“Trust your calling.” Three simple words spoken to me by one of the retired pastors in our congregation. I don’t know what he sensed in me or why he felt to share this with me this morning, but the did. And he was spot on…

I felt very sick this morning (as in almost wasn’t going to preach for fear of not making it through the sermon). I began the sermon by telling people I was under the weather but would do my best to justice to my text, Matthew 16:13-17 (Who do you say I am?). I bumbled my way through the message. My head was foggy and my stomach upset. But we made it. Just. (Not even more coffee helped)

Much to my surprise I received quite a few comments about how God had spoken to people during the message. They asked why I thought it might be so bad when it was very good. I simply asked people to answer the questions “Who do people say I am?” and “Who do you say I am?” for themselves. I pushed them to consider which question informs which. Straight forward really.

So God spoke. He revealed himself despite my worst efforts. In fact, he speaks most regularly despite my best efforts. So the words, “Trust your calling” were timely. I think what the retired pastor was saying to me was, “Trust your calling. If you are called to preach/teach then when you can’t he can. Trust your calling”. And I must.

The first time I studied in Rome...

On another note, much to my surprise and for reasons I won’t go into now, I re-enrolled in my Masters degree. 20’000 words over the next twelve months. I have a very good supervisor and a topic I have become very interested in. I will be comparing and contrasting the views of N.T. Wright and Douglas Moo in relation to Romans 2:13, “For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.” I will then look at a pastoral case study and discuss how each interpretation would work itself out in the Christian life. I am pretty excited (and so is my wife!).

Peace be with you this coming week.

Mark