Dear Ones,
This week we’re traveling way back to some of the earliest roots of our faith, to journey with Abraham and Sarah. This is our first introduction to the characters of Abraham (then called Abram), and Sarah, and we meet them one day when God, somewhat out of the blue, instructs them to pack up their lives, leave everything familiar to them, and follow God to an unknown destination. To sweeten the deal, God explains, “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Now this might seem a little preposterous, given that at the time Abram was 75, and his similarly aged wife, Sarah, had struggled with infertility her whole life.
But, nevertheless, they pack up and begin the journey- a journey that ultimately leads them to parenthood, circumcision, secret celestial dinner guests, several near-death experiences, and a fuller explanation of the covenant that God is offering, unconditionally, to Abraham. And to this day, Abraham’s name and memory is used as a blessing in the Jewish faith, his covenant with God living on down the generations.
How does that relate to us as modern-day Christians? What does it mean to us as members of United Parish in Brookline? How can we emulate Abraham, and be a blessing unto others? Where is God calling us to go?
I can’t promise I have the answers, but you know I love the questions. Join us on Sunday at 11am in the Sanctuary or on YouTube to ponder them together, in word, song, and prayer.
In faith,
Amy
Image credit: Sarah and Abraham, woodcut by Sarah Lonneman
