Third Sunday of Lent

March 7, 2010

The Rev. Martie Johnson

Exodus 3:1- 15 Third Sunday in Lent

Year C

There are individuals who simply love a challenge. When meeting with them all one has to do is bring up a vague idea about a new project you want to start and they are off and running. Once they get inspired, they are constantly thinking and planning about ways to make it happen. These folks are not afraid of failure, because they see any set- back as a learning tool in getting the job done. And what is just as important they usually have the capacity to inspire and energize other people to join them as they set out on what they see as an adventure. The project can be re-working a Christmas pageant, decorating a house, or brainstorming about a fundraising event. People like this believe there is really no problem that somehow can’t be solved. It may take some time and effort, but it can be done. I may be wrong, but I do not think that these folks are in the majority of any population.

Then there are some folks who faithfully attend committee meetings, bring a fine casserole or delicious dessert, and happily conclude they have done their part for the betterment of the organization. But when there is a call for volunteers, these individuals hang their heads low and keep their eyes downcast in fear of catching someone’s attention. And when the subject regarding heading a committee or being a co-captain comes up some people simply scatter. Had they known that they were going to be asked to actually do something outside the meeting room, they would have probably found an excuse not to attend the meeting. Again, I may be wrong, but I think these folks are in the majority of most populations.

And now, let’s talk about Moses. In which category did he belong? Long before today’s story unfolds, Moses had been living a life a luxury and prominence as Pharaoh’s son. Certain events took place, which forced him to leave Egypt as a fugitive. But Moses landed on his feet, married well and was very content tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro.

The reading from Exodus tells us that this particular day curiosity got the better of Moses when he saw a burning bush and up on Mount Horeb. To his surprise God called him by name, told him to come closer, and had a divine conversation with him. God explained to Moses that He had heard cries of the Israelites and it was time to do something about their well-being. Then the bombshell hit: God told Moses that he was the one who would lead the Israelite people out of Egypt.

When we read Exodus we quickly discover that Moses was not one of those people I described who are willing to tackle any challenge. In all probability he probably kicked himself for going up the mountain in the first place. Moses had his excuses ready. He could not return to Egypt because he did not leave under the best of circumstances; he really was not sure who this God was so how could he be His spokesperson; he was slow of speech, in other words, he stuttered; and most importantly he did not want to go and God should send someone else. God said to Moses the same thing He said to Abraham last week, and continues to say to each one of us, "Don’t be afraid because I am with you."

I believe that the reason we are given these stories to read during Lent is because we need to remember our faith in God may vacillate, but God never loses faith in us. I love reading the Hebrew Testament because the characters of our heritage were just like us. Even though they may have accomplished incredibly feats, they were fundamentally people who had fears, questions, and often times a waving faith. But God stood beside them, guiding them, strengthening them, and often times giving them a push in the right direction. And God continues to act the same way in our lives.

Last week I talked about how, during this season of Lent, we should think about our faith. We should ask ourselves how strong is our faith during times of trial? Are we only faithful when nothing is really asked of us? This week we are asked to think about how faithful God has been to us. Moses is a perfect example of God standing beside someone who is afraid and unsure. There is a saying that when you come to the edge of darkness and are afraid to take that next step, faith is knowing that one of two things will happen: there will be something solid to stand on or, God will teach you how to fly.

Lent is a time to focus on our beliefs, and it is also a time to focus on our trust. We need to trust that God is by our side even when that divine presence is hard to see. At our baptism we have all be called, just like Moses, to lead God’s people to the Promised Land. Our destination is the land of the Good News, the New Jerusalem. We may very well balk at the idea of leading anyone anywhere. We may come with as many excuses as Moses. But just like Moses we will be given whatever we need to make that journey.

We should never question how big or small our assignment in God’s divine plan is. Eventually Moses’ faith and trust was so strong that he knew the waters of the Red Sea would part when he and the Israelites needed to get across when fleeing from the Egyptians. Similarly you may be the person God chose to open the hardened heart of someone who is in terrible sorrow or despair; to make a certain individuals feel that they matter and assure them that they precious in the eyes of God. And as scary as this may sound, you may be the one chosen to stand up against an injustice that needs to be challenged. As believers in Jesus Christ we are all singled out in one way or another to make sure that the message of God’s love and justice is heard.

So during this week, pray about the gifts that have been bestowed on you by this gracious Creator God. We were given those gifts for a reason, which may still be unknown to us. Pray that when God calls on you to do whatever it is that needs to be done, you are willing, enthusiastic, and most importantly absolutely secure in the knowledge that God would never leave your side.

Amen

Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist

York, PA

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