“Give me a sign,” begs the lover, desperate to have his passion confirmed. “Give me a sign,” cried ancient Gideon, when he thought he was being told to vanquish the Moabites. “I’m looking for a sign,” I grumble to Marie when my destination eludes me once again. Readings for this coming Sunday tell about signs — and also about God’s grace, the origin of our connections.
We begin with the prophet Elijah berating those purveyors of idolatry, the Priests of Baal — and the Israelites who are “limping” in their faith with one foot depending on the Lord and the other on fertile homes & fields. (I Kings 20:21) Talk about relevance! Read this story with drama, enjoy the fireworks! Here’s grace, and a major sign of Yahweh’s involvement. No longer must we limp between Enduring Faith and Cultural Wisdom….
The Apostle Paul likewise berates the congregations in Galatia for “deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to another gospel.” (1:6) He goes on to say that his message is indeed of God’s Grace, a sign for the Gentiles of being included within the divine family. “I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” (v.12)
Luke’s narrative shares another sign, that of physical healing, to the Jewish community still unsure about God’s care for “outsiders”. (7:1-10) Jesus commended the unswerving faith of the centurion, and said that “not even in Israel have I found such faith.” (v.9) No “limping” here!
Elijah, Paul & the centurion all were sure that the sign was sure and without waiver. The central message in these occasions isn’t so much in the asking for a measurable indication of God’s involvement as it is in the knowledge that such connection has already occurred. And why not? Are we not the People of God? Where in our neighborhood, where in our congregation is this connection being played out as we speak? Who is being changed? or healed?
God Bless Us, Every One H B King
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