Movin' On

Acts 16:6-8 “They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; so passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas.”

As I sit and write, I am in the midst of a search for a new pastoral call. One of the things that impresses me, is how attuned to the voice of the Holy Spirit Paul was. He and his companions wanted to continue their successful work in Asia, but God had other plans in mind. And Paul, was astute enough, and devoted enough to listen and heed the still small voice of God.
Pastors sometimes forget to make the effort to listen for that same voice in our work. Oh we prepare sermons every week without fail, we visit the sick, conduct sacrament and all the other duties that go with being a ‘Church Professional.” But far too often, we neglect the time we need to listen to the voice of God, the call of the Holy Spirit. And I am as guilty as anyone else.

It strikes me that churches need to look at the time their pastor is spending in personal prayer and study. And instead of piling more and more requirements on the pastor’s desk (staff, meetings, etc.), ensure the pastor is making the time to listen to God in personal prayer. Over the years, when I have been most intentional with daily prayer and reflection, the life of the church has gone smoother. The normal trials, tribulations, petty worries over who left lights on and so forth were present, but when I was closest to God those worries bothered me the least.

When I step away and look at the happenings in the church in response to God’s love and with the knowledge that in a few short weeks, I will no longer be the pastor, I have a view of what is happening that is quite different than at other times. I can recognize the pained looks, the uncomfortable silences, and surface tensions as part of the way this church says goodbye.

For many people, saying goodbye is so difficult they have to almost part as enemies instead of friends to feel comfortable. Yet, God’s love and grace tells us that when we part it is only for a while. And we profess that there will be a “resurrection of the body.” It doesn’t make it any easier to go, but it does promise a hoped for reunion at the time of God’s own choosing. For me, that hope is enough. Yes, I will miss many of the friends I have made here. I will look back with fondness upon my time in this place, even as I still listen to the Holy Spirit awaiting my personal vision of a “Macedonian” so I too will know where God calls me. But I wait with confidence, trust, and joy filled anticipation upon my Lord and my God.

Amen.