In the days of TV Ranch Club, it was much easier to tell who’s in and who’s out. The Good Guys wear white hats and the Bad Guys wear black hats. Simple. Then I grew older and learned about Grace… Does God really include Those Guys?? Scriptures heard at worship during the upcoming weekend will remind those who know they’re IN that the pool is wider than they thought; and also invite those who think they’re OUT to come closer.
Why oh why does the Book of the ACTS of the Apostles repeat the story of Peter’s roof-top vision (11:1-18)? Probably because this was a hot-button issue for the early Church–is Christian discipleship only for practicing (circumcised) Jews, or is it a world-religion that just may include foreigners with strange customs and ethics? The Voice of God reminds us through the centuries that Creation was pronounced “good”, and who are we to say otherwise?? Called on the carpet by his critics, The Rock answered with a story of grace, completely downplaying his own role/theology. Lewis Mudge says that “Peter could truthfully say that he did not take the initiative in any of this. The vision CAME to him. He was called by others to come, heal, preach, and baptize. God was speaking through him.” (FEASTING on the WORD, C 2:452)
Ah, the REVELATION (21:1-6)! I like to use this passage at funerals, it tells of a holiness and serene comfort too great to be confined to Heaven. The author indicates that God is not somewhere on a cloud far off, but as near as our breath. “…the home of God is among mortals….God [himself] will be with them.” Just as the “sheet” with all manner of living creatures was presented to Peter, so the New Jerusalem will be spilled over and across the Old Earth changing it forever! That which God created–those of all races, colors and gender identification–should never be judged by human standards. Anybody new for your congregation?
JOHN 13:31-35: what is “glorification”? Jesus implies that it refers to his final moments, when even thieves may come next to him and receive Light. The reader should mention that the scene has shifted back to the Last Supper, just as Judas is leaving to do his worst. “Now” means that things have changed, that there’s no return to the Old Ways. And the “New Commandment” is recognition that in this New Order there can be no more discrimination, only Love for the Other. This indeed will show the heavenly splendor now in force upon Earth.
These days of Eastertide have been filled with exhortations to see the Risen Christ and to let a waiting world see that we have indeed seen. Beginning at home, the Church is implored to espouse inclusion of all who’re willing–which may well involve exercises of love and tolerance within our personal worldview. “A change of heart comes when one sees the Spirit at work in the stories of strangers, recognizing in them the same Spirit that is working in one’s own life.” (Mudge, ibid.)
In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King
Scripture to be read on the upcoming weekend confronts me every Tuesday; please join me at horacebrownking.com
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