The Apostle Paul once wrote:  “Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries.” (1 Corinthians 4:1)

What does it mean to be a Steward of God’s mysteries?

I was thinking recently about those who handed down the faith to me, and several different people came to mind. I thought about my parents of course, who brought me to church – even drug me to church for many years. I have this really early memory of my dad reading me Bible stories and talking about them and my mother teaching Sunday school.

I also think about my grandfather, who was a pastor. But I mostly remember him in his retirement. And what I remember about him was not his pastor-like ways, but his tremendous love of life. I also remember when I was in college and did not go to church. In fact, I was skeptical of Christianity at that time, and I remember asking him questions about the faith. He always answered very gently and thoughtfully. I never felt any judgment from him. He never made me feel guilty or bad for not going to church or about where I was. Unfortunately, he did not live to see my faith come back alive. But he made an impact. He made an impact whether he knew it or not.

I also think of a friend named Billy who taught high school with me. Billy was someone I looked up to because I could see his heart for the students, his generosity, and his faith in Christ. He too had an impact on my faith.

I wonder who handed down the mantel of faith to you. Did someone invite you to church? Did someone come alongside you at just the right moment? Did someone offer to pray for you – or bring you to worship?  I’m sure you all have some beautiful stories. 

And then I wonder who you are handing your faith on to, and how…

One thing I know is that in my life, my faith in Christ has carried me through some difficult times. And I trust and believe with all my heart that it makes a difference in the lives of others. It’s why I do what I do. It is why we do what we do through our churches and various ministries.

In this world so desperately in need, may you and I continue to find ways to be stewards of God’s mysteries. May we find ways to share this faith, this hope, this light that we ourselves have received.

Let us pray: We thank you O God for those who have shown us your love in their words and in their deeds. As your love and grace fall on us, may we too share these gifts. May your healing grace rest on each of us this day. Amen.

It’s written in the book of James, “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.”

That’s not easy, is it? We live in a very polarized world. It’s easy to demonize people who don’t agree with us theologically or politically. And it is sometimes hard to love people who look different, or who speak a different language, or who don’t measure up to our standards.

There is a story that circulated among the ancient rabbis of the Hasidic tradition about a Rabbi who was asked the question, “How can one tell when the new day has come?” The Rabbi reversed the question and asked his student, “You tell me how you can know.”

The student guessed, “Is it when the rooster crows to signal a new dawn?” “No,” the Rabbi answered. “Is it then perhaps when one can discern the silhouette of a tree against the sky?” No, he was told. “The surest way to know when the night is over and when a new day has come is when you can look into the face of a stranger, the one who is so different from you, and recognize him as your brother. See her as your sister. Until that day comes, it will always be night.”

Jesus once said, “You have heard it said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you that you may be called children of your Father in heaven…. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Are not tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”

At a time when our nation is so polarized, so divided on so many fronts, what would it mean for those of us who follow Christ, let go of any favoritism, to build bridges and sow seeds of love?

Let us pray: We are humbled when we realize our place in this vast universe. We are humbled and awed by the sheer magnitude of your love and grace. It’s just amazing to think about this family that you’ve called – a family that stretches around the world – no two people alike. And yet – everyone is created in your image. Thank you, Lord, for including us. Give us the courage to love others – even those very different from us, not just in words, but in actions. We pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Yesterday we reflected on Moses, standing on the top of Mount Pisgah, looking out on the promised land, knowing that he would not live long enough to enter. I used to think – Moses had to have been longing to go with them – even just to step foot in the land. But more and more, it strikes me that maybe, just maybe, he was actually very content, knowing he had done his part.

Years ago Erma Bombeck wrote about two very different times in her husband’s life:  The first was back when their children were young and growing up. Her husband used to go and stand and look out the back window, surveying the backyard. He would sigh as he lamented the muddy patches where the lawn should be. And he would wonder out loud, “Will the grass ever come back?” And then much later when the children were grown and gone, her husband would stand and stare out that same window looking over the beautiful green lawn, immaculate from lack of use. And he would wonder out loud, “Will the children ever come back?”

What a powerful reminder that we don’t have forever. Live moves on. Things change. 

However, in the short time we are here, we do have the opportunity to build on a foundation of something good; something meaningful, worthwhile; something that has eternal significance. 

You and I stand within a great tradition and have inherited a faith that did not begin with us, and it will not end with us. But in the time we have – we all have a role to play. No matter what our age or stage of life, we all have something to offer.

Let us pray: We thank you, Loving God, for the many blessings in our lives; for friendships and family, for your love for us, and for the faith that was handed down to us. May we, in response, ever be looking for ways to be a blessing to you and to others; in Jesus’ name. Amen.

In one of his commentaries on Romans, pastor and scholar Eugene Peterson writes about the way the Apostle Paul opens his letter. In verse 8, Paul begins, “First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you…”  Peterson makes the following observations:

“Paul, mature in all matters of spiritual formation, begins, as life itself begins, with gratitude for lives placed in his care. Life in itself – sheer, raw, unadorned life – is pure gift. Spontaneous, grateful thanksgiving establishes the working conditions for all growth and development in Christ.”

Taking it a step further, the Benedictine Monk David Steindle Rast makes the claim that gratitude can change our world…  “because if you’re grateful, you’re not fearful, and if you’re not fearful, you’re not violent. If you’re grateful, you act out of a sense of enough and not of a sense of scarcity, and you are willing to share. If you are grateful, you are enjoying the differences between people, and you are respectful to everybody…”   If you are grateful, you are aware of how precious life is, you don’t take it for granted… 

On this Thanksgiving Day, may you call to mind the many, many blessings in your life.  I would even encourage you to set aside a few minutes to make a very specific list of people, events, and even things for which you are grateful. Place the date on the top, attach it to your refrigerator or desktop, and refer back to it over the course of the year ahead.  Each time you read it, allow that gratitude to sink deep into your heart.

Let us pray:  We have set this day aside, O God, to remember your bountiful provision, your goodness and grace. When our eyes and hearts are open, we can’t fail to notice your hand at work, your loving kindness, your presence and love. 

Today, we especially lift up people who are hungry, those who are without homes, and others who are far from loved ones. May they discover your compassion and mercy – even in the midst of difficult times and even through people they may not know well.

Out of gratitude, we return our hearts and our lives to you. Use us in the days and weeks ahead to bless others, and by so doing to bless you. Great is thy faithfulness, O God our Father. Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto us! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Can you recall a time when someone spoke encouraging, inspiring, or affirming words to you? How did those words affect you? I know plenty of people who have been shaped by other people’s encouragement and have carried it around with them their entire lives.

Pastor and author Rob Bell makes the claim that in scripture, people are often loved into their futures. God told Jeremiah, “Before I even created you, I knew you and set you apart.” Jesus told the disciples, “You didn’t choose me. I choose you.” Paul said to the people of the church, “You are blessed, chosen, predestined, given, redeemed, forgiven, included, marked, made alive, saved…”

We too have that ability. We too can love people into their futures – simply by speaking true words of affirmation – lifting up what we already know to be true about them.

I wonder who it is in your life who could stand to be reminded of just how blessed they are…

Let us pray: Thank you, O God, for those who have inspired us, encouraged us, and shaped us for the better with their words. Help us today to put into words the good we see in those around us.  We pray especially for those who need an extra measure of hope today. Draw near to them. Use us if possible to be your light. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.