RETHINK CHURCH -- LEAVING THE NEST
Isaiah 40:31-a
Psalm 91
There is freedom waiting for you,
On the breezes of the sky.
And you ask "What if I fall?"
Oh but my darling
What if you fly?
-- Erin Hanson
We're all afraid of something. Me? Been there, been afraid of that, and even got a t-shirt. We're not alone in our fears. Sometimes, those fears will
Dave Ramsey says people are afraid to sit down and do a budget for fear of discovering how deeply in debt they are, even though that's the tool that will help us find some peace about their finances.
We're afraid of going to the doctor because we're worried of hearing bad news, even though the best news is that it was found early enough to be easily treated.
Like Moses, we find all sorts of excuses to not go for that new job, because we're afraid we're not up to it, afraid we'll fail, even though it would open the doors to all sorts of opportunities.
Like Peter walking out on the water to meet Jesus, we start out with good intentions, but when we're distracted by the frightening things happening around us, our faith starts to sink
Young eagles, following the example of their parents, go to the edge of the nest and begin flapping their wings, strengthening their flight flight muscles and getting the feel of the wind lifting them off the nest. them. The begin to take short, tentative flights while their parents watch. Maybe at first they only make it over to a nearby branch. Sometimes they may even fall. Even if they fall, their parents remain with them, feeding them, encouraging them and protecting them until these young eagles are able to rise up and soar.
In my own life, God has lead me into situations where major changes have forced me to face my fears and re-invent my life, that is re-thinking how the things I do, and why I do them. It has meant re-examining my goals and re-imagine my future though God's eyes. It's often the way that we as people of faith and as the church can thrive, can soar like the people God has created us to be. And that can be scary because when God' calls us to mount up as wings as eagles, we have to leave the safe and secure nests of our comfort zones.
The inspiration for the song, "On Eagles's Wings" by Father Michael Joncas, comes from Isaiah 40:31 and Psalm 91. Taking these two passages together, the message God brings to this: those who put their faith in God, who trust in God's love for them despite their fears will find that God is there protecting us against the dangers and challenges that await us out there beyond our comfort zone.
You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
2 will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence;
4 he will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
or the arrow that flies by day,
6 or the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
or the destruction that wastes at noonday.
-- Psalm 91:1-3 (NRSV)
When we take flight, even if we don't get very far at first, even if we fall, and when we are soaring like eagles, God is there. His presence overshadows us and provides a place of protection, rest and strength.
Dave Ramsey says people are afraid to sit down and do a budget for fear of discovering how deeply in debt they are, even though that's the tool that will help us find some peace about their finances.
We're afraid of going to the doctor because we're worried of hearing bad news, even though the best news is that it was found early enough to be easily treated.
Like Moses, we find all sorts of excuses to not go for that new job, because we're afraid we're not up to it, afraid we'll fail, even though it would open the doors to all sorts of opportunities.
Like Peter walking out on the water to meet Jesus, we start out with good intentions, but when we're distracted by the frightening things happening around us, our faith starts to sink
Young eagles, following the example of their parents, go to the edge of the nest and begin flapping their wings, strengthening their flight flight muscles and getting the feel of the wind lifting them off the nest. them. The begin to take short, tentative flights while their parents watch. Maybe at first they only make it over to a nearby branch. Sometimes they may even fall. Even if they fall, their parents remain with them, feeding them, encouraging them and protecting them until these young eagles are able to rise up and soar.
In my own life, God has lead me into situations where major changes have forced me to face my fears and re-invent my life, that is re-thinking how the things I do, and why I do them. It has meant re-examining my goals and re-imagine my future though God's eyes. It's often the way that we as people of faith and as the church can thrive, can soar like the people God has created us to be. And that can be scary because when God' calls us to mount up as wings as eagles, we have to leave the safe and secure nests of our comfort zones.
The inspiration for the song, "On Eagles's Wings" by Father Michael Joncas, comes from Isaiah 40:31 and Psalm 91. Taking these two passages together, the message God brings to this: those who put their faith in God, who trust in God's love for them despite their fears will find that God is there protecting us against the dangers and challenges that await us out there beyond our comfort zone.
You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
2 will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.”
3 For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
and from the deadly pestilence;
4 he will cover you with his pinions,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
5 You will not fear the terror of the night,
or the arrow that flies by day,
6 or the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
or the destruction that wastes at noonday.
-- Psalm 91:1-3 (NRSV)
When we take flight, even if we don't get very far at first, even if we fall, and when we are soaring like eagles, God is there. His presence overshadows us and provides a place of protection, rest and strength.
There is freedom waiting for you,
On the breezes of the sky.
And you ask "What if I fall?"
Oh but my friends in Christ
What if it means we mount up on wings as eagles and soar with God?
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