Thursday, January 2, 2014

January 2, 2014

Psalm 20, Genesis 12:1-7, Hebrews 11:1-12

Can you imagine being 75 years old and God saying to you, "Go on this adventure, leaving everything you know behind, and I will bless you and make you into a great nation." What must have been going through Abram's mind? He didn't have any children, he was getting up there in age...shouldn't he be thinking about retiring? When I was in seminary, a classmate was a part of a celebration. An 80 year old woman was celebrating 20 years of being ordained! Quite the accomplishment, and during a time of life where many dream of kicking their feet up and living the retired dream. More than a few couples I know volunteer in their retirement. One of my heros, Corrie ten Boom was used in mighty and miraculous ways by God when she was in her 50s, during the holocaust. You guys. Stop reading this blog and go read The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom RIGHT NOW.
Anyway my point is, it is never too late for God to work in your life. It is never too late for God to take you on new adventures and teach you new things and bless you in new ways you never dreamed.

These are all examples of people who had (or have) great faith in God, even though their future or present is uncertain. In Hebrews 11, we see even more examples of Faith. Hebrews 11 even looks back to Abram (or Abraham, as he was later called), in verses 8-10:
"It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going. And even when he reached the land God promised him, he lived there by faith—for he was like a foreigner, living in tents. And so did Isaac and Jacob, who inherited the same promise. Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God."

In what ways has God taken you on adventures that have grown your faith in Him? How can looking back on ways God has demonstrated his faithfulness in your own life and in the lives of others help you to trust God with future adventures?

Benediction from Psalm 20:1-5

In times of trouble, may the Lord answer your cry.
May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm.
May he send you help from his sanctuary
and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
May he remember all your gifts
and look favorably on your burnt offerings.

Interlude

May he grant your heart’s desires
and make all your plans succeed.
May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory
and raise a victory banner in the name of our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.

Amen

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