A FINAL WORD

Ron Gray, Bearspaw Interim Lead Site Pastor

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm."

Ephesians 6:10-13

It is hard to know what to say when giving your final words to a group of people you love. Final is not quite the right word, as I look forward to returning to RockPointe in mid-August. This is however, the final message I will write to you as the Interim Lead Site Pastor of RockPointe Church. I want to finish this stage of the journey well.

There are many directions I could go. I could reminisce about the experiences, the joys and sorrows of the past two years. I could list the many things there are to celebrate. I could extend thanks to the many, many people who have loved and served God and his RockPointe family so well. These would all be good things, but I would like to take a different approach.

As I considered what to write, my mind went to the final words of Jesus to his followers and the final words of the Apostle Paul as he wrote to the church in Ephesus. I found it instructive that they did not recount past glories or sorrows. They did not reminisce or wax nostalgic. They were not focused on their impact on past events. Nor were they focused on the impact of past events on them. In both cases their final words were forward focused. Having experienced what they had experienced, and having accomplished what they had accomplished, they sought to turn their attention and the attention of those they loved to the future.

In Jesus’ case, he gave both direction and assurance. “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations…. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19, 20). In Paul’s case, he reminded the Ephesians of the One in whose power they stood. He also reminded them of whose power they contended against and assured them that they could stand firm (Ephesians 6:10-13).

RockPointe, God has brought us this far. He has been and shall always remain faithful. Shepherds come and shepherds go. The flock comes and goes, taking on many different shapes and forms over the years. Even local expressions of the church come and go. The only constant and immutable reality is the protecting power and guiding presence of God. It is he who created the church. It is he who sustains her. It is he who guides her. It is he who protects her. We exist because in his love he willed it to be so. We continue to exist because in his love he protects us and guides us. The church will always exist because in his love he has deigned to forever display his glory and grace through us.

Our future can be good, for God is with us in all his power and love. Yet, the good future that God has for us will not be uncontested. We must stand firm in him and take hold of it. We do well to remember that we have an enemy who has come to steal, kill, and destroy. Every step forward in this world will be met with the resistance of the devil and his minions. So, my final word to you is, be strong in the Lord. He is your origin. He is your source of strength. He is the object of your love and worship.

Praise God, he is leading us in a good direction!

I  look forward to seeing you in August.