Discovery of Promise

“Following the light of the sun, we left the Old World”
– Christopher Columbus

Even though in the south we don’t have the same regard for Columbus Day as in the northeast with their parades, speeches, and festivities, we still know the story of Christopher Columbus and the poem that made remembering this date for a history test a sure thing.

In fourteen hundred ninety-two
Columbus sailed the ocean blue.
He had three ships and left from Spain;
He sailed through sunshine, wind and rain.
He sailed by night; he sailed by day;
He used the stars to find his way.
A compass also helped him know
How to find the way to go.

In some ways, it is similar to the story of Abram’s spirited venture into an unknown land to greet the adventure of a promised land. Going forth without a promise of what the land would look like, a promise of an easy life, nor a promise of timeliness, but still following a promise with purpose and intention. It’s always been a testament of vision and courage at any age.

If we are called to discover our promised purpose, what could that mean to leave the Old World of comfort and beliefs and be bold enough to risk falling off the edge of that flat world for a multi-dimensional life of promise? The question, “If money was no object, if talent was no qualifier, if time was no inhibitor, what could you envision to help grow the glory of God?” may help decide a direction towards your promise. Maybe it means learning a new skill, trying a new approach, or forfeiting a fear. Maybe it means reconsidering what it means to be born in the image of God, not as a gender or a shape, but as a possibility of greatness.

What could one discover if freed from conventional ideas about planning and living and were bold enough to leave without knowing a final destination? Discover what it means to find your voice, gifts, and purposes. You aren’t alone. You have tools to direct: scripture, prayer, community and God’s promise to you. If you follow the light of the Son, a New World awaits.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, You promise us worlds of potential yet we remain steadfast and inert. We are restless to discover new ideas, new lands, and new people but are contented to remain in our normal routines. Stir us to feelings of impatience and discontent towards our immobility and to seek a remedy by moving closer to You. Let us discover new ways to see, new ways to act and new ways to believe. Our old world offers a launch site; the new world offers new life. Let us sail with the winds of purpose and the stars of hope. You are there to guide and welcome. Amen