Renew, Restore and Rebuild

The spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and release to the prisoners; 2to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3to provide for those who mourn in Zion— to give them a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. They will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of theLord, to display his glory.4They shall build up the ancient ruins, they shall raise up the former devastations they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.  ~ Isaiah 61:1-4

Within the Isaiah text there are words of renewal, restoration and people and a land being rebuilt. When I couple these words with the words of the John text that talks about how "the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice" I begin to wonder if we are listening to the voice of God.

Maybe we think that God is not speaking any longer. If that is the case, what are we doing when we come to church, week after week? If we are worshipping a God that doesn't speak words of renewal, restoration and being rebuilt - why do we read the scriptures, pray for guidance or practice discipleship? Now, I know that makes some assumptions. That we pray, seek God's guidance and answer the call and say that we are available to God. So let's assume that is the case - that we do those things. Then shouldn't we then believe that God is still speaking a word to God's people.

A part of our struggle I believe, here in 2013 is that we don't want to empty of ourselves and allow the Spirit of God to lead us to those places that help bind up the brokenhearted, proclaims liberty and releases the prisoners. Thats a scary place - anytime we have to GO anywhere - thats a scary place. It's scary to GO there for ourselves with God and it most certainly scary to GO there when it involves someone else.

But (I love that conjunction)... But, if we believe that our God still speaks and that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow OR God is logos - then isn't God also Rhema. Rhema or Word is active. Rhema or Word is involved. Rhema or Word is engaged. In the world and in our individual lives. Rhema or Word calls us to pray, be lead and answer the call to renew, restore and rebuild within our local and global communities.

Here at RLC - through the leading of the Spirit of God, we are making a commitment to RENEW, RESTORE and REBUILD. Won't you listen to the call of God with us - for Re-formation; for Reformation and take that leap of faith so that all may see the Rhema of God. But it takes a final "R" to do that - RISK.

Are you willing? Let's take a risk for God. Let's take a risk for the people, all people that God loves. Let's take a risk to Renew, Restore and Rebuild right here in Rochester NY and wherever we are planted so that God may be glorified.

Love and Light
Rev. Imani Dodley