For most of the last four months, I have listened to others preach. This has been good for me, to have others speak, and interpret the Bible. It has felt good to sit in the pew and listen. I know how hard it is to put your views out there in a sermon, and wait for people to respond to what you are saying.
So, a few weeks ago, I heard a pastor quote someone else. When you do this, you have to own the words. It would be arrogant to think I could think of new stuff every week. Sometimes I do not remember where I heard things, but I try to compliment others who say things that I agree with. The pastor said that we should be attentive, be astonished and tell the, or your story, of God. These words might not be overly profound, but the have stuck with me for a few weeks now.
Be attentive to your surroundings. This may include nature . It also might include the people you speak with or the ones you watch in the mall or in a restaurant. You should not make judgement, but use the gift of observation to experience life. This past Sunday I was preaching again. It was in a multi – ethnic church in Toronto. They are supporters the work of Mennonite Central Committee, but they are so different from me. I believe the Gospel does transcend different cultures and language. But , what was I looking for as I visited this church and delivered the sermon. So when I say “ be attentive “ what am I asking you to watch for in your life. As Donald Trump becomes President; what must we be attentive to as he begins to lead the USA ?
The second thing the the preacher quoted was that we must be astonished. We must see the world as miracle. I was brought back from the dead over nine years ago. I do not have an astonishing story of heaven or an out of body experience, but it is a miracle that I am here. The odds of me being saved is a miracle. I am also overwhelmed with the generosity of people. People raise money for skate parks, the arena, Heart and Stroke and the work of MCC. People want the world to be a better place. I stand on holy ground as I think of how people give money to good causes here and around the world.
Finally, as a Christian, I must tell the story of God, and how it affects me. I know not everyone agrees with me. When I was preaching, I focused on the Bible. It is my guide to faith and life, and I think the church must continue to read and struggle with its meaning. We do not agree , and that is part of God's story. We must listen to each other, and to God. It is dangerous to speak for God or how God has worked in my/our life. If I believe God has worked in my life in a certain way , and you disagree, I will take it personally.
When I was preaching three Sundays a month, I said what I believed God was saying to me. I changed my mind many times. I hold the Bible more lightly than when I started I ministry. I know I have been wrong and will continue to be wrong. But, God can still work through me and you.
The Bible has many interesting stories of people who are not believers ( Cyrus, Ruth, Naaman, the woman from Zarepheth, Lydia )in traditional faith. And yet God uses them to teach us about spirituality and about life. Watch for truth in new places. Be amazed at the everyday things that you encounter. And tell the stories of God , even when you disagree strongly. God can take it.
Fred Redekop
Ponder Anew 