"Your kingdom come…"
"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. (Luke 6: 32-35)
A friend of mine recently shared with me how she had lifted up in prayer someone with whom she was angry. She said it was as if, after her prayer, God took away her anger. She felt like her relationship was soothed, and she gained a new perspective on the conflict with this person, and she also had a renewed feeling of love and appreciation for the person, realizing that each of us are children of God, part of the kingdom, imperfect sinners.
I don’t know if this relationship was perfectly healed and restored by this one prayer, but a window was opened that let the light of the gospel in. Love and forgiveness are elements that the kingdom of heaven brings into our lives. Jesus teaches us that because we are part of the kingdom, with God as our ruler, we are free to bring our sins, our hurt and our anger to him, and to be refreshed with his grace.
Prayer for today
Grace filled God, fill our lives with your grace. Teach us that because you forgive us, we are free to forgive others, and that when we see even our enemies as your children, we realize that your kingdom is big enough for us all. Thank you for your guiding presence in our lives. Amen.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
“Your Kingdom Come…”
So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4: 16-18)
We live in what is sometimes called “the time between.” God’s kingdom has come into the world, and we have a very real sense of what that looks like, because we have a very real sense of Jesus. It was in the person of Jesus that God burst into the world, God with us, bringing all that God promises us right in the midst of where we actually live. We don’t need to imagine God’s love because we have the words and the actions of Jesus right in front of us, making it perfectly clear. “The kingdom of God is among you.” (Jesus’ words in Luke 17:21)
But, still, we are between. Jesus has come, and he will come again. What we are anticipating is the fullness and completion of the kingdom, the time when all of our questions will be answered and all will be made right. We are anticipating that eternal weight of glory beyond all measure that cannot now be seen.
That doesn’t mean that we are not able to experience God’s kingdom in this life. We certainly can, every day. We are promised that God’s kingdom is here among us, and it shows itself in many different ways.
Roberta Bondi writes that each of us experiences the kingdom “according to what we are able to receive.” (p 43) If we are not open or willing, we might miss it – it’s there, but we might not notice.
Prayer for today
God, help us to be mindful of how you are working in our lives. We are living in unsure times; help us to be sure of your kingdom. In Jesus name, Amen.
So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4: 16-18)
We live in what is sometimes called “the time between.” God’s kingdom has come into the world, and we have a very real sense of what that looks like, because we have a very real sense of Jesus. It was in the person of Jesus that God burst into the world, God with us, bringing all that God promises us right in the midst of where we actually live. We don’t need to imagine God’s love because we have the words and the actions of Jesus right in front of us, making it perfectly clear. “The kingdom of God is among you.” (Jesus’ words in Luke 17:21)
But, still, we are between. Jesus has come, and he will come again. What we are anticipating is the fullness and completion of the kingdom, the time when all of our questions will be answered and all will be made right. We are anticipating that eternal weight of glory beyond all measure that cannot now be seen.
That doesn’t mean that we are not able to experience God’s kingdom in this life. We certainly can, every day. We are promised that God’s kingdom is here among us, and it shows itself in many different ways.
Roberta Bondi writes that each of us experiences the kingdom “according to what we are able to receive.” (p 43) If we are not open or willing, we might miss it – it’s there, but we might not notice.
Prayer for today
God, help us to be mindful of how you are working in our lives. We are living in unsure times; help us to be sure of your kingdom. In Jesus name, Amen.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
“Hallowed be your name…”
The name of God is holy, there is no doubt about that.
In Jewish tradition, God’s name is so holy that it cannot be spoken by human lips, or even written by human hands. “Lord” or “God” is translated in the Old Testament in place of the name which God gives God's self, Yahweh, the Hebrew word for “I Am.”
It might be intimidating to think of holiness, especially of the holiness of God, and especially as it relates to us. I have always considered myself less that holy, simply because of the way I live in the world. I am not always as prayerful or pious or even as kind and considerate as I think God would have me be.
Acquiring the title of “Reverend” when I became an ordained member of the clergy seemed quite inappropriate for someone, some regular, unholy person like me.
I have come to realize that the holiness of God is not something that is out of our reach. It is also not something to which we should try to aspire. The holiness of God is found in the name of God, and in God’s presence in our lives, which means that everything we do is infused with the holiness of God. Even while I shop for groceries or shovel snow or clean the bathroom, the mundane tasks of everyday life, God promises to be present. That promise makes those tasks holy.
And then there might be those extraordinary moments of awe and wonder, the moments of peace and beauty, when we can actually feel the presence of God. It is in those moments that we are blessed to know that we are standing on holy ground. But I don’t think that makes them any more, or any less holy then the everyday.
Roberta Bondi writes, “An experience of God’s holiness is an experience of God’s holiness whether we name it or not.” (p 40) Our lives as children of the great “I Am” are hallowed, simply because we are God’s children.
Prayer for Today (French p 34)
Holy God, enable me to see that all ground is holy ground for you are always with us. Amen.
The name of God is holy, there is no doubt about that.
