A fire in my belly......

For Jeremiah, it was a fire in his belly...or bones depending on the translation.  Either way, it was way down inside of him.  The Word of God was more than story, more than white noise in his life, it was a fire and it was burning him up.  Called to be a prophet as a boy, Jeremiah was given a Word from God and it was his job to share that word with the people of Israel. It got him into all kinds of trouble with lots of powerful people.  His friends and neighbors plotted against him.  No one wanted to hear Jeremiah's Word from God.  Yet he had no choice, it was a fire in his belly and as much as he tried, he could not keep it in.

Now that's a Word!

God has planted a Word deep within you as well.  It is the Word which is transforming your life.  It is the Word that turns your face towards God again and again and the same Word which sends you out as a servant of God.  It is the Word which helps you see this world through the eyes of a loving Creator.  It is the Word which is also your vocation - your calling - your way of being in the world.

Am I talking about a literal word?  Like 'love' or 'compassion' or 'serving'?  Or is the Word more of the assurance of God's presence and my calling to live as a child of God?  Yes.  Both of these.

God calls us to live in deep relationship with the Creator; Jesus shows us how to do this (and in some very tight and difficult situations); the Spirit swirls around us with energy and life and power.  Add all that up and it equals the Word of God planted deep within you, calling you into the world.

But there is also a word that can describe how God calls you into the world, your way of being God's love in the world with friends, neighbors, and strangers.  I think it is worth the time to consider what that word might be.

Some are called to compassion (even when they don't want to feel compassion, don't want to see the other a sinner just like them).  Some are called to sacrificial giving, using the wealth they have (maybe large, maybe not) to bring about the light of life in Christ in lots of ways in lots of places.  Some are called to organize, making the ministry of others more efficient and effective.  Some are called to feed and are always 'putting some together' for the sake of the hungry or lost.

A Word from God, a Word of God, a word for you. The Word, our Lord Jesus.  The Word, the Bible.  A word for you?  What could that be?

Lord, keep us steadfast in your word;

curb those who by deceit or sword

would wrest the kingdom from your Son

and bring to naught all he has done.

(Martin Luther, ELW #517)