St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church

Fr. Jon Griffin — Proper 19A — August 20, 2023

[RCL] Exodus 14:19-31; Psalm 114 or Exodus 15:1b-11,20-21; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35

The exodus from Egypt is a defining moment for the Jewish people. Our perception of the Exodus events is shaped many times by reenactments in movies. Turner classic movies as well as network television has shown the movie The Ten Commandments during Easter week for as many years as I can remember. How can we forget Charlton Heston as Moses and Yul Brynner as Rameses. The plagues, the death angel, the parting of the Red Sea. Moses, standing firm on the water’s edge, holding his staff upright as the water is parted left and right. A two-fold purpose is revealed: (1) a way is provided by God for his people to cross this obstacle and (2) the means of the Egyptian army’s demise when the waters cease to be held back.

God is saving his people for a purpose yet to be revealed. He is fulfilling his promise to Abraham that from his descendants God will form a great nation whose numbers are as numerous as the grains of sand. 

The formation story continues with the giving of the Law, the disobedience, the wilderness journey and finally the entry into the promised land – the land of Canaan.  

Like the Israelites, God continues to guide his church by providing a way through various obstacles, forgiving our disobedience, being with us when we stray, and, most importantly, guiding us through the wilderness. I am reminded of the hymn “Jesus, like a shepherd, leads us” whose words remind us that God, through His son, shows us the way. Updating this metaphor, God provides a GPS map that provides the directions to our eternal destination. Like the Israelites, exultation has passed, we, like the Israelites, are faced with reality. Egypt is behind us but what lies ahead. 

This is the reality that is before you – the church in Mt. Carmel.

The wilderness of the pandemic has passed. You are in the process of calling your next rector. The person who is to care for your spiritual needs, preach the Gospel with clarity and purpose, administer the sacraments, labor with you in doing the good works God has planned for this community of faith, and, shepherd you into a deeper relationship with God.

Who is this person God is calling to be your priest? That will be revealed at the proper moment.

Until then, consider deeply the attributes you would want your next priest to have. Set your parameters, not on human standards but on God’s.

I am reminded of the Old Testament story of David being selected by God as the next king. Jesse, his father, introduces all his sons to Samuel except one. David is out in the field keeping the sheep.  Samuel compares the physical traits of Jesse’s sons but, as the text relates, God looks on the heart. When David was introduced, the Lord said to Samuel, “Rise and anoint him for this is the one.” From that day forward, the Lord’s spirit was upon David.

Allow God to guide you in this process. Make room for His presence as you discern among the various candidates. Look on their hearts as God does. Choose wisely.

Moses viewed the promised land from a mountain. He led God’s people to within reach of the goal but he was not to continue across the Jordan. His role was finished. Joshua was chosen by God to lead His people forward.

You have been presented with a holy task. To finish the work of calling a new shepherd – a new clerical leader who will lead you forward.

May the anointing of the Holy Spirit come mightily on the one chosen and on all of you. 

Amen.