A New Start
Genesis 9:20
Noah, a farmer, made a new start and planted a vineyard.
Renew… wow, what a word. We use it often referring to the renewal of a subscription, driver’s license, memberships or flippantly when we say something “renews our faith in humanity”. But renew or renewal can be something much deeper, more serious and even life altering.
In the Bible, the story of Noah is one of the first stories we learned and loved in children’s Sunday School. Noah and the Ark – such excitement; the building of the ark, the animals, the rains, the dove, the “dry land” and the rainbow! We speak of Noah’s faithfulness and obedience (who among us would undertake building a giant ark on dry land?), faithfulness and his righteousness. Such a great story filled with hope and promise.
Before being called to build the ark, Noah took care of his farmland, crops and likely livestock. Certainly, he shared his faith and told his family about God. But then, he was called by God to build the ark. At 600 years old, with help, he built the ark. What a step in faith and obedience. Only God could have prepared him for this challenge, not just the building but the gathering of the animals and his family. Once the rain and floods are over and the ark is on dry ground, God sends the rainbow, His eternal promise.
Now what? Noah faces a whole new world. It looks different. It’s all fresh and new to him. He doesn’t face this world alone, but with God and his family. He doesn’t turn his back on what he has previously experienced and known. After all, he was a farmer before he became a shipbuilder. He returns to his roots, but in a whole new way. He plants a vineyard. His faith remains, he continues to be obedient and focused on what God is calling him to be.
So, how does this translate into our lives and times? Several years ago, I was personally challenged to change my focus from one ministry to another. There was nothing wrong with the way or place I was serving, but I knew God was calling me to “renew” my focus and use the skills He had given me. I didn’t build an ark during the transition. I was strengthened by faith and patiently listened to God’s plan. I did not sit passively by and waste time. I involved myself in a worthy mission and ministry. Then, one day God’s call became more clear. I admit I was a bit hesitant or reluctant at first. Soon, my focus, enthusiasm and passion were renewed. I had no idea what a blessing was ahead.
Even our church, following the pandemic and return to “dry ground”, if you will, had to find renewal and passion for serving our community, that reaching out when we had been captive so long. It all looked new and we had to renew our plans. The mission and ministry hub at Sycamore Tree was born. The blessing of this outreach opportunity is a renewal, a refined focus, a way to renew our call and honor what God has called us to go and do.
We have renewed our efforts at outreach in a new and different way. We have not forgotten what we learned in the past nor have we turned away from worship, witness, giving and other service. We just might be planting a vineyard. May the harvest of this renewal be overflowing.
What is God calling you to go and do? Maybe you are being called to renew your focus, to use what you have learned in a new way. Maybe, just maybe you are being called to go and do something gloriously new. Whatever God has planned, He will equip you and renew your enthusiasm. It’s time to find your vineyard.
Let us pray…
Gracious and loving God,
We wake to a new day and new opportunities every day. Help us to be faithful and to remain steadfast. Like Noah, may we serve you, using all that you have taught us and may we be open to your plans. Let us feel renewed in our faith, our service, our witness and our love for others. Grant us eyes to see your purpose for our lives and open to renewal.
In the name of your beloved son, Jesus Christ, we humbly pray. Amen.
This devotion was written and read by Lisa Blackwood.
Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.
If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.
First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.
