While listening to Walter Brueggemann’s commentary on the first chapter of the book of Acts (http://castroller.com/podcasts/CenterForExcellence/1296175-Sermon%20The%20Risk%20of%20Truth-Telling%20(Acts%201)%20-%20Walter%20Brueggemann) I was struck by his thoughts on the rejected disciple candidate Justus. Whether or not Brueggemann’s speculations on Justus are accurate or not I do not think makes much difference, they are still realistic speculations we can learn from. Brueggemann says he imagines Justus might be disappointed at not being chosen and may have thought about it for a while but in the end had to go back and live out his testimony regardless of being a disciple or not. Justus may be a good example for many of us. Not being called as a disciple must have left Justus in a very confused state, not knowing what to do or where to go, but even so he still had to return and serve God in any other way he found. Many of us similarly may find that we do not know what God’s will is for our lives or how we can serve him, simple as we are. However just because there is no bright shining light and clear voice directing our actions does not mean we are off the hook from a life of service. We may not be called to perform healing miracles or travel to distant lands to preach and teach a forgotten civilization speaking an unknown language but we still have a purpose. Wherever we are, whatever we are doing we must live lives that are consistent with our faith so we might be a light to the world and an example of Jesus’ love to those around us. Nobody who is a part of the kingdom of God is free from this responsibility.
Tim R