Never Too Old; Never Too Young
by Joan Newell
As we go about our daily responsibilities, we do not expect God to intervene in our lives. It is just such an unexpected occurrence that takes place in Exodus 3: God calls Moses to lead the people from Egypt to the land "flowing with milk and honey." Surely tending sheep is as strenuous work as an eighty-year-old might want to undertake. Moses' objection that he is hesitant of speech falls on deaf ears as God responds, "I will be with you."
Jeremiah had a similar experience. Jeremiah protests that he is too young to undertake the work of God: "I am only a boy" (Jer. 1:6, NRSV). Like Moses, Jeremiah argues that his inability to communicate proves the inappropriateness of his calling. God counters that age and eloquence are not the issue. "Do not say, 'I am only a boy' for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you, Do not be afraid of them for I am with you to deliver you . . ." (1:7, NRSV).
Neither age nor public speaking expertise is a criterion for rejecting God's call. Today our over-full calendars and scheduling ruts might likewise be discounted. Not wanting to do the job matters little. Certainly neither Moses nor Jeremiah was always happy with the job the Lord had assigned him. The work was hard and often unrewarding. Still, each had the assurance of God's active presence in his life and work. Who could ask for more?
Perhaps God doesn't pressure us so directly nowadays, although God still calls us and promises to be with us. Chosen-ness, being singled out for a specific work by God (no matter your qualifications), can happen before you were born (as with Jeremiah), or after the prayerful consideration of the congregation's lay leadership committee. Have you ever considered that God can work through a church committee as well as through a burning bush? So, when a request comes, hear the words of the prophets, "Thus says the Lord . . ." It might just be a prophetic word signifying a calling from God. Simply respond along with Isaiah: "Here am I; send me!" (Isa. 6:8).
Joan Newell (jnewell@gbod.org) is Coordinator of FaithQuest for The United Methodist General Board of Discipleship, Nashville, Tennessee.
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