Happy October Everyone
Originally the eighth month of the Roman calendar (and thus the prefix “Oct” for eight in Latin), it slid to number ten in the calendar after Julius Caesar and Caesar Augustus inserted months named after themselves (July and August). We also know this to be the prime month of autumn, that time when the leaves begin to turn. Depending on the trees and microclimate the surrounds you, this can be a spectacular time. October also represents change and the eventual movement toward winter. As we move through this month, I hope to reflect some on the transitions that come in our lives along with the “Staying Power” necessary to adapt.
Retreat is Not Defeat: Perspectives on Failure
When some Midianite traders passed by, they drew Joseph up, lifting him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver (Genesis 37:25-27).
I remember back in seminary, a great Baptist preacher from Detroit, Fred Sampson, came to address our student body in chapel. He spoke honestly of genuine struggles—of growing up poor, an African-American originally from the south and the target of much hatred. Part of a strong family and with mentors who maintained dignity, withstood discrimination, and overcame poverty, his story reflected a nurturing community filled with courage and deep roots of faith. This, along with his profound biblical interpretations, poetic cadences, deep baritone, all held me spellbound and on the edge of my seat. Then came the culminating, rising crescendo:
Retreat is not defeat; failure is not final and death with Jesus is not dying, it’s just a departure to a better place.
It would not be accurate to call this escapist theology. Coming out of the African-American experience, this “better place” is both a state of mind and an improved condition, not just off in heaven later on but here in this time and in this place. It is a determined word that tragedy will not overcome the human spirit. This is a truth we can claim today, tomorrow, forever.
This same truth so movingly conveyed in Fred Sampson’s sermon is illustrated in the Genesis story of Joseph. There, we hear of a brash youngster enamored with himself transformed through hardship into a courageous, willful, determined young adult of high morals and deep faith. But there is also the foreground story, the Christian story of Jesus. With a subtly the Bible often employs, these two stories are juxtaposed by an economic element: Joseph is sold by his brothers into slavery for twenty pieces of silver; Jesus is sold into the hands of the religious authorities for thirty pieces of silver. Joseph, in spite of and out of his bondage, saves his people from famine; Jesus, in spite of and out of and through his death, saves all of us, his people, from spiritual hunger and sin.
For Fred Sampson’s sermon, and for our own daily stories, giving our lives over to follow Jesus, to be his disciples, to be learners of his way, merges seamlessly with the faith of Joseph, the faith of the early church, and the faith of today. Somehow, in ways we cannot fully fathom, our God of history, the God of Joseph, the God seen most fully and perfectly in Jesus, guides us still, inspires us fully, and leads us on so that our better place—whatever blessing or goodness or opportunity that might come our way—might be used to lift the lives of others along with our own.
It is good to know that humility has its distinct and biblical advantages; it is valuable to remember that good news is a matter of perspective; and it is essential to claim: whatever circumstance you find yourself in this week, tragedy will not have the last word. You are in the hands of God.
PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Open our hearts, O God, to the truth of your surrounding presence and the inspired staying power those who have preceded us felt, understood and acting upon. This month, make us brave in our actions and interactions. Allow others to see in us, some inspiring act of courage that offers for them a glimpse of the eternal hope found only in you. Amen.
David Jordan
Senior Pastor