Cross My Heart
Pentecost 14 – Narrative Lectionary 2
September 15, 2019
Grace, Mankato, MN
Genesis 18.1-15; 21.1-7
Last week, we heard the second creation story of the first human man and woman, how relationships between them, God and the entire world are at the heart of creation. We anticipated their act of disobedience that led to their expulsion from the Garden, how those relationships would be broken. Since then, they have populated the earth, but the brokenness was so severe God caused a flood. Noah, his family, and representatives of all animals are spared in an effort to reboot creation and start over. God realizes this is not going to work as hoped so he sets a rainbow as a sign of his promise never to do it again. Instead, God goes “Plan C,” identifying another couple through whom God will work on restoring creation to him.
What a couple it is, two “seasoned citizens” who are promised descendents as numerous as the sand on a beach or stars in the sky, but who are well past their ability to produce children. Understandably, Abraham and Sarah, as thrilled as they are, cannot see how it can be possible. It will take 10 years for them to see the beginning of God’s promise, with many missteps and misconceptions along the way. Finally, three heavenly visitors arrive with another promise, to which Sarah can only laugh. Yet, Sarah’s laughter of absurdity and pain turns to joyous laughter at the birth of Isaac, which means “Laughter.”
“The Lord dealt with Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as he had promised.” As I thought about God’s promises to Abraham and Sarah and promises in general, it occurred to me that most promises are not fulfilled immediately or all at once. Indeed, they unfold over time and often unexpectedly. Last Wednesday, little Mackenzie gave me a pine cone from a tree in her yard. The pine cone, like all seeds, is a promise that unfolds over time and in unexpected ways. When Cindy and I married almost 39 years ago, we made promises that unfold, also unexpectedly. Abraham and Sarah will never see those numerous descendents that God promises to them, a promise that still unfolds today.
The promise to Abraham and Sarah was that all peoples of the earth would be drawn to God through their descendents, the chosen people. As we will see this story unfold in the weeks and months ahead, God will eventually do this through Jesus. God promised the Israelites a Messiah, an anointed one who will bring this promise to completion. Yet even here, God’s promise continues to unfold unexpectedly as Jesus restores us through his life, death and resurrection. In Jesus Christ, God has said, like countless children, “Cross my heart and hope to die.” Whatever God’s promises to us, every one of them all say that we have a future of hopefulness, not resignation.
Last Sunday, God made a promise that Kinzey Jane would belong to God forever, and you, her parents and sponsors made promises the nurture her in the faith, promises that will unfold in her lifetime. Thursday, Genny’s family clung to the promise that death is not the last word and the God will bring all things to completion, that we would see each other again, promises that continue to unfold. Yesterday, Alexa and Alan made promises in God’s sight, promises that will continue to work their way out in their lives together. In a few minutes, we will taste God’s promised presence with forgiveness and new life in Holy Communion.
Over nine years ago, you and I promised to walk together in God’s mission and ministry. It was a promise that unfolded, often in unexpected ways, but always because of God’s faithfulness to us. You have now called Pastor Odegard to walk with you and I expect the same thing will happen, only differently. In the building renovations, you have responded to God’s call like your ancestors before you to stand as witness to a God who continues to move in our world to restore all things to God’s self. So I encourage you to trust in that promise, look for where it unfolds unexpectedly, and laugh with joy when it happens. Amen.
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