The Church universal and the church particular need to get clear on the mission. The mission, as articulated in the Bible, is to reconcile humanity with the Father. How? Through the Son; not traditions, rules, regulations or preferences, but through the Son! Reconciliation with God is all about the Son. The way of Jesus is about salvation; the saving of individuals, systems and structures. Jesus conquered sin and he holds the way and the truth for things to “get right” between man and God, man and man and man and systems/structures. Jesus is about justice. The psalmist reminds us not to fret because of the wicked; not to be envious of wrongdoers; to take delight in the LORD; to be still before him. Of Jacob’s sons, God chose Joseph to do something special. This disrupted the family system; jealousy took over. Jacob’s family became about dealing with Joseph instead of the covenant promise. Reconciliation, which is another way of speaking about justice, will avoid division, thus having the same mind and purpose of God. The way of Jesus is about naming sin that is basic human nature and corporate nature, in order for the love of God to overcome and transform people and systems. Then in turn, individuals and systems can truly love others into relationship with the Savior and Lord. The Savior and Lord is Jesus. There is much work to do in our post Christendom context. I wonder if the Church universal and the church particular are more interested in promoting divisions than fostering unity. The way of Jesus is about Jesus and nothing else. Something to ponder at least!
Scripture texts are taken from the two-year daily lectionary cycle which follows the liturgical calendar and begins on the First Sunday of Advent.
Comments