Pastor Nelson Bonilla: 11-2-25 “Carrying the Ark: Becoming Worthy of Our Calling”  

Scriptures: Joshua 3:7–17; 2 Thessalonians 1:1–4, 11–12

Today is a holy day. A day set apart to remember those God’s servant who God called before us.  All Saints Sunday is a day when past, present, and future meet. We gather around the names of those who are not among us. Those who fought the good fight and kept the faith, saints who shaped our faith, our character, and our church. However, even when we are remembering, this day isn’t only about memory. It is about calling.

Those we remember today didn’t just live good lives. With their lives, they made a way for us. In the Book of Joshua chapter 3:13, God calls Israel to cross the Jordan River. The river was in a flooded stage. During that time of the year was impossible to cross on foot. But God gave them a promise: “When the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the Ark rest in the waters… the waters shall be cut off.” The priest did as God asked. They step into the water carrying the Ark — the visible sign of God’s presence. And God fulfill his promise. After the priest step into the water, the water stopped, and the rest of the people walked on dry land as they did forty years before when God departed the waters.

Israel crossed the river because someone was willing to carry the weight of the ark and step ahead in faith. All Saints Day is a good day to meditate that just like the priests who carried the Ark…As church, we did not get this far by ourselves. God used men and women before us; He used their gifts and resources to bring us here. Sometimes I believe that in our Western and individualistic society we forget that. But the Bible tells another story. Christian faith -our faith- is communal. Interconnected, intertwined. If we are honest, we will acknowledge that we are who we are now because someone carried us here.

We all have mothers and fathers in the faith: Parents and grandparents who prayed for us. Sunday School teachers, pastors, youth leaders, choir directors. Saints who were patient when we were stubborn. People who walked ahead so our path could be easier.

They carried the Ark; They stepped into dangerous waters before us; They stood firm until we crossed safely to the other side. Today, we remember them; Today, we say: Thank you.

In our scripture Paul wrote to the church of Thessalonica: “We always give thanks to God for you… because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” 2 Thessalonians 1:3
Paul sees in the church of Thessalonica a growing faith, an increasing love, a community whose perseverance inspires others. That is what we see when we remember our saints. When we remember their lives and testimony, we still see and feel their love. When we remember their sacrifices for the church, we still see and feel their faith. When we think of their endurance, we still see God around us.

Even when we call them Saint, -and we do it because that is what the Bible calls them- They weren’t perfect, but they were faithful. Paul prayed for those in Thessalonica: “We pray that God will make you worthy of his calling and fulfill by his power every good resolve and work of faith.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11
To be “worthy of the calling” for us it means continuing the work that others began. To be “worthy of the calling” to us it means to put the Ark on your shoulders. It means stepping into dangerous waters for the sake of those who come after us. 
The priest stepped on waters to cross the Jordan, but their act did not end after they got to Jerico, it continued with the prophets. “The story of the saints who have gone before us.” It does not have end with them. It must continue with us. Now, it is our time. The time of this generation of the church.

Now, is time for God to use our shoulders to carry the Ark. It is our time to continue with the faith and commitment of our local saints. God will use us to continue the ministry, they began. Just as Joshua continued what Moses began, we will continue what our saints began.

My sisters and brothers let us live in such way that the name of Jesus is glorified in us (2 Thess. 1:12). And one day, when our journey is completed, someone will speak our names on All Saints Sunday, and say: “Because they carried the Ark, I found my way to Jesus.” Amen.