Lent
March 28, 2019
Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! –2 Corinthians 5:16-17
Seeing people through the eyes of Christ is a challenge for we humans. It requires us to intentionally engage with God until such communion is as routine as breathing. Jesus said I am the vine and you are the branches* which very graphically describes this relationship. Branches wither and die without the food that flows from the good earth through the vine to nurture the branches growth and productivity. Christ through the Holy Spirit provides our spiritual food.
We were not created as still life pictures. God made us for the purpose of producing fruit-filled love that makes the whole world function in harmony. God wants the sun to rise on healthy wild plants and trees and well-tended crops that feed all the creatures of the world. God also wants sources of clean, safe water necessary for all living flora and fauna. God desires people of all ages to have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential in safe and healthy environments where all have enough to meet their basic needs and readily accessible and affordable health care when needed. Everything we do in life is driven by God’s vision of his creation.
My understanding of God’s desires for us are just that. We are all called to work together, dialogue together as the Body of Christ to find that true oneness that will become the reality which is God’s Kingdom.
Prayer: Lord, bless us with your wisdom and fill us with your spirit so that we can reflect your love as we strive for wholeness and oneness in a just world. Amen.
*John 15:5