"How have you stayed self-aware?" That was what he asked, and his question caught me by surprise. I was meeting with the state convention person in charge of connecting churches with missions to introduce him to our work with the P70 Church Planting ministry in Brazil. During our 'introductions' time I'd learned he was 60 - and that he'd served 26 years at his previous church and recently made a change. Still, his question felt out of place. "Self-aware,?" I replied. "What do you mean, exactly?" As he explained I realized this was simply his way of asking me how I knew when it was time to step down as a Senior Pastor and pass the torch to someone else. So we talked on - some about missions, but mostly about 'time of life stuff,' which more and more seems to be what I find myself doing these days.
When I got home, I asked Belinda, "do I look old?" Without hesitating she replied, 'yes!" I gazed at her, hoping to see a smile or wink. Then continued, "I was in a meeting today and our conversation took a turn to the subject of transitioning. It seems this is happening to me often when I meet with someone." "Well," she said, "if you're not inviting this, and it keeps happening, then maybe you should embrace it." This was not what I wanted to hear, but I knew it was true.
One of my favorite stories in the Bible is found in Genesis chapter 48 where, Joseph brings his sons to his father Jacob for him to bless them. This happens after Joseph has reconciled with his brothers in Egypt, and after Jacob, his father, and all his clan have moved there to be with him. The family is now far away from the "Promised Land" - in a strange place - but not far from the influence of God's promise to their ancestor, Abraham, nor its impact on their shared sense of heritage and legacy.
Now Israel’s eyes were failing because of old age, and he could hardly see. So Joseph brought his sons close to him, and his father kissed them and embraced them. Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face again, and now God has allowed me to see your children too. Then Joseph removed them from Israel’s knees and bowed down with his face to the ground. And Joseph took both of them, Ephraim on his right toward Israel’s left hand and Manasseh on his left toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them close to him. Genesis 48:10-13
The larger story here has implication beyond what we might see. Here is Jacob, an old man of 130 years, with his youngest son and children. Jacob has an important role. But, so does Joseph, his son. As well, the boys gathered at their grandfather knees, likely in the folds of his outer garment, do too. They each are at a season of life in which they are being called to do for the other. The eldest, the ancient, holds the patriarchal key of passing on a blessing. Joseph, his son, holds the task of insuring this takes place - of getting the job done. And the younger, the children, have the blessed role simply of receiving. Imagining what this must have looked like makes my heart warm, but, it begs a question, which of them - which role, is the most important? In my mind they are equal, and only accomplished because of the age, position and self awareness of each faithfully being who and where they are in life. If any of them disdain their times, task, or this time in particular, if any one of them fail in their role and response, then the scene here so beautifully portrayed would not be.
As my meeting turned towards its end, the gentleman asked me, "do you miss preaching?" I returned, "I enjoyed preaching, and at times I do pine after the days gone by - but, if by returning I were kept from my task now of encouraging and mentoring others busy at the same I would not be be happy. It is their time now, and my role and my task, well... they are changed."
Then, I continued, "would you go with me to Brazil?" "I'd love to give you a chance to preach there, so you could see the power of God's Word in an area that is so very ripe for the gospel."
"I think I might, pastor." And, thank you", he replied.
"Then let's go", I said.
Pastor Sam
