Something Substantial
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. – Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
A week before I left Gainesville, Allison invited me to her art studio. I was preparing to move from this place that had been home for seven years up to Chicago, where a friend and I would try to start one church and revitalize another.
When I got to the studio, Allison led me past racks of drying mugs and bowls to a shelf in back where she took down a beautiful plate and chalice she’d created for me. For my new church.
The bowl of the chalice was green with golden leaves on it. The stem was brown and braided like roots sinking into the earth. The plate matched, and incised on it were stalks of wheat and verses of scripture.
She handed them to me, and I was overwhelmed. To that point, the work I was preparing to do was just words shared between my friend and me. Just an idea, a hope. But feeling the weight of those sacred objects, I told her, “This makes it feel real.”
Hebrews 11:1 may be the only verse I prefer in the King James Version. The NRSV says “faith is the assurance of things hoped for.” Which is fine. But a little insubstantial. I want something I can hold onto.
Like an ark built on dry land. Or a stone loaded into a sling. Or bread that seems to have fallen from heaven.
By faith we make hope tangible. In food, shelter, and care. In chain-breaking liberation. In open-doored welcome. In every way that moves beyond words. Past ideas. To something that makes it feel real.
Prayer
Give me substantial hope.
About the AuthorVince Amlin is co-pastor of Bethany UCC, Chicago, and co-planter of Gilead Church Chicago, forming now.