Remember the Call

"He went out again to the shore of the lake; and all the people came to him, and he taught them. As he was walking on he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus, sitting by the customs house, and he said to him, 'Follow me'. And he got up and followed him. " Mark 2:13-14.

Surely more words were exchanged between Jesus and Levi. If not, Jesus must have exuded magnetism beyond human understanding. Sometimes I wish I could have heard all the conversation that didn't make it into scripture. Levi was trusting this man with his life. Where was he going to lead him? What lay in his future? What unknown mission would he be drawn into doing by this man Jesus? Levi was being called into the uncertainty of discipleship, but somehow he trusted that it would be good, it would be important. The call was into a new life of faith, believing that God would provide, guide and answer enough of his questions to keep him moving forward.

In the past week I have heard stories of fear, anxiety and anger on the part of leaders in 3 geographically distant churches. These leaders were all reacting to faithful decisions made by others. Decisions that called for looking forward with hope, patience and belief that God would uphold and guide these congregations forward. Decisions that called for people to trust their leaders and the power of the Holy Spirit to renew, restore and empower for good. But that takes courage. That takes remembering that faith is the act of moving into the unknown with the certainty that God is present. That takes remembering the call of Christ on each of our lives to be disciples who can work to turn over disturbing emotions to God before they immobilize and disrupt our congregations. As we approach Holy Week, let us remember the call to the cross that Christ followed. The sacrifices he made in order that we could be forgiven. Then as leaders, let's model that forgiveness and move on. Our congregations expect and deserve no less from us.