If God speaks to us at all and I believe he does, it is strange, often repetitive ways. I like to think of it as being hit over the head with a 2X4. This happens to me on a weekly basis. Not God speaking to me, but being hit over the head with a 2X4. The problem is I usually don't listen just have a terrific headache. I like to call these events whispers, snickers and sneezes. Those thin moments when heaven steps into earth or your present moment and you know that the Creator loves you. Jesus rarely commented on politics as much as he commented on the social injustice caused by politics. We have conveniently made Jesus look and think like we do and have the same political agendas and opinions that we do and he doesn't and didn't. Jesus was very clear as to what living a holy life meant and looked like. Jesus was very clear about what God expected. And Jesus made it so simple even a child could get it. He knew that humans are basically a disagreeable lot and on any given occasion prone to buying into their own delusions about what right is and would defend that with literal swords if they have to. But, Jesus was radical enough to state this: Love God with all your heart, soul and might AND Love your neighbor exactly as you love God. Exactly. And when asked who is you neighbor, Jesus basically said your neighbor is whoever is most NOT like you and in many cases your enemy. Funny thing about enemies. Very, very few carry swords. And Jesus was pretty clear about what we are to do with our enemies (besides forgive them), we were to pray and love them. He asked us to pray for them because you can not love someone you can't pray for. It doesn't work that way. That was Jesus' message. Love people enough that you want for them and will give to them what you have and want for yourselves. And that could be anything from socks and shoes, to shirts, coats, clean water, food, shelter, a chance at an education, equal medical care, comfort, prayer, kindness, acceptance, freedom from fear, oppression, freedom from bullying, freedom from having to hide who you really are and the freedom to have a good life in whatever manner that good life looks like. Freedom to love whom they want to love. Another funny thing about Jesus...his favorite people were: the downtrodden, the oppressed, the broken, the marginalized, the criminals, the lonely, the sick, the poor. That is who he hung out. I am learning to be humble enough to realize that more than likely in the first century, all things being equal, I would not have made the cut,(being a woman might have gotten me in, but I would have had to been a fallen or demon possessed woman-ok some days I do act demon possessed), bcause I am not one of those favorite people. BUT GRACE and it is all about GRACE says you and I do. BY GRACE we all get to sit at the table and it is not our job to decide who gets to come and when. God does the inviting. We don't. It is God's banquet, not ours and we are not in charge of the table. God is. What ever it is that you want for you...you should want for your neighbor. Whatever gracious gift you receive from God you should want you neighbor to have it. And this prayer I read three times in three different places this week and I thought I would share because it was the last line that hit me and made me wake up that this is what I should pray for everyone...even those who don't look, act like me.
O God,
I bless thee for the happy moment
when I first saw thy law fulfilled in Christ,
wrath appeased, death destroyed, sin forgiven,
my soul saved….
I want no other rock to build upon than that I have,
desire no other hope than that of gospel truth,
need no other look than that which gazes
on the cross…
May my cry be always, Only Jesus! only Jesus!
In Him I have all that I can hold;
enlarge me to take in more…
If I am tempted, and have no wit,
give me strength enough to trust in Him…
If in extremity,
let me feel that He can deliver me;
If driven to the verge of hope
and to the pit of despair,
grant me grace to fall into His arms.
O God, hear me,
do for me more
than I ask, think, or dream.”
~ excerpted from Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions
All is grace,
Grateful for realizing that I never have to defend my position in God...it already had been bought and paid for...Grateful for realizing I don't have to defend God's law...he's already got that covered...Grateful that I realize that but for the Grace of God there go I...and grateful for learning to wish for my enemies what I have for myself....and grateful for learning who the enemy is...
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