Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches (Ezekiel 17:23).

[Editor’s Note: We started writing this week’s Connect Devotionals when it appeared that we’d be in our new building on December 5.  We had decided to take a small break from our current sermon theme and re-visit our church’s “noble cedar” vision from Ezekiel 17. As you know, that opening date will need to slide a bit, but we felt that the re-visiting the noble cedar might refresh our hope as we await the final and official “opening of the doors” on Andrews Store Road!]

In 2018, American distance runner Desiree Linden was asked what the most important part of her preparation for the most famous race in the world: The Boston Marathon.  She used her signature phrase, “Keep showing up.” Used to training in the ugly Michigan winters, Desiree was prepared to run on one of the worst days ever for the Boston Marathon. It was very cold, pouring rain, and just plain miserable.  She went on to do something amazing by becoming the first American women in 33 years to win Boston. She certainly showed up!

Chapter 17 of Ezekiel isn’t talking about running, but it is talking about creating a space for His people. God’s metaphor is based around planting a mighty cedar atop a tall mountain.  But God isn’t planting a tree simply for the sake of majesty. This tree will produce branches and bear fruit. It’ll provide places to nest, and places of shelter.  In the Lord’s tree, everything is provided for “birds of every kind”.  

Desiree Linden accomplished some awesome things by “showing up”, using all her talents everywhere she raced.  God’s “splendid cedars” bless communities wherever they are planted.  As a church, we share in God’s mission to bless our communities whenever we show up.

As we go through the Christmas season, remember how important it is for you to “keep showing up”.  Our Church is about to open a new building this season, but a building is not a Church. The Church is the people who show up as a community ready to serve.  It’s a place of warmth and friendship that welcomes everyone.  It’s a place where a kind word or act can make someone feel loved.  It’s a place where shared worship and community can show people that God is real and active in our world.  

Where do you see yourself in this metaphor? Are you a “bird” looking for shelter? Are you part of the tree, close to the trunk? Or maybe you’re a branch reaching out.  Wherever you see yourself, God has exactly the right spot in exactly the right place for you. Whether you’re already part of the Church, or someone looking for a place to call home, let the Spirit guide you to “Keep showing up.”

This holiday season, remember how important it is to “keep showing up” full of the Spirit. Keep showing up to Church this month, keep showing up to a gathering in the community, or keep showing up for someone in need.  When God keeps showing up through you, our communities flourish, and everyone benefits.

To read or re-read the overview/summary of this week’s passage, you can click here.