For such a time as this.

Perhaps you have been brought into your position for now.

I stand by the idea that it would be suitable (and hilarious) to sidle up next to someone in the grocery store who is deliberating over what coffee to buy and whisper, “perhaps you have come into your position for just such a time as this?”

There’s something about the beautiful suggestion of Mordecai that is to be recited even among the seemingly trivial moments and experiences of life. Perhaps then - with repetition - the question would nurture and facilitate a presence within us - discernment and agency. Perhaps this is the practice not just of coming into the role, but into who God is calling us to be: from the grocery aisles to our homes to our work and service.

What is also interesting about the scripture is that the Hebrew is best interpreted not as “time,” but as “crisis.” As in, “perhaps you have come into your position for just such a crisis as this.” Which is all to say that God can and does work for good, liberation, and salvation at all times and in all places, and invites us into the work - even and especially in crises such as these.

So, whether we begin in the grocery aisle or as we are preparing to volunteer our service or whether we are facing a family crisis at home or confronting the multiple crises within our world such as the fate of our Haitian neighbors in Springfield, we can recite and remember the words of Mordecai to help keep us present and prepared to offer ourselves to the sacred work before us.

Let us continue to be Christ’s Church,

Rev. Chris McCreight

p.s. And to be sure, accepting the call does not mean performing the service entirely alone. We are here to help one another. Your “yes” may also entail asking others for help. Your “yes” may be responding to help a friend address their time or crisis.

If you are searching for a way to help our Haitian neighbors in Springfield, consider:

Calling Governor DeWine’s office to express your concern and hopes.
Contact the Haitian Community Help and Support of Springfield.
Contact the White House to express your concern and hopes.
Connect with friends and family you know in the Springfield area to see what can be done.

Manuscript and Video to the sermon, “For such a time as this…”

In Our Church and Community:

More from Rev. Chris:

I will be taking some vacation from July 8-15th. Rev. Nancy Dunn will be preaching at Hiram on Sunday, July 12th!