<<First Name>>
It’s been an UGGH!!! kind of week around here. I don’t share that for sympathy, but sometimes we just have to admit, things haven’t gone the way we would like. And as I talk to others it seems like I’m not the only one trying to press through the frustrations and challenges.
Where do we turn when things don’t go our way? It can be easy to become angry, depressed, or want to give up. We may even turn away from others or to things we hope will make it better. But wishful thinking isn’t the same as hope.
The name Elijah means “The Lord is my God,” and for the Prophet Elijah, his name was his mission. Living in a time in which the kings of Israel did evil in the eyes of the Lord, many were turning away from God and were desperately searching for some sort of sign of hope. King Ahab and Jezebel led Israel away by their attempts to make Baal, the god of the storm, the god of the land. But Elijah’s mission was to call the people back to the Lord their God, the one who hears the prayers of his people and will answer them, the one who offers hope.
In the big showdown of 1 Kings 18, Elijah calls together all the prophets of Baal. After three years of drought, it is time to see whose god reigns. Will Baal answer the cries of his prophets, or is it just wishful thinking on their part? Or will it be the Lord who makes it clear who controls the rain and fire and restore hope? Picking up twelve stones, Elijah repairs the altar for the Lord. He creates a sacred place, restoring what once was so the people can encounter God.
Has the altar fallen into disrepair? Has it been a while since you have felt that fire for God burning inside of you? Is it time to pick up the stones and create a sacred place so others might know the Lord reigns? Join us this week as continue our series, With These Stones. At the end of the service, we will invite everyone to take a special engraved stone home with them, as a reminder of their commitment and call to help create a sacred space, that God’s fire might burn in our hearts and in our community. For those joining us online, or wanting to commit to helping us create a sacred place here in this community, simply reply to this email and we will be sure to get a custom engraved stone to you as well.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Gordon
PS. This week we will have custom engraved stones for everyone who would like one to remind us of how God has called us each to create a sacred space. If you would like to receive a stone but are unable to join us or plan to attend online, let us know and we will be sure to get one to you. Register for worship here!
|