Day 10 – Luke 4: 14-21

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has chosen me” (v18).

As a new steward in my home church, I waited anxiously for the appointed preacher to arrive one Sunday; I was due to lead the small Sunday school class that morning and needed to complete my preparations for that before the service began. Alongside me, the other steward started searching for the emergency sermon, filed deep in a drawer in the vestry, just in case…

That day soon became the time and place when the sermon was used, with favourite hymns and prayers forming an act of worship offered to God by those gathered that morning. It was memorable, particularly for me, since I offered the Sunday school story-cum-lesson to the whole church, spontaneously after reading the concluding part of the emergency sermon.

As stewards responsible for the service, we greeted folk as they departed and one elderly lady took my hand, telling me with great conviction ‘whoever God calls, He equips.’ I smiled and nodded, then returned home and thought little more about it, as our young family grew and life, in all its fullness, was always busy.

Over a quarter of a century later, I reflect on her words, beginning to understanding their truth and knowing that we are all called, equipped, chosen and appointed by God to many and various tasks throughout our lives: the golden thread of focus must always be Christ, in whose name we are commissioned to each role- parent, preacher or park attendant.

I invite you to take time to acknowledge God’s call on your life – by replacing ‘me’ with your name – as you read again the verses quoted by Jesus, from Isaiah.

“I will rejoice greatly in the Lord: God be with you this day”

By Janet Park
North Yorkshire Dales Circuit
Superintendent