The Gift of Purpose, Journey of Faith
I think of today’s readings as a gift. Rarely do all three scriptures have a unifying theme, but this Sunday they do, perhaps a gift for the preacher—meaning me. But I think a gift for all of us seeking direction in life. And that is what I call the Gift of Purpose.
Each reading tells us about someone finding purpose through some action of God… people as different from each other as Isaiah is from Peter and Peter from Paul. And I from you. What we learn today is that God’s action in our lives does not have to be dramatic or extraordinary, although it can be. After all, Isaiah prophesied the coming of the Messiah. But let’s remember, Peter was a fisherman and Paul was a kind of policeman of his day. Neither was on retreat or deep in prayer while fasting when they heard the voice of God. They were just at work doing the things that society expected of them. The way you and I do.
Today’s readings remind us that the Gift of Purpose in our lives is not only unpredictable but it’s also unmerited. Nothing indicates that Isaiah, Peter or Paul are called because of their character, skill set, or potential as missioners. They are called just because God had a plan and only these individuals could fulfill it.
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