Good morning everyone,
In the book of Genesis, there is the part of the story where Abraham is described as a wandering Aramean. God calls Abram out of the desert to be a person who follows God, wherever it might lead him, and the people he has been called to lead. Abraham is considered to be the Father of the three religions of the world, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. This wandering story is central to the telling of the history of God’s people.
So, should we always feel unsettled in our word and life? Since coming to this community I have admired, and felt jealous about, the stability of this place. People are born here, go to school here, work here, retire here, and die here. I have come here just for a short time to be part of you. Your stability in life, provides opportunity to be risky, knowing the community will be there for you.
Jesus wanders in his life, in a very small area of the world. He goes about as far as Toronto. Really. Jesus invites us to be risky even if we stay near Nazareth all of our lives. Another thing he says (and he says a lot of things) is that he will only have a stone for a pillow. He will be on the run, and that is his calling.
So, what new thing are you/we called to do if we stay a few kilometers from Floradale? What does it mean for us to be both comfortable and uncomfortable in our lives? I was away in Turkey this week. While Caleb and I were there, there was a bombing that killed 11 people. We are fine. Is this too risky, or are we called to be more risky in our thoughts and activities?
Shalom an strength for your journey of faith and life.
Fred