Psalms 27 88, 95; Job 19:21-27a; Heb. 4:1-16; Rom. 8:1-11

God's Wingman

It is a privilege to write the conclusion of these 40 devotionals. But I admit it was a bit daunting. It felt like we had been on a long journey together and I hoped I could provide something worthy of the end. As always, our God provides. In this case, it was this passage: "For the word of God is living and active" Heb. 4:12.

How absolutely perfect for the conclusion of our Lenten discipline! Thank you, Lord. Several of our contributors wrote about being open and receptive to doing God's work-- about the importance of being an agent for Christ and trying to live out His message, His word, in this world. This is something I know firsthand.

Several years back, my son-- then six-- showed me this lesson. We were sitting in the McDonald's on Broad St. and I was preparing to make a presentation to a local woman's organization. He was with me mainly because at that age he still thought what I said was interesting. About fifteen minutes before addressing the group, I learned that my brother had been caught up in the military surge of 2007 and was heading out early to a part of Iraq which at that point had been very deadly. While this was not my brother's first deployment it was extremely frightening and, unfortunately, my son, saw my fear. Before then, we had been fairly successful in masking it, but this was shocking and unexpected news. He heard the phone conversation. At least my half.

After ending the call, my sweet little boy said, "We should pray about this." Again, I was shocked. All I could say was, "You're absolutely right. That's actually all we can do." And that baby, that child, countered with the most amazing response. I swear to you, he replied, "No. That's just where we start. Then we have to do what God needs." He was right, of course. Otherwise they're just words. Empty words offered to an empty god.

But our God and His Word remain living and active. We are here to be His wingmen and women (a term my sister applied when she heard of her young nephew's insightful statement). We are here for a short time, but we are here to serve Him and His people.

Over these last 39 days, I've read the most wonderful reflections. They have inspired me to seek our Savior, to serve Him, trust Him, and to know there is always hope, and light, and that Christ desires a relationship with us. We are part of a wonderful community. But don't let what we've learned stay only with us. Go out in the world, as Christ's wingmen: Loyal, fearless, and willing to do what our Savior asks of us.

Amen.