On Purpose: Stories of Vocation from First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Leechburg

Devotion 1

The Lord God has given me the tongue of a teacher, that I may know how to sustain the weary with a word. Morning by morning he wakens— wakens my ear to listen as those who are taught.
Isaiah 50:4 

Every day over the last year-and-a-half, we heard the story of millions of lives lost in the global pandemic, livelihoods devastated, and daily life plunged into chaos. Quarantines and social distancing have scattered and isolated us. Children have suffered emotionally and academically. Partisan political hostilities and ambitions continue expressing themselves in violent speech and violent acts

During this assembly, we will about declining church participation, budget deficits, funding cuts, and how difficult it is to be church together in this moment. 

Meanwhile, far too many children of God awaken every day to a world where loud and powerful voices keep saying: you don’t matter. It’s your fault you’re in poverty. You don’t belong in this country. You are an abomination. 

But God is not silent as death and evil speak their lies and destroy human lives. 

Every baptized child of God, from the baby cradled in the arms of its parents, to the senior whose mind and body have been ravaged by age— each one has been given a voice to sing the praises of God; a vocation through which God speaks life and love to the world. 

In these devotions, I will be telling stories of the people of First Lutheran Church in Leechburg. Though we live in a context where economic decline, poverty, and addiction run rampant, and though we face the same challenges your congregation likely faces, Jesus’s gracious love is becoming real and visible in ordinary people, just like you. The Church is not cloistered in buildings, institutions, or seminary campuses— but is sent into the world because that is where the story of Jesus must be told. I pray that you will be encouraged to see the work of Jesus in your own life, and be inspired to join in the life-giving work that will not cease until we all see Jesus face-to-face.

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus, the struggles we face do not inhibit your work, but open the way for your kingdom to be revealed. Baptized as we are to bear your creative and redeeming word to all the world, awaken us to every vocation and every opportunity you provide to work wonders in your name, in service to our neighbors and your creation, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 

Devotion 2

I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now.
Philippians 1:3-5

Clarence was a retired steelworker in his late eighties who fought back against the pain of losing his wife by enrolling in a computer class at the local community college. He put his new skills to work by creating personalized greeting cards and sending to anyone he knew who needed love and encouragement. 

Rose had just begun bringing her granddaughter to Sunday school. It was also Rose’s first time in a church since childhood.  Unfortunately, this coincided with a diagnosis of lung cancer. After we announced this in church, Clarence asked for Rose’s address, and mailed her a card—while realizing she may not know who he was. 

Initially, Rose didn’t know what to think about the card. But when I told her it was sent by the kind old man from church, everything changed. I believe that when Clarence put that card into the mail, the Holy Spirit breathed new life into the baptismal faith. From that point on, we noticed a difference in Rose. Even though her bodily pain was tremendous, God was giving her the peace that passes understanding. She was not afraid of what she knew was coming. 

Following her death, Rose’s sister informed me that Rose had been an atheist from the time of her youth. But we rejoiced that God resurrected her baptismal faith through an old man, in whom God acted, to breathe new life into her faith.

Sadly, Clarence passed away last August at the age of 92. But he helped set the banqueting table where Rose now feasts with Jesus, Clarence, and all the saints. 

When God comes into focus, vocation comes into focus. 

Gracious God, as Jesus likened your kingdom to a mustard seed, you show us that even the simple acts of mercy and compassion can create faith and resurrection. Make us ever mindful of the little things we can do, trusting that you will always do infinitely more than we can ever ask or imagine. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. 



Devotion 3

For God, whom I serve with my spirit by announcing the gospel of his Son, is my witness that without ceasing I remember you always in my prayers, asking that by God’s will I may somehow at last succeed in coming to you. For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.
Romans 1:9-12

Mandy just heard the worst three words a person will ever hear: “you have cancer.”

When Mandy told her boss, Becky, the terrible news, Becky knew that Mandy needed more than just thoughts and prayers.

One way Becky knew she could have an impact was to minister to Mandy’s faith. Mandy was unchurched, but had been baptized in the Lutheran Church. We prayed for Mandy every Sunday, and sent her a bible, devotionals, and a prayer shawl. But Becky also put in plenty of extra hours (without pay) so that Mandy could keep her job and support her family. 

This past winter, Becky heard those same three terrible words— and for several months, both women walked together this most terrible ordeal. Sadly, Mandy lost her battle with cancer and entered into the Lord’s eternal rest late in May. But thanks be to God that Jesus made this final journey with Mandy through his disciple, Becky. 

Ministry isn’t about fixing people or offering good advice. It’s about presence. I’m thankful to my congregation for not only being present with Becky, but also for the ways they’ve helped her by driving her to appointments, preparing meals, and even praying with her. But God has strengthened our faith through Becky’s incredible courage and grace. We bring out Christ in each other, and sometimes, it’s in life’s worst moments the Spirit works most powerfully to make God’s love undeniably real.

Let us pray.

As you revealed the fullness of your love at the cross, kindle within us a Spirit of compassion and concern to abide with one another in our darkest hours. Open us to all the ways that we can minister to each other’s faith in word and deed, as you bring light to our darkness. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. 



