Living in the Spirit
August 18, 2023
Scripture Reading:
Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32
I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, a member of the tribe of Benjamin. God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel? for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. Just as you were once disobedient to God but have now received mercy because of their disobedience, so they have now been disobedient in order that, by the mercy shown to you, they too may now receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that he may be merciful to all.
We walk a very special path trying to stay in sync with God while caught in the middle of multiple worldviews pulling at us with unique logic to our times. At times like these, one of my go-to scriptures is Matthew 11:28-30: ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’
Paul recognizes that reality in our lives, which is as true today as it was 2000 years ago. An ad is running on TV in Oklahoma regarding a garage door business. It runs with no sound. I look up from my laptop, phone, or iPad to see if something has gone wrong with my TV and immediately start reading the message on the screen. The ad makes me realize I am not watching the news at all. I am doing several activities at once and probably not getting the gist of any of them well. The silence of that ad gets my attention every time, even though I do not have a garage. I am sure I will soon acclimate to the change and somehow incorporate it into my worldview along with others, and the ad will be changed to get my attention once again.
God’s ways do not change. We were commanded to build our lives on God’s love in written history 3,000 years ago, which still applies today. We must, with intention, take the time to discern God’s view and the current worldview in which we live and follow God’s way, which is ruled by love.
Prayer:
Open my eyes that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me.
Place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine! Amen.
First verse of Open My Eyes by Clara H. Scott. See at https://hymnary.org/text/open_my_eyes_that_i_may_see
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.