Reflection - Generous Father

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/083017.cfm
I Thessalonians 2:9-13
Matthew 23:27-32

Throughout the past several days the church daily readings have consistently returned to stories of the prophets. Moses was the first of those mentioned. He was followed by Gideon, Isaiah, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, Jesus himself, and Paul. This morning's readings again address the matter of the prophets, though this time our attention is directed toward the manner in which the different prophets were received. As you know, those in Old Testament days were often met with ridicule and scorn. At times they were persecuted. In the New Testament John the Baptist lost his head. Jesus was crucified. Paul, however, as we hear today, was an exception---at least in Thessalonica. There he was welcomed by the Thessalonians.

Who were these various men, the one's we refer to as prophets? What were they about and what message did they bring? And why is Jesus include among them?

The dictionary defines a prophet as one who utters divinely inspired revelations. Prophecy is defined as a statement that something will happen in the future, as the inspired utterance of a prophet,  or as a prediction of something to come. The definition of prophecy which is closest to the Scriptural meaning is the inspired declaration of divine will and purpose. While the prophet may speak about future events, those events are always in the context of what God is doing in the now. For this reason we should identify all Christians as prophets. Let me explain by telling you a story from my life. 

Almost two years ago I shared with you my experience in finding a parking space. For those who may have missed it, the story is short. After a lengthy tour of Breckenridge trying to find a parking spot, I half facetiously offered a prayer, telling the Lord that I needed a parking place. I turned the corner and there were two spots, right there on Main Street in downtown Breckenridge. The incident made me conscious that even with the little things in life, God is concerned. Little did I know that the incident was a mere foreshadowing of what was to come. 

Within a few months after that incident, my wife and I found ourselves seriously engaged in a discussion of whether or not to build a more "age-agreeable house. We thought about it, talked about it, and prayed about it. We even blessed the lot we were potentially going to buy. Now I'm not one who expects God to make my decisions for me though I do look for his guidance. Logically, the move made sense. Emotionally, the move was somewhat exciting, though potentially wearing. In the end we prayed that the Lord would find a way to sidetrack our plans if the trials of housebuilding and moving were not in his will or would interfere in any way with the various works we were doing for our faith community. In our minds, serving him came first.

The advancement of our plans was blessed in many different ways. I want to share just one.

Recognizing the difficulties of such a move, I specifically prayed that we would not have to move twice---once when our current house sold and then again when the new house was ready. While I could share more details about the aftermath of that prayerful request, suffice it to say that I was confident I received a clearly stated answer: "Don't worry, I've got this." 

Our house was on the market fifteen months. Lots of interest. lots of showings. Lots of positive feedback. But only one offer, and that was an early on, low-ball offer. So, here we were in early August, approaching the time when our new house would be finished. Yet we maintained our confidence in the Lord's promise. Abruptly, we had a serious inquiry. The potential offer was at a moderate discount; but the buyer was curious if we would be interested in a lease-back. Our spirits soared. But before anything could come of that, the buyers had an illness in the family which prevented them from moving forward.

Within days a second, but more solid offer came in. The price was higher but this buyer wanted us to move within three weeks. We reluctantly accepted, wondering how the Lord was going to work it all out. The day after we accepted there was another firm offer. The price was higher yet and, while we didn't have the full details, the buyer wanted to be in a backup position. So there were three solid buyers within ten days. Our realtor said this was unheard of in Teller County in our price range. Within a week the original contract became void because the sale was contingent upon the buyer closing on their own property and that contract fell through. 

So our realtor turned to the backup. The backup buyer was not only excited, they wanted to know if we were interested in a lease-back. That wasn't in their original plan; but It seems that the reason they we're interested in such an arrangement was that their daughter, who was going to move into our house, had had to sign an apartment lease. Why? Because of the delay brought on by the previous potential buyer.

(A lease-back allows us to stay in our home until we finish building our new one!)

The notion that the Lord's affirmation -- "Don't worry, I've got this." -- was a prophecy didn't occur  to me until someone referred to it as such. But the more I reflected, the better I understood. Recall the definition from the beginning: A prophet is one who utters divinely inspired revelations. Prophecy is defined as a statement that something will happen in the future, as the inspired utterance of a prophet,  or as a prediction of something to come. The definition of prophecy which is closest to the Scriptural meaning is the inspired declaration of divine will and purpose.

That is why I say that we should identify all Christians as prophets. My experience with the Lord and his fulfillment of his promise is not a mark of my excellence. It is, or should be, an ordinary part of Christian life. This is part if our witness: Seeking the Lord. listening for his guidance. Trusting in his promise. Recognizing what he does when He does it. Knowing that he always desires the best for his children.

Am I lucky?

Am I fortunate?

Do I have good Karma?

Was all this a happy coincidence?

Was I just in the right place at the right time?

None of these.

I am child of God and I have a good and gracious Father.