The Long Game

The Long Game

29th October 2023

Deuteronomy 34:1-12        

This Bible reading has a grand feeling – a view of the promised land, as far as the eye can see.

It is a grand moment before a profound ending.

This important figure, Moses – the leader of God’s people, is about to die.

And at this moment, God shows this leader Moses a spectacular view.

It’s a view of what will be; of the future;

the destiny of God’s people;

the fulfilment of what they hoped for.

Moses won’t live to get there himself;

but he is given this moment;

this vision of what God has promised.

Tantalisingly close.

My family and I have just visited The Mall in Washington DC, and we stood on the spot where Martine Luther King gave his “I Have a Dream” speech.

Martin Luther King was a leader with a God-given vision, of what the future could be.

Another famous speech by Martin Luther King is the last speech he gave:

“I have seen the promised land…”

He alludes powerfully to this story about Moses – the liberator of God’s oppressed people.

(The content of King’s speech suggests he may have had some sense his own life was about to end.)

Well, I don't know what will happen now.

We've got some difficult days ahead.

But it really doesn't matter with me now, because

I've been to the mountaintop.

And I don't mind.

Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place.

But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will.

And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over.

And I've seen the Promised Land.

I may not get there with you.

But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!

And so I'm happy, tonight.

I'm not worried about anything.

I'm not fearing any man!

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!!

I've Been to the Mountaintop

delivered 3 April 1968, Mason Temple (Church of God in Christ Headquarters), Memphis, Tennessee

https://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkivebeentothemountaintop.htm

There is a memorial for Martin Luther King we visited in Washington DC.

The sculptor has incorporated mountains in this memorial.

In addition the unfinished nature of the sculpture is a metaphor.

King’s vision is not yet fulfilled.

Moses and Martin Luther King were committed to work that would not be finished by them.

They knew the ‘long game’.

They had been given a picture – a future picture.

They knew the struggles they lived amongst,

but also, could imagine something else God has planned.

They served God, believing in a promise of something they hoped for,

but which wasn’t fully within their reach.

They served God anyway.

They served, knowing God is doing something for all generations.

They served, knowing the promise may not be their reward.

They served, trusting God’s timing for God’s good purposes.

Do you do that?

Are you committed to the long game?

Do you trust in something you can’t fully grasp right now – maybe even something that lies beyond your own life span?

What keeps your sight on a horizon that is something other than

the brutality of lives lost,

selfish greed,

lies, and loneliness?

What is the promise that can sustain such trust, …such hope?

God’s promise is in the work of Jesus Christ – teaching, healing, encouraging, forgiving, reconciling – this is where we see God’s promised future.

This vision of reconciliation through Jesus is where we are heading.

How can we be sure?

The cross is the commitment made to us,

and the Resurrection the secured destiny for humanity.

This is the view we glimpse from our mountain on clear days.

It is how God has shared love with us.

It is how God has cleared away all obstacles to bring us to where we are meant to be.

And we live in this anticipated reality.

We are able to love as God loves,

Forgive one another,

Heal,

Fight …for peace,

Share the gifts we have been given.

We have a promise.

1.    This anticipated reality is the context of our work to care for creation, and do what we can to reduce the effects of climate change.

2.    This anticipated reality is the context of our prayers for peace in Israel and Gaza.

3.    This anticipated reality is the context of our Annual General meeting today, as we celebrate our life as a church community living with Christ’s presence in our midst.

4.    This anticipated reality is the context of the sharing of our faith;

of sharing leadership and responsibility with the next generations.

Recognising our ministry with young people, AND involving them in leadership is a legacy that will last beyond our lifetimes.

This is part of playing a long game.

How do we sustain this vision of how things are meant to be?

By looking to Jesus and where he is.

Jesus embodies the fullness of God’s promise

– he is the vision of all we can ever hope for (and more)

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!