There seems to be something inherent in humans which makes us attempt to make God in our image, not the other way around. We ascribe our own emotions and vengeances to God in some sort of way which may make us feel better about ourselves. Texts to be heard on the upcoming weekend recognize our humanity and provide us with God’s more unfailing way.
JEREMIAH was not a popular guy: he insisted on calling a spade a spade, as opposed to the prevailing culture of “everything’s fine”. In chapter 15:15-21 he spoke his own frustration of being the “only one” to announce the injustice and militarism of Jerusalem & environs. “In your forbearance do not take me away; know that on your account I suffer insult.” How long must he endure this dark night of the soul? Are Christians today likewise put down for painting a picture of God which exceeds our everyday way of viewing things?
ROMANS 12:9-21 is a towering covenant portraying the Christian Life. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” How do we reflect God to the ones hard to love? These “rules” are countercultural: can we “live in harmony with one another” while riots and protests are the rule of the day? Not said here is Paul’s conviction that the community of those who try, the Church, is the sanity in all the disorder; if you will, the Voice of God cutting through the cacophany of Life Today.
In MATTHEW 16:21-28, we see the human side of Peter coming through: just after he had proclaimed Jesus as the Christ, Peter began to cut down the holy side of Jesus. “God forbid it, Lord! This must never happen to you.” To which Jesus replied, “you are setting your mind not on divine things, but on human things”. That’s the core of it, isn’t it? Disciples of every age are reminded that speaking the Gospel will not make them popular, perhaps even leading to suffering and death! Are Ye Able? The struggle of the Church throughout the ages has been to keep “pure”, not to sell out to the surrounding culture. Who’s on board?
Scriptures such as these convict me and embarass me in my quest to be a Man of Today. My moments of holiness are few and far between; much of my life and ministry has not been countercultural. Peter-like, I proclaim Jesus the Christ, but then turn to making the Church more comfortable in the midst of a crying need of materialism and discrimination… Pray for me, and I for you…
In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King
Please join us every Tuesday to get slapped around by the Scriptures to be read on the upcoming weekend–at horacebrownking.com
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