2007 Devotional Guide
for ELCA Congregation Councils and Committees

Epiphany — Navigating by GPS
January 2007 by Margaret Payne

When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. —Matthew 2:9

In the church of Jesus Christ we do our work by starlight. The wise foreigners in the story of Jesus’ birth found their way to the Messiah by following a mysterious light that guided them through unfamiliar territory. They navigated by GPS—God’s Peculiar Star. It was a surprising, uncommon, traveling star. It appeared out of nowhere, but somehow they knew it was a sign from God. It led them to a peculiar place where they found a peculiar scene: a poor child in a manger who was King of the universe, Son of God, Prince of Peace, and Savior of the world. The Bible tells us that they were “overwhelmed with joy” as they bowed to worship him.

Leaders in the church are servants who allow themselves to be guided by God’s mysterious starlight through unfamiliar territory to the places where Christ is revealed. As we move through the darkness of uncertainty, or conflict, or puzzling change, we know that we are headed in the right direction as long as we follow God’s light. We never lose faith, even when the destination seems a bit peculiar. The manger and the cross are not treasures in the eyes of the world, yet in God’s grace we know that these peculiar gifts come to us bearing eternal life.

God’s guiding starlight is still everywhere in the church and the world. It glistens in the water of Baptism, illumines the bread and the wine, and shines over places of poverty and hopelessness where Jesus lives among the poor. By this light, miracles happen, wounds are healed, the hungry are fed, prayer is answered, leaders are raised up, and reconciliation overcomes hatred. We can feel the joy grow as we find our way closer and closer to the places where God calls us to be the light of Christ. Even though we were frightened and uncertain as we set out to follow this peculiar light, the overwhelming joy at the end of the journey assures us that it is God who has brought us to this place.

Prayer
God of Grace, we thank you for starlight and peculiar destinations. Guide us by your mysterious light to the places where you want us to serve. Give us the courage to travel in unfamiliar territory, the wisdom to recognize your light, and joy at the end of our journey. Amen. 

For Reflection or Discussion
What dangerous and unfamiliar territory calls for a guiding star in our congregation?

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