Agent of God

I need a little more inspiration to get me through these High Holidays. Focusing only on my failings and foibles feels precariously narrow-minded. The Days of Awe are more awesome when we focus on the purpose of change. To truly improve, my inner work should serve something greater than myself.  The challenge is to embrace my status as an agent of God.

In the very last words, the Torah describes Moses as an agent of God, an Ish Elohim ( אִ֥ישׁ הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים ). As an agent of God, Moses was humble. From shepherd of sheep to the nation’s leader, Moses served, focusing on grander goals and holy purposes. When Moses’ anguish got in the way of his leadership, his agency had to end.

Throughout Jewish history, seemingly ordinary people served as God’s agents. Joseph went from the pit to the platform of Egyptian power, ultimately saving his family from famine. Esther saved the Jewish people, challenging a King and confronting evil Haman to rescue the Jews from destruction.

People can still be agents of deliverance. I think of people like Marian Wright Edelman and the Children’s Defense Fund, or Bono and his commitment to end poverty on a global scale. Perhaps, the greatest agent of God in the twentieth century was Martin Luther King, Jr. In his final speech (reminiscent of Moses) Dr. King, stated “I just want to do God’s will.  And he’s allowed me to go to the mountain.  And I’ve looked over, and I’ve seen the Promised Land!  I may not get there with you, but I want you to know that we, as a people, will get to the promised land.” All of them came from relatively humble beginnings.

Each of us can serve as God’s agents in the world today. We don’t have to be big-name rock stars, lawyers, writers, or activists to be used by God. All we need is a willingness to undertake two pursuits. We have to be willing to serve as agents for a godly purpose. And we have to align with values of caring, compassion, decency and dignity.

When God chose Moses, he was an ordinary shepherd.  All he did was respond to the call of God. God provided the way for Moses to deliver the Hebrews. That is what God asks of us. The shofar’s fragmented blasts remind us that this world is broken and our hearts are breaking. The Torah reminds us that most ordinary of people might just be the agent of change that delivers a better world. These High Holidays are asking, “Are you willing to be that person?”

Rabbi Evan J. Krame