Living in the Spirit
August 3, 2017
Scripture Reading: Romans 9:1-5
I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
It is hard to watch someone self-destruct, particularly when that person is someone for whom you care deeply. In the case of Paul, his concern was for a whole people, his whole people who failed to see what he found in Jesus Christ. He was willing to give his own salvation if they would accept Christ as their Messiah. While some did, many did not, and he turned his attention to the Gentile world.
Jesus instructed his disciples to shake the dust off their feet and walk away if people did not welcome the disciples he sent forth to tell his good news*. He also told a parable about planting seeds and how some fall on fertile ground and grow while others do not**. Perhaps the timing is everything as he also told a story about a Prodigal Son who ran away but found his way back home***.
Our example may be our best effort at showing the way to God. Consistently loving God and loving like Jesus in a broken world is the greatest story ever shared. Faith in God is trusting in our partnership with Christ. Letting God be God while we do our part in sharing God’s love.
It only takes a spark
To get a fire going
And soon all those around
Can warm up in its glowing
That’s how it is with God’s love
Once you’ve experienced it
You spread His love to ev’ryone
You want to pass it on****
Prayer: Empower and encourage us, O God, to do what you have called us to do and strengthen our faith to trust you fully as you roll out your Kingdom of Love. Amen.
*See Matthew 10:14
**See parable of the sower Matthew 13
***See parable of the Prodigal Son Luke 15
****First verse of Pass it On by Kurt Kaiser see at http://www.worshiptogether.com/songs/pass-it-on