It is really starting to hit me that we are about to embark upon our final month together. I will be the pastor of the Waverly-Carsley Cooperative Parish for only thirty more days before moving on to where the Spirit has called me to minister next. Couple this with all the things that will occur during the next 30 days (some time off, packing, Annual Conference, etc.) and I feel that time just keeps slipping on by. Where have the years gone and how are they coming to an end so quickly?
When Jesus’ earthly ministry was coming a close, as he prepared for the arrest, trial, and crucifixion that he knew was coming, we all are comforted in the fact that he prayed, aren’t we? That Jesus talked to God about what was getting ready to happen, preparing himself and others for what must take place. Most commonly people will recall his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and those infamous words – “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want” (Matt 26:39). God, let things happen differently if they can, but in all things let your will be done.
Yet, the prayer that resounds with me most in that time leading up to the end of Jesus’ ministry is the one recorded in John chapter 17. There Jesus prays for his disciples. Not just the ones that had followed him for a few years, but for all who would ever come to know him because of what they had all done together; what their ministry had achieved in allowing people to be better connected to, and in relationship with, God.
There Jesus says, “this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (17:3). This is the eternal legacy. This is all that needs to be remembered. This is the one thing above all other things – knowing God because of Jesus. Therein lies divine glory. Therein lies divine presence. Therein lies all things divine.
Jesus told his Father, “As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world” (17:18). Remember the Great Commission? God gave it to Jesus, who gave it to all of us. This is our call. This is all that is asked of us. Do to others what has been done for us in Christ. Show them the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Provide them with the Bread of Life and the Living Water. Lead them to the Shepherd, Son of God, Savior of us all.
I pray, of everything we have done together, learned together, sung, prayed, laughed, and cried about together, this is the one thing you will always remember – it’s all about Jesus – following him and guiding others to him. Whatever other accomplishments we may think we have had over the years, this is the only thing that really matters. For, without Jesus, there really is no Church. No need for a pastor or a congregation. No need for a building or any other thing. It’s always been about Jesus and always will be, so that all the world can be one in him, just as Jesus prayed for.
So, as I sign off on what is now my final pondering as your pastor, know that you will always be in my prayers and I will always desire the best for you all, just as Jesus does. Yet always remember, there is more work to be done in the Kingdom. Rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you, along with your new pastor, whom the Spirit has brought to you just as Philip was brought to the Ethiopian during his time of need (see Acts 8). God has always provided for our Parish and always will. Trust in that above all and one day we will all see each other again, celebrating for eternity as we feast at the heavenly banquet table together.
In Christian love, always,
Pastor Steve