HERITAGE AND MISSION

Numbers 2:1-3:51; Mark 11:27-12:17; Psalm 47:1-9; Proverbs 10:24-25

 “This is the family line of Aaron and Moses as it was recorded when the Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai:  The names of Aaron’s sons were Nadab (the oldest), Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar….  These sons of Aaron were anointed and ordained to minister as priests.”

“Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures?  ‘The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.
 This is the Lord’s doing,
and it is wonderful to see.’”           

“The fears of the wicked will be fulfilled;
the hopes of the godly will be granted.”

Family heritage and lineage is important.  It is good to know where we come from and our history, the foundations upon which life is based.  It is better to know we help each other grow and back each other up.  In these times especially, being part of something bigger and better than ourselves is good medicine for anxiety.  However, not everyone has been so blessed.  A cold, authoritarian father can make relating to a heavenly Father tough.  Anyone betrayed by their natural family will likely be suspicious of any Church family.   No family is perfect, either.

Maybe that’s why it is in knowing and owning our personal mission that we truly touch the hand of God.  Why are we here?  What were we created to do?  We sense we are more than just some kind of cosmic accident, but we sometimes question our real significance.  Life is about more than just hanging out with, or even being loved by, family and friends.  Finding a sense of being set apart, of being ordained by God to accomplish a unique task or vision, does wonders for the ol’ self-confidence.

God made it easy on the Levites.  He was absolutely clear they were specially ordained, and He was specific about what they were to do.  I wish He was as clear with me.  At 51, I still have questions about my life’s course, and whether I’m on the right track.  I still wonder if He can use me at all.  Maybe if I had a clearer sense of calling, I would have a better sense of mission… and self worth…. 

God calls us to consider the prophecy Jesus Himself quoted to the Pharisees who saw no value in His life: “The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.”  Jesus, rejected, became the cornerstone of God’s New Covenant.  If we’re feeling unsupported, unloved or underappreciated, maybe it’s because we haven’t taken seriously enough the idea that God can use, wants to use, and expects to use us.  I have a heritage that prepared me.  (Even difficult pasts can be used by God to bring wisdom and compassion to life.)  I have a Savior through whom I can do all things.  Maybe it’s time to take a little more definite step of faith in His direction and be a little bolder in pointing others to Him.  Just maybe, I’ll find that I’ve been set apart for a special purpose, too.  It would by way cool for God to build something with me.  Some may call that a dream; I call it hope.