NewsletterColver Presbyterian Church
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Then [Elijah] was afraid; he got up and fled for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongs to Judah; he left his servant there. But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep... Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” ...Then the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way…” 1 Kings 19:1-18
When the prophet Elijah found himself deep in the throes of an empirical l crisis posed by Queen Jezebel, he was greatly disturbed. The threat was so real that he had to flee to Mount Horeb in search of God. Yet, it was sheer silence that he found. He went and sat down under a solitary broom tree wishing to give up. He had left his servant, his co-worker and most interestingly, yet sadly, Elijah left the whole assembly of God behind in the mouth of threat of the queen. He thought he was the only person alive because the queen had slaughtered his fellow prophets and many adherents. He didn't know that the Lord God had sheltered more prophets by hiding them from the Queen for a while. The Lord had intervened in their case thereafter and delivered them.
“What are you doing here?” God asked Elijah in that sheer silence. Despite of all his reasons and excuses, the Lord God encouraged Elijah to get up and return.
If you read the whole story, you would learn that, upon his return, Elijah was able to anoint a king. Through him the famine that had fallen on the nation for three years ceased; God showed himself as a consuming fire on the prophets of Baal; and with his return Queen Jezebel and King Ahab's tyranny ended. Israel was restored, and the worship of the Lord was revived again.
In the last few decades, people keep saying the church is dying. The throe of an external crisis is real, and we see the signs internally. It does seem that many are wanting to die with others like Elijah. Elijah failed to see God's plan in his survival from the dangers in Samaria. But what do you see?
Today I want to ask you some questions. You do not need to answer to me, but just for your own meditation. Respond to the questions as the Lord directs your heart and spirit-filled conscience.
What do you like about the Colver Presbyterian Church? What is important for you to keep your church alive? You might have been part of this church: either born, raised, or joined when you are adult or a friend. You might be relocated or live in the community. When have you been back to visit the Colver Presbyterian church or attend the service? Have you been considering supporting this church with your financial generosity or spiritual gifts? Or you are afraid like Elijah, that you do not want to see the death of your church and choose to stay away from it?
At this moment, you may listen the whispering voice asking; "What are you doing there?" Remember, you might be our Elijah. You'd be part of the miracle to revive this church. As the year-end approaches, think about Advent, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year. Reflect on everything the Lord has done in your life throughout this year or what this church has been for you. I ask that you consider how to support your church. The fact that others are closing their doors doesn’t mean we must also jump into their wagon, though it's saddening.
Remember that the survival of the church in our 21st century depends on the generosity of the members as the church seeks to claim its tradition, define its purpose, and pursue a future filled with hopes.
It's October! Even if the world around us is filled with chaos, nature brings us beauty, reminds us of the changing of seasons, renews our hopes, and gives us new life. This reflects our life and faith journey. We are constantly pressed hard with the circumstances of this world and crisis in our lives. Just as the challenges to Elijah’s church dwindled and that church revived and thrived, we should remember that our crisis is seasonal and will pass. We are stronger and steady with Christ by our side. Yes, “we are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed” (1 Corinthians 4:9). The church of Jesus Christ will not die in this world until he comes back as he promised. Also, I promise you that this Church will never close its doors if we choose to face its crisis by joining our hands in cheerful giving and mission.
“Go, return on your way…”
Sincerely,
Pastor Owar
When the prophet Elijah found himself deep in the throes of an empirical l crisis posed by Queen Jezebel, he was greatly disturbed. The threat was so real that he had to flee to Mount Horeb in search of God. Yet, it was sheer silence that he found. He went and sat down under a solitary broom tree wishing to give up. He had left his servant, his co-worker and most interestingly, yet sadly, Elijah left the whole assembly of God behind in the mouth of threat of the queen. He thought he was the only person alive because the queen had slaughtered his fellow prophets and many adherents. He didn't know that the Lord God had sheltered more prophets by hiding them from the Queen for a while. The Lord had intervened in their case thereafter and delivered them.
“What are you doing here?” God asked Elijah in that sheer silence. Despite of all his reasons and excuses, the Lord God encouraged Elijah to get up and return.
If you read the whole story, you would learn that, upon his return, Elijah was able to anoint a king. Through him the famine that had fallen on the nation for three years ceased; God showed himself as a consuming fire on the prophets of Baal; and with his return Queen Jezebel and King Ahab's tyranny ended. Israel was restored, and the worship of the Lord was revived again.
In the last few decades, people keep saying the church is dying. The throe of an external crisis is real, and we see the signs internally. It does seem that many are wanting to die with others like Elijah. Elijah failed to see God's plan in his survival from the dangers in Samaria. But what do you see?
Today I want to ask you some questions. You do not need to answer to me, but just for your own meditation. Respond to the questions as the Lord directs your heart and spirit-filled conscience.
What do you like about the Colver Presbyterian Church? What is important for you to keep your church alive? You might have been part of this church: either born, raised, or joined when you are adult or a friend. You might be relocated or live in the community. When have you been back to visit the Colver Presbyterian church or attend the service? Have you been considering supporting this church with your financial generosity or spiritual gifts? Or you are afraid like Elijah, that you do not want to see the death of your church and choose to stay away from it?
At this moment, you may listen the whispering voice asking; "What are you doing there?" Remember, you might be our Elijah. You'd be part of the miracle to revive this church. As the year-end approaches, think about Advent, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year. Reflect on everything the Lord has done in your life throughout this year or what this church has been for you. I ask that you consider how to support your church. The fact that others are closing their doors doesn’t mean we must also jump into their wagon, though it's saddening.
Remember that the survival of the church in our 21st century depends on the generosity of the members as the church seeks to claim its tradition, define its purpose, and pursue a future filled with hopes.
It's October! Even if the world around us is filled with chaos, nature brings us beauty, reminds us of the changing of seasons, renews our hopes, and gives us new life. This reflects our life and faith journey. We are constantly pressed hard with the circumstances of this world and crisis in our lives. Just as the challenges to Elijah’s church dwindled and that church revived and thrived, we should remember that our crisis is seasonal and will pass. We are stronger and steady with Christ by our side. Yes, “we are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed” (1 Corinthians 4:9). The church of Jesus Christ will not die in this world until he comes back as he promised. Also, I promise you that this Church will never close its doors if we choose to face its crisis by joining our hands in cheerful giving and mission.
“Go, return on your way…”
Sincerely,
Pastor Owar
