The prophet Habakkuk writes at a time when all seems lost in his generation. He complains to God because there is violence and corruption throughout his country of Judah. He is disillusioned as the good and righteous people have no power and authority while the evil rule over them and seem to triumph, and meanwhile faith and faithfulness grow dim in the land. But instead of disillusionment or despair, the prophet turns to God instead: He says,
I will stand at my guard post, and station myself upon the rampart, I will keep watch to see what he will say to me, and what answer he will give to my complaint.
Habakkuk 2.1
In other words, at great personal sacrifice, he positions himself to see what God is going to do and positions himself to be a part of it. That’s what prophets and saints and heroes of the faith always do…at whatever sacrifice it takes, they position themselves to be a part of what God is going to do, with them or without them, so that they get to be a part of it.
And then we read God honors his waiting and watching: Habakkuk writes,
Then the Lord answered me.
The vision has an appointed time.
A testimony to the end; it will not disappoint.
Habakkuk 2.3
God’s vision and God’s purposes are inevitable – they will absolutely happen. God’s vision is coming. God’s vision for this parish is coming. This weekend at Nativity is all about celebrating the commitment that so many of our parishioners and regulars are making to this vision, in our community and generation. We celebrate and honor their commitment, and God will reward it.
This weekend, in an unparalleled display of commitment, parishioners and regulars will be invited to come forward to the Altar and bring their commitment card, as well as the first fruit of their commitment to our Vision Campaign. Cards will be available if you forget your card or don’t have one. Our goal is for everyone to participate. This will be a very special weekend and all of us need to be a part of it. We get to be a part of it.
Vision has an appointed time. Now is the time.
