By Dave Brower
When we choose to be sent into the world as God’s people we are assured of two things: 1) God is present; and 2) God’s way is the best. You may notice one omission that many people assume about aligning one’s self with God’s work – it is not a promise of an easy road.
Jesus begins his ministry by healing and feeding – meeting people’s needs. Once the people have begun to experience healing though the message picks up. Jesus begins to say things like “narrow is the road that leads to life” and “take up your cross and follow me.” These are not necessarily words that win you many friends and followers. It is no surprise that the crowds begin to thin.
The same is the work for the Old Testament prophets. They are tasked with the act of proclaiming God’s word to a people who are less than receptive to the message. Jeremiah describes his calling as being seduced by God. He feels tricked. God lured him into this calling by giving life to his passion and putting a word on his tongue that he could not keep in. All the while the work was difficult and he encountered hardship throughout.
The promise of God is never an easy life. The promise of God isn’t worldly treasure and fame. The promise of God is the assurance of God’s faithfulness and presence in the midst of our struggle and doubts. The promise of God is that our struggles are not a sign of God’s abandonment and displeasure; instead, they are an opportunity to remember the source of life – God’s spirit dwelling with us.
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