It is interesting that Abraham has to start a nation somewhere other than where he was. Ur and Haran and half the places he settled in (for a breather) were just not right. This nation building thing comes in a place unknown. There seems to be something about changing the scenary before a great community can be built.
Is that because we hang on to things too readily? Do we live always within the dreams of the generation before us? Do we lack imagination when the canvas isn't blank but filled with the ideas and suggestions of what is there already? Do we fail to dare to trust oursevles when all the home comforts are still there? These are faith questions and in truth, I don't know if the answers is 'Yes' or 'No' to any of them and if they are 'yes' why does that matter, and if 'no' what difference does it make?
Could it be more about finding places to grow in faith where we aren't influenced by things that make us settle down unchallenged?
Could it be about trusting faith as an adventure rather than relying on what is all too familiar for us which kind of ruins the idea of what an adventure is?
Could it be about going to the edge of things to find out how much we really trust what we believe, which can't be done with all those safety nets that make up the centre ground?
Is it about stopping asking questions for just a minute and trusting the journey?
Perhaps church ought to let us off worship for the whole of Lent and put us out there only allowed to retun on Easter Day after we've had to survive on faith and dreams and hope long the way: those gifts alone through which we can recognise and grasp resurrection when it comes.
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