Encouragement

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When we drive toward a light that has been green for some time, we often make a little more of an effort “to catch the light.” If we are at the stop sign and we pause for a second after the light changes, very often the motorist behind us will signal rather loudly with a blast of the horn to get us moving. In both instances there is a response to the colour green that gets us in motion.



The same is true for this green season in the church when we have a number of Sundays between Pentecost and Advent. The altar cloths and the vestments are green and themes of growth and ministry are often highlighted. It is a time to ask the Holy Spirit to inspire us to enthusiastic worship and service.



If we take seriously this invitation to exert some energy, we will find ourselves accepting God’s call to more committed participation, to develop a gift, or explore a blessing more intentionally. When the light is green, we do not need to hold back or lag behind. It is our time to move forward with confidence and conviction.



The prayer or collect for The Sunday closest to August 24 in our Anglican Lectionary begins: “Grant, O merciful God, that your Church, being gathered together in unity by your Holy Spirit, may show forth your power among all peoples, to the glory of your Name.” The key words to note are unity, power and glory. Our response to God encourages

others to follow just as we lead the line of traffic through an intersection if we are the first automobile.



Consider the power of Isaiah’s appeal in Is. 51:1-6: “Listen to me, you that want to be saved. Think of the rock from which you came, and the quarry from which you were cut. Think of your ancestor, Abraham and of Sarah from whom you are descended. When I called Abraham, he was childless, but I blessed him and gave him children; I made his descendent numerous… Listen to me, my people, listen too what I say; I give my teaching to the nations, my laws will them light (Is. 51:12, 4 TEV).



Psalm 138 immerses us in the experience of one who truly loves God: “I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart…When I called, you answered me, you increased my strength within me…Though the Lord be high, he cares for the lowly...The Lord will make good his purpose for me” (v. 1, 4, 7, 9 NRSV). Paul’s letter to the Romans contains this ecstatic exclamation: “O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Or who has given a gift to him, to receive a gift in return?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen” (Rom. 11:33-6 NRSV).



Who do you say that Jesus Is? Is He the green light that leads you on to glory? Is He your Messiah and Lord, your healer and teacher, your all in all? If so you are on the right road.

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