Today’s Lectionary Readings: Psalm 28; Isaiah 5:8-12, 18-23; John 1:29-42; Romans 3:21-31; Psalm 49
Within many church circles, there is a name for some folks who visit churches only occasionally. That name is CE Christians. The C and E stand for Christmas and Easter. The name means these are folks who come to church only for these two special occasions. That name speaks of a larger cultural dynamic at work that seems to motivate folks at these times of the year to try to draw closer to God. Today’s words from Romans draws into question that notion that it is ever WE who draw closer to God. In Romans 3:28, Paul says: “What we've learned is this: God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does. We've finally figured it out. Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade” (The Message). In my old Wesleyan circles, this act of God’s reaching out first is called prevenient grace – the grace that comes BEFORE our response that makes it possible for us to even respond in the first place. This holiday as you are tempted to try “running the parade” in preparation for Christmas, take a moment and stop. Remind yourself who has really done the work this – and every- holiday season. Now resume your activities: this time not driven by a spirit of manic urgency but rather a spirit of gratitude. Til next time…
Within many church circles, there is a name for some folks who visit churches only occasionally. That name is CE Christians. The C and E stand for Christmas and Easter. The name means these are folks who come to church only for these two special occasions. That name speaks of a larger cultural dynamic at work that seems to motivate folks at these times of the year to try to draw closer to God. Today’s words from Romans draws into question that notion that it is ever WE who draw closer to God. In Romans 3:28, Paul says: “What we've learned is this: God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does. We've finally figured it out. Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade” (The Message). In my old Wesleyan circles, this act of God’s reaching out first is called prevenient grace – the grace that comes BEFORE our response that makes it possible for us to even respond in the first place. This holiday as you are tempted to try “running the parade” in preparation for Christmas, take a moment and stop. Remind yourself who has really done the work this – and every- holiday season. Now resume your activities: this time not driven by a spirit of manic urgency but rather a spirit of gratitude. Til next time…
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