Devotion 4

Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.”
Matthew 15:32 

Back in April, Pete was scheduled to go in for knee surgery. He told me he wasn’t worried about the operation; he trusted his doctors and more importantly he trusted in God. What really bothered Pete was that he wasn’t going to be able to work for several weeks. And his worry had absolutely nothing to do with not receiving a paycheck. 

Pete has been working for two years as a cook in a small rural nursing home. When his late wife was in a nursing home resident, he remembered how much it meant for her to have good-tasting food. So when a local nursing home was in need of a cook, and since cooking was one of his favorite things to do, applied and got the job. Pete never stays in the kitchen. He makes it a point to get to know the residents, especially what foods they like to eat. 

When Pete and I prayed following his surgery, we prayed for God to restore him to his vocation—because feeding those persons fed Pete’s soul. Cooking was only part of the job description. Pete’s vocation is all about preparing meals that make people feel loved. 

Let us pray.

Lord Jesus, at your table, you feed us with your life and love. Bless our holy work of feeding your children, that all who hunger may be satisfied by your abundance. In Jesus’s name, Amen. 



Devotion 5

People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them.  But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs.  Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it."  And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.
Mark 10:13-16

Everyone is born with unique gifts and talents given by God to bless the world. But I believe that childhood and even infanthood are vocations.

When an infant or toddler is in church, their eyes are wide open, taking in everything happening around them. They are learning— which is why I am so thankful for people in the congregation who speak kindly and lovingly to them, and assist their parents when necessary. 

I realize how much the children are learning when the parents come up for communion, and the child holds out their hand to receive the Eucharist, because they see everyone else eating it too! Is that not a good enough reason to rethink our longstanding practices?

Children teach us who we are to become as people of God. They have a unique ability to draw out of us a warmth, hospitality, and caring that we do not usually extend to adults. Every one of us has the vocation to love and care for children as Jesus does. We have a long way to go as a church to make our congregations welcoming places for children. Gone are the days when children were to be seen but not heard in church. Now, they must be both seen and heard. Knowing just how much Jesus values children, we will have all the help we will ever need to use our hands and voices to love them and serve them.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, you came to earth as a baby; helpless, vulnerable, needing a mother’s love, a father’s care, and a community’s support. As you call us to teach your children what is right and good, open us to what your children teach us—that from them, we learn to live in dependent trust in your daily mercies. Amen.



Devotion 6

“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him.”
Isaiah 64:4

For all our talk of vocation, one thing we rarely consider is how many of God’s children, due to age, illness, impairment, or unemployment, spend their days at home. These struggle against feelings of uselessness, because they rely on others for their care; because they aren’t working to earn a living; because they want more than anything to do the things that matter— but their minds, bodies, and circumstances get in the way. 

Every life has a purpose, and everyone has a gift to share. But what do those words mean to someone living in isolation and shame?

The temptation is always strong to define ourselves and others by vocation— especially when that vocation brings with it power, prestige, and wealth. 

The words “you are useless” come from straight from the mouth of the devil, because a person is not made righteous before God by their good works, but by the good works of Jesus. 

But you need others to bring out your spiritual gifts—just as others bring them out of you!

Following Jesus means going out and meeting people where they are—especially when they isolated and alone. Whenever you visit, whenever you call, whenever you serve, you bring the presence of Jesus. We give each other the encouragement, support, and resources necessary to share those gifts for the upbuilding of the kingdom. 

We must not leave behind the ones the rest of the world so easily leaves behind. When God comes into focus, vocation comes into focus. It is Jesus’s love, and nothing less, that gives you your voice— your vocation— your purpose God’s kingdom.

Lord Jesus, we lament our siblings who, due to unemployment, age, or illness, who lack living wages, a belonging in community, and a sense of purpose. Silence the evil voices that shame those who cannot work or who rely on others for their care. No life is without meaning or purpose. Open us to the gifts and blessings you give through the people our world so easily leaves behind. In Jesus’s name, Amen. 



Devotion 7

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.”
James 5:16

It is a founding principle of Alcoholics Anonymous, and the first of its twelve steps, that a person must own their powerlessness over alcohol, and that their lives had become unmanageable. In this state of total helplessness— rock bottom, as they call it, that only the grace of a Higher Power can free the person.

This is so Lutheran for an organization that is intentionally unaffiliated with any religious faith or denomination. “I confess that I am captive to sin and cannot free myself.” But what does this mean in a world where self sufficiency is a virtue? What does this mean in a world where mental illness, addiction, and even weaknesses are seen as moral failures?

When you come to AA, you bring only yourself and your brokenness. That’s it. 

Most people would never think of brokenness as a Christian vocation, but it is for the simple fact brokenness is what you have in common with every human being. But Jesus gives his brokenness to you in bread and wine— and his brokenness changes everything. Your brokenness is where resurrection begins.

Brokenness is something all human beings have in common, and with all of creation. When you  own your brokenness (and your sinfulness) in the presence of others doing the same, the weight of shame is lifted. You see in the face of the other someone who knows exactly what you’re going through. The sharing of brokenness becomes the balm of healing and a tie that binds fellow sufferers into a shared new beginning. 

