Can You Picture That?
Last month, I wrote about journeys. I wanted you to know how glad our family is that our journey led us to Asbury UMC and now we can begin journeying together. In our first few Sundays, I am preaching about the “Big Picture” of our life with God. The sermons focus on God’s love for each individual and all of creation as the origin of our activities and endeavors. We are immersed in God’s Story, and our stories are linked together.
All of our stories are linked together . . . can you picture that? One of my favorite movies of yore is the Muppet Movie. Not only does it introduce Kermit the Frog and his many friends, but it has a great soundtrack! One of my favorites is performed by Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem as they sing the song “Can You Picture That?” Notable lyrics are “. . . there’s nothing out there you can’t do! Even Santa Claus believes in you!” I think our faith shares the same message. Philippians 4:13 reminds us we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Earlier in the letter, Paul encourages Timothy telling him the One who began a good work in Timothy will be faithful to complete it!
In the coming weeks, we’ll explore how we as United Methodist People in Minnesota are called to grow in love of God and neighbor, reach new people, and heal a broken world. When we think about any one of these directives, it can be overwhelming, but we do not serve a god of fear and small vision. We serve the God who created the universe! We serve the God who loves extravagantly and has forgiveness and grace enough for all of us. We serve the God who causes dry bones to come to life (Ezekiel 37), makes a measure of oil and flour last indefinitely (1 Kings 17), feeds the multitudes (Matthew 14, Mark 6, Luke 9, John 6), and even defeated death!
I think that we can take heart in these scriptures to know that though our tasks here sometimes seem endless, though we might not know exactly how to proceed, we worship God who has chosen to work in us and through us! God is faithful! So let’s set our vision big and wide. Let’s dream dreams and see visions of the kingdom being present here with us, in this community of West Duluth. Can you picture that?
Through God’s help, we can!
Blessings and Peace,
Katherine