Reflections for October 3rd: God’s inability to let go of a life of service to others. Scripture reading & sermon on Acts 9:36-43
Lisa (relayed through Pastor Brett) – My dad’s illness. The doctor kept giving a terminal diagnosis for my dad, Mark Williams. I was angry at God about losing my dad prematurely. He was able to be a grandfather and we had years left with him. The theme of timing in the scripture with Peter reminds me that my family was able to have more time with my dad, despite having this terminal diagnosis. I identify with the maker of the quilts, Tabitha, who is making tunics and cloaks for the disciples. I have done this a couple of times and I have thought carefully and prayerfully about each stitch and each seam; how this tradition of handing things on like this is just a wonderful embodiment of love through the generations.
Debbie – The Women’s Group is going through Jamie Winship’s Knowing Rediscovered Series. One of the stories he told about was when He and another fellow were praying with a Muslim guy asking God to talk to this Muslim person. And when they were praying, the Muslim guy just started sobbing and sobbing. Finally, he stood up and asked – What happened? The Muslim responded – Well, The Christ came and took me as a baby and was washing me clean and said my name and told me – Come home son. The thing that was interesting about this story is that Peter said - Tabitha, Jesus said – Lazarus. If you don’t think that God knows your name, He knows each and every one of your names and He calls you by name. And that song – He knows my name, is just apropos. The Muslim guy said – When I pray to Allah, all he says is – What do you want, slave? He never called me by name, so I know this is the Christ!
Pastor Brett – He knows each one of us by name. Amen. Love that…. Tabitha, get up!