“Just Look to the Stars” – Genesis 15:1-12 – February 28th
Tom Smallwood was an auto worker who lives in Michigan. Like his father before him, Tom worked for General Motors. In 2008, two days before Christmas, Tom was laid off. He had never lost a job before. He applied for many jobs but could not find one. He was 31 years old, married and had a one-year old. He wondered, “What could he possibly do?”
When Tom was younger he dreamed of being a professional bowler. Bowling would hardly be considered an alternative occupation, not even in normal times. Tom decided to take his bowling bowl, go to the lanes and practice every day. He decided that if he could not find a job he would try to qualify as a pro bowler. He entered the Pro Bowlers Association and bowled nine games a day for five days. It was exhausting, but in the end he qualified. That meant he had a guaranteed spot and a minimum paycheck at each PBA event for one year. His family cheered and he almost cried.
In December of 2009, one year later, Tom Smallwood found himself on national TV. In the very last frame he needed 7 pins to win and he managed to throw a strike. Smallwood, who had lost his job a year before had just won the PBA Championship and a check for $50,000. He said,
“Getting laid off was one of the worst things that happened to me, but it led to the best result.”
What we learn from this story is that sometimes we have to reach for new heights, perhaps re-inventing ourselves, in order to move forward. Tom Smallwood is an inspiring example of a man who took a leap of faith. By the way, General Motors offered him his old job back and he said, “No Thanks.” (from Mitch Albom, Detroit Free Press)
In Genesis we have another story of a man who took a leap of faith. Abram moved forward in faith, leaving his country. It was not common sense that led him into a foreign place. It was his faith in God. Abram, "believed the Lord." This is a story about trusting in God who does not work in a logical way. Abram also wanted a son since he and his wife, Elizabeth, had no children. God promised him an heir and we learn later that Elizabeth gave birth at the age of 90.
Whenever we make a leap of faith we are relying on a God who does not always make sense. Just as Abram changed the course of his life based on divine leadership, God wants us to be willing to do the same. God said to Abram, “Do not be afraid, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be great. Look toward Heaven and count the stars.”
Have you ever looked to the sky at night and tried to count the stars? Their numbers are infinite. We have learned that the more that space is explored, the more new galaxies are discovered. God’s creative power is endless, larger than we can imagine. Looking toward the stars reminds us that the God we worship is beyond our comprehension.
God promised Abram that he would have infinite descendants. In other words, faith would continue in the lives of those who followed. Abram’s decision to trust in God would be magnified and continued in generations to come. God wants us to see beyond the tiny little worlds that we live in and like Abram, God wants us to count the stars as well.
God also promised Abram that he would “go to his ancestors in peace.” For me this suggests that there is an after life. Although the ancestors are not named, I believe God is referring to the faithful of the past. Noah, would have been one of them. He too took a leap of faith and built an ark. Instead of exploring outer space, he risked ridicule and had the faith to follow God’s instructions. Society thought he was crazy, but he remained faithful.
Noah set out to sea. What did he see at night? Millions of stars. They reminded Noah of God’s presence and infinite creative power. The stars would have assured Noah of the same night sky he saw on land. The starlit sky gave him hope and light which enhanced his faith.
Our faith can have both a cosmic and lasting affect on future generations. The stars that Abram gazed at meant more than just future descendants however. They symbolized the endless ways in which God would work on behalf of the faithful.
God also encouraged Abram by reminding him that he had left his homeland, Ur, and he was able to have new homeland in the present. Since god was with him in the past God would continue to be with him in the future. The same is true for us. We can look to the past and remember those times when God was with us.
Smallwood looked to his past and rediscovered a lost talent. He didn’t lose it. He simply had to reach back and reclaim it. Likewise God told Abram to reclaim his exodus from his homeland for that would give him the courage to settle in a new place. To have faith is to reach back and reclaim who we are.
Sometimes we refrain from taking leaps of faith because we cannot see the big picture. We are narrowly focused, consumed with our agenda therefore unable to see the endless possibilities that exist and unwilling to try anything that changes the status quo. It like being focused on the moon and missing billions of stars.
God wanted Abram to reach back and remember. He wants us to remember the illogical, irrational ways that God fulfilled promises and maintained a presence in our lives. In high school I had job at the local bowling alley. I was a custodian and the mechanic wanted me to help him with the pin spotters. He trained me and taught me how to use a variety of tools. He taught me about life too. When I left home for college I never thought of working in a bowling alley. In my junior year I needed a part time job to make ends meet. A friend gave me a tip that the local bowling alley was looking for a mechanic. I got the job because I had the experience and it helped me pay for my college expenses. It was only a temporary job but it got me through college. I was able to reach back and reclaim a former skill.
There is another dimension to this story which can’t be overlooked. God also told Abram that his offspring would be in slavery for four hundred years and they would ultimately be rewarded with great possessions. I believe God was saying to Abram that although he could look to the stars in faith, he and his people would have to be patient.
Patience does not come easy for many folks. Waiting on God is difficult. We are conditioned in our society by instant gratification. We want God to respond to us immediately, solving our problems, healing our bodies and answering our prayers. Faith means waiting, trusting in God’s timetable not our own. Noah waited months to reach dry land. Abram’s descendants would wait decades to settle in new territory. Nevertheless, they trusted in God’s promises and responded in faith.
Dr. Keith Wagner