lives." Your calling is that which requires all of you. Your entire heart. It is more than your job but rather something that expresses itself in every relationship and activity you engage in.