In Jewish tradition, God’s name is so holy that it cannot be spoken by human lips, or even written by human hands. “Lord” or “God” is translated in the Old Testament in place of the name which God gives God's self, Yahweh, the Hebrew word for “I Am.”
It might be intimidating to think of holiness, especially of the holiness of God, and especially as it relates to us. I have always considered myself less that holy, simply because of the way I live in the world. I am not always as prayerful or pious or even as kind and considerate as I think God would have me be.
Acquiring the title of “Reverend” when I became an ordained member of the clergy seemed quite inappropriate for someone, some regular, unholy person like me.
I have come to realize that the holiness of God is not something that is out of our reach. It is also not something to which we should try to aspire. The holiness of God is found in the name of God, and in God’s presence in our lives, which means that everything we do is infused with the holiness of God. Even while I shop for groceries or shovel snow or clean the bathroom, the mundane tasks of everyday life, God promises to be present. That promise makes those tasks holy.
And then there might be those extraordinary moments of awe and wonder, the moments of peace and beauty, when we can actually feel the presence of God. It is in those moments that we are blessed to know that we are standing on holy ground. But I don’t think that makes them any more, or any less holy then the everyday.
Roberta Bondi writes, “An experience of God’s holiness is an experience of God’s holiness whether we name it or not.” (p 40) Our lives as children of the great “I Am” are hallowed, simply because we are God’s children.
Prayer for Today (French p 34)
Holy God, enable me to see that all ground is holy ground for you are always with us. Amen.
Monday, March 2, 2009
"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! (Matthew 23:37)
“Our Father in heaven…” (Matthew 6:9)
From these two passages of scripture we get two different images of God. The first is a worried mother. Jesus speaks as a prophet for God, and uses the image of a mother hen, who longed to care tenderly for Israel and protect her.
The second is from the Lord’s Prayer, the image of Father. Henry French reminds us of the patriarchal context of Jesus’ world, where a father image for God would probably by the only image that people would take seriously. But Jesus also boldly uses the image of a mother who longs to gather her children together to keep them safe.
Both images are in the bible. Both images of God are “correct,” images that we can use when we think of or pray to God.
Once, about 10 years ago, while preparing a sermon on the Holy Spirit, I decided to use the word “she” every time I mentioned God or the Holy Spirit. I was trying to stretch my own and my internship congregation’s imaginations when it came to thinking about God. In the end, I didn’t use the feminine language because I thought it would be too shocking for people.
I’m now ready to talk about God as a mother, or as a sister. French writes that some people, because of events in their lives, have a hard time thinking of God as a loving father. “If calling God “mother” opens a wounded soul to the experience of divine love, then why not? After all, God is neither male nor female, but completely transcends gender distinctions. The words father and mother both make the point Jesus was making when he taught his followers to pray “Our Father.” We are dependent upon God as a child to a parent.” (p 25)
Our image of God is our own. God doesn’t care how we think of her, or of him. Our relationship with God depends on a connection with God that not only holds us accountable to a loving parent, but also makes us feel valued, safe and protected.
What is your image of God?
Prayer for today
Gracious and loving God, help us to trust the depth of your love for us, as a mother or a father loves their child. Help us to know you as a loving parent, guiding us and holding us in your hand. Thank you for your unconditional and steadfast love. Amen.
“Our Father in heaven…” (Matthew 6:9)
From these two passages of scripture we get two different images of God. The first is a worried mother. Jesus speaks as a prophet for God, and uses the image of a mother hen, who longed to care tenderly for Israel and protect her.
The second is from the Lord’s Prayer, the image of Father. Henry French reminds us of the patriarchal context of Jesus’ world, where a father image for God would probably by the only image that people would take seriously. But Jesus also boldly uses the image of a mother who longs to gather her children together to keep them safe.
Both images are in the bible. Both images of God are “correct,” images that we can use when we think of or pray to God.
Once, about 10 years ago, while preparing a sermon on the Holy Spirit, I decided to use the word “she” every time I mentioned God or the Holy Spirit. I was trying to stretch my own and my internship congregation’s imaginations when it came to thinking about God. In the end, I didn’t use the feminine language because I thought it would be too shocking for people.
I’m now ready to talk about God as a mother, or as a sister. French writes that some people, because of events in their lives, have a hard time thinking of God as a loving father. “If calling God “mother” opens a wounded soul to the experience of divine love, then why not? After all, God is neither male nor female, but completely transcends gender distinctions. The words father and mother both make the point Jesus was making when he taught his followers to pray “Our Father.” We are dependent upon God as a child to a parent.” (p 25)
Our image of God is our own. God doesn’t care how we think of her, or of him. Our relationship with God depends on a connection with God that not only holds us accountable to a loving parent, but also makes us feel valued, safe and protected.
What is your image of God?
Prayer for today
Gracious and loving God, help us to trust the depth of your love for us, as a mother or a father loves their child. Help us to know you as a loving parent, guiding us and holding us in your hand. Thank you for your unconditional and steadfast love. Amen.
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