Not necessarily a do-over situation – because if we forget all that we’ve come through, we lose the lesson.
But those moments where we’re overwhelmed or overburdened,
Reset!
It’s in these moments we can reflect on how God has been with us all along, but we haven’t always been with God.
We’ve been in the world – and of the world –
Reset brings us back to the journey of faith.
Humbling, takes courage and strength.
So worth it!
Kings –
Annals of history, after the Baal vs Yahweh strife in Israel.
Elijah: it’s enough.
Laid down, slept, did not expect to rise.
Instead: God provided him what he needed for the journey: bread, and water.
In addition to the nap.
Miraculous nourishment for the body to continue.
What we all need!
Physical reset.
And on he goes, alone to the cave…
God asks “What are you doing here?”
Ideal question – asks him about his purpose in travel, in intention, in faith.
What are you doing here?
Loaded question – we can all ask ourselves.
Existential: are we living the life God has planned for us?
If not, how do we listen to the directions we’re to be given?
God speaks:
Not always in the wind, nor in the earthquake, nor in the fire: and these can be literal events or metaphorical descriptions of what life’s challenges can feel like:
But in the stillness. The small voice of God – asking us again – what are we doing here?
And when we respond with humble hearts – like Elijah – we hear the potential again – to reset.
God invites us to return; because our return to God has renewed us for ministry.
Reset!
The psalm today again recognises the desire for that reset –
asking why soul is disquieted?
My soul thirsts for God!
We desire a reset: that our faith may guide us onward.
Galatians – there is no longer labels that divide
But commonality that unites
Paul’s letter tells the community they need to reset: individuals and collectively
To bring together the people of God
“You are one in Christ Jesus!”
Reset your mind – to see yourself as beloved child of God
Reset your heart – that you will recognise the love of Christ in everyone else
Reset your community – to be a place of loving service.
Gospel:
The calls for that reset are abundant!
The people have just witnessed a calming of the storm, when they now are faced abruptly by a man possessed.
LEGION –
Whether this is literal or allegorical – we don’t know – and it doesn’t matter, for we can learn the lesson–
There was a man, suffering, begging for a reset of his life.
All while fearing the worst – even from Jesus.
And the legion begged for a reset –
And the implications of the demonic possession of the swine – would cause shock in the hearing of people throughout the ages – there are several sermons just on those pigs!
Yet the reset: the call to pause the current course of action and reset towards something better.
Twice in this Gospel we hear of that not happening:
Both times by those who fear or reject Jesus.
firstly in the death of the swine, as the demons did not survive after all –
secondly in the people who were so afraid of the power of God – and it’s implications on their lives and livelihoods –
that they rejected the reset and sent Jesus away.
But for those who received the reset: and understood its benefit:
Powerful.
Meant to be inspirational.
Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you!
We’re invited to do the same – without (hopefully) the same level of drama.
Pause. Reset. Re-connect with God. Listen anew to how God is active in our lives.
For in the reset, we remember:
God lifts us up when we feel helpless
God accompanies us when we feel alone
God provides for us in ways we cannot even imagine
God speaks, even when we aren’t sure we can hear it
God invites us into ministry – even when we think we’re starting from nothing.
All of this happens when we are willing to submit before God;
To put God before ourselves;
To humble ourselves to one another in acts of compassion and grace.
To allow God to give our paths a ‘reset’
May we all be so blessed this week.
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