"Going Somewhere" - Genesis 12:1-9 - June 6, 1999

Last week I heard a really stupid question that was asked by a television reporter. I won’t mention her name because I don’t want to burst your bubble about one of your favorite celebrities. The evening report was about the graduation at the U.S. Naval Academy. At the end of the ceremony the cadets threw their hats in the air, a custom that goes back many years. The television reporter raised the question, "How do they know which hat is theirs when they all come back down?"

If you know anything about military life you know that your name and serial number are printed on everything you own. Retrieving one’s hat would be a simple thing, not to mention the fact that they come in different sizes and each cadet would need their hat to report to their first duty station. The reporter’s question could easily win the "Stupidest question of the year award." But, perhaps it is not as stupid as we think. The throwing of hats could also be symbolic about the future for lives that are about to change, something we all fear.

Graduation is a two edged sword. On the one hand, it is the completion of years of hard work, study and commitment. Therefore, it is a time to celebrate and be congratulated. On the other hand, it is a time that is at the threshold of totally, new territory. Regardless of whether or not one is going to college, entering the work place, moving from home or grappling with their new found freedom, they are entering a place where they have never been before. That can be fearful or overwhelming.

Throwing one’s hat in the air upon graduation is like losing one’s identity. It could represent the friends we leave behind, or the sudden realization that the shelter over our heads we have enjoyed until now is about to disappear. Finding the hat later may be a real challenge just like finding out where you fit in, in the "new world."

Abraham’s call from God must have been difficult. He had to leave his friends, family and traditions behind. He had no idea where he was headed. He was going somewhere, but where? He had no house waiting for him, nor did he have a job. He was called by God "to go." And Abraham went. God did not promise him an easy, painless journey. God only said, he would be blessed. He would be both a blessing to his people and a blessing to the world.

Who of us relocates because of the promise of being blessed? Most moves are driven by job promotions, opportunities or the possibility of making more money. We are success motivated and inspired to make changes because of benefits and rewards. Rarely do you hear about someone who has left everything behind and journeys into unknown territory because they will be blessed.

Abraham, like Noah before him, must have been truly unique. He accepted God’s invitation to "go to the land I will show you." Abraham was not young. He was 75 years old. His wife was unable to have children and his father had just died. To be childless in the Hebrew culture was like being a second class citizen. This seemed like an untimely stage in his life to be venturing out on a new journey. This was a man whose life was grief stricken and without much hope of being successful or fulfilled. Nevertheless, he is selected and chosen by God to move in a new and different direction.

Why would Abraham go? First, because he was faithful. He believed that God was calling him to make the journey and therefore he went. He believed that God must have had a purpose for his life and he was willing to go, although he had no idea where. He was going somewhere, only a "somewhere" God was leading.

In 1979 I moved from Orlando, Florida to Columbus, Ohio. I left family, friends, and a home behind. But, I had a job promotion waiting for me. This was the American dream, perhaps my one big chance in life to make it big. It was an opportunity too good to refuse. I was going somewhere and I knew where. But, Abraham was going somewhere too, but his destination was known only to God. Abraham embarked on a journey in faith, trusting in the wisdom of God. He was willing to leave everything behind and start over.

How willing are we to make a radical change in our lives when we don’t know where we will end up? Sometimes we make some radical changes for love. Sometimes we make them for money or happiness. But, how often do we make a change because we believe that God has a purpose for our lives and that we will be going somewhere only the somewhere is unknown?

Abraham went in faith, but Abraham also remained grounded. Every place he went he built an altar to God. He never lost sense of being in the right place, because he was always in the right place. His home was always with God. It doesn’t matter where our lives may take us as long as each stop, every residence, is a house of God. Life is not just moving from place to place, geographically. It is moving along a spiritual pilgrimage as well.

God wants our moves, our changes to be times of growth and renewal. These are the changes that provide us with a sense of purpose and affirm or enhance us. A person can move to a bigger house, or relocate to a larger city. We can change careers or accept new assignments. We can change churches, belong to different groups or organizations. We can even change our circle of friends or find new families. But, those changes mean little unless we are stretched, willing to grow, learn new things and find purpose for our lives.

This is the longest I have ever lived in one place. Historically I have moved repeatedly. Sometimes I had no choice but other times I did. Most of my moves were related to my career. Some had to do with a growing family and some because of additional education. But, sometimes my moves were an escape, as I had this emotional need to go somewhere else and start over. Perhaps I was running away from something or perhaps I was chasing my dreams. I only know that I have learned that you don’t have to relocate to find fulfillment. You can remain in one place, as long as you are challenged and continue to learn and discover new opportunities that yield fulfillment.

Chances are I would have transferred to a different church after five years. That is the national average. But, I have been challenged with opportunities that have resulted in personal fulfillment. For example; we created a radio ministry that has expanded the ministry of this congregation. We have developed a web site that is sharing our story around the world. And the opportunity to teach at our local college has sharpened my counseling skills and challenged me to keep learning.

Making those changes and accepting those challenges has been a blessing. The story of Abraham is about a man whose life had purpose. God called him. God needed Abraham’s gifts and talents. God needed him as a role model of faith. Abraham’s destiny was to be in a land where he could live out his full potential and be a blessing to others. The greatest reward we can receive in life is not monetary or fame and glory. The greatest reward is to be blessed, knowing that through our efforts, others have been helped.

Some feel fulfilled through their occupations. Others feel fulfilled through their roles, as parents, or providers. Others find fulfillment and purpose through volunteer work or participation in the church. Whenever we answer God’s call and feel purpose in what we do we are blessed.

How do we know we are blessed? That is for each individual to discern for themselves. For some it may mean happiness or satisfaction. For others it may mean prosperity or wholeness. For still others it may mean good health or contentment. For me to know I have been blessed is to know that I am on a journey, going somewhere. It is a journey where God leads and the purpose for my life is constantly unfolding. It is when each new day begins with new challenges and I can her the words at the end of each day, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Dr. Keith Wagner, St. Paul’s Untied Church of Christ, Sidney, Ohio