Even though you are broken, you are a no less a child of God, bearing the divine image. God can do amazing things when your pride and ego are out the way! You become what you were created to be, for God does beautiful things with broken people.

Let us pray.

God our source, our hearts are restless until we find our rest in you. As Jesus once offered living water to a Samaritan woman at the well, so we ask you to meet our deepest needs with your eternal life. Help us to honestly name the desires that have power over us. Forgive us our injuries to self and other. Give us the strength we need to face each day. Direct our thoughts and actions toward the life that truly is life. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Devotion 8

“But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity.”
Luke 10:33

Purchasing a vehicle can be an incredibly stressful experience—and much of the blame gets put on the shoulders of salespeople. But they, too, do God’s work—and often in ways you’d least expect…

Len is the second-generation owner of a small Chevrolet dealership located north of Leechburg. Recently, Kevin, his used car manager, greeted a woman looking at a used pickup truck. Right away, Kevin noticed that she was extremely anxious— so much so that he asked her, “are you okay?” She immediately broke down, and through her tears explained that she wanted the truck so she could take more of her belongings with her while trying to get away from her abusive husband. Kevin then asked her, “can I help you get someplace safe?” When she said yes, he asked Len, his boss, who then called me. 

For years, our church has supported domestic violence shelters in the area. So the three of them came down to the church office, and we got her in touch an agency who took a report and arranged to meet her within the hour, so that she could finally leave behind the hell she’d been living in.

Christian vocation is more than just work; it’s about becoming the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus caring for the neighbor as you do that work— and recognizing that work as valuable even when you don’t make a sale or earn a commission. All work is worship. All workplaces are holy ground for the baptized children of God. And maybe, you’re going to save someone’s life.

Let us pray.

In baptism, you transform every job into a ministry and make every workplace a holy ground. Through these jobs, you not only provide wages, but you send us people who need our good works. Help us to see your face in clients, customers, and co-workers. Give us patience when they are difficult and compassion when they are hurting. Give us faith to know that you labor with us. In Jesus’s name, Amen. 



Devotion 9

“Remember those who are in prison, as though you were in prison with them”
Hebrews 13:3

Brandy is the activities director at a large skilled nursing care facility. But her job description went out the window when Covid-19 hit and spread to nursing home residents and staff. There would be no more activities like exercise, bingo, worship, concerts, or even meals in the dining room. There would also be no more visits with family and friends. Every resident would be confined to their room. 

Brandy was in a unique position to understand just how devastating the pandemic was going to be. So she made it her number-one priority to do whatever it took to keep the residents connected to their families and to each other. 

Last fall, I was called upon to officiate the funeral for a woman I did not know. When I was meeting her daughters for the first time, they spoke glowingly of the home where their mother lived, and how the activities director provided regular video calls so that they could stay in touch with their mother during the pandemic. To communicate face-to-face, and say “I love you,” meant the world— especially when their mother’s life came quickly to an end. 

When I asked her what nursing home she was in, I wasn’t surprised to hear the answer— though the daughters were surprised when I told them the activities director who helped them was a member of my church. Her compassion and persistence were the works of the Lord, caring for them and their mother. And even though God works through unchurched people and people of other faiths, it is still both a delight and a blessing to know when a fellow Lutheran was there all along, Jesus was there all along. Thanks be to God that he was there to care for a human need that was so easily neglected during the pandemic—the need for human connection. Sometimes, that is the best medicine. 

Almighty and most merciful God, we call to mind before you all whom it is easy to forget: those who are homeless, destitute, sick, isolated, and all who have no one to care for them. May we bring help and healing to those who are broken in body or spirit, that they may have comfort in sorrow, company in loneliness, and a place of safety and warmth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.



Devotion 10

“Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” John 4:29

He knew everything about her-- that she either buried or was divorced by five husbands, and was now living with someone who was not her husband. 

Even though her situation in life was due to circumstances beyond her control, she lived in a society that imposed incredible shame upon her. She would have been counted as cursed by God. And she was a Samaritan-- someone no ordinary teacher of Jews would even think of asking for a drink of water.

But Jesus of Nazareth is no ordinary Rabbi.

Jesus knew what seemingly everyone else knew about her—and he loved her anyway. She was, as author Brennan Manning describes, as “seized by the power of great affection.” 

This transformation of the whole person Jesus brought about was what made her such a credible witness: “he told me everything I've ever done,” and he loves me. 

Christian vocation is not the result of anything you have ever done (or haven't done). It's not defined by what others think about you, or even what you think about yourself. It is founded on the simple, fundamental truth that you are a child of God, bearing the divine image; that God knows both the number of hairs upon your head and every sin and failure; nevertheless, that God's number one desire is for you to know and trust in how much you are loved. Is that good news not something to celebrate before others?

Let us pray.

Loving God, in baptism you seize us into the power of your great affection. Let this love so consume our lives that we sing for joy before others the wonders of your grace. In Christ’s name, Amen.