Eastertide
April 9, 2021
Scripture Reading:
1 John 1:1-2:2
My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. –1 John 2:1-2
We were created as good, not perfect. Paul particularly calls us to strive for perfection. What does that mean? In Corinthians 13:11, Paul states, Finally, brothers and sisters, farewell. Put things in order, (emphasis added) listen to my appeal, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. (NRSV) This translation drops the word ” perfect ” found in other translations and uses the phrase ” Put things in order. According to Strong’s, this phrase is a more exact meaning of the Greek word katartizó*. As used here, it is a verb, not a noun or adjective. In the English language, the verb form is pronounced per-fekt. Such a distinction cannot be made when reading.
When we slip up and miss the mark or otherwise separate ourselves from God, the art of remaining in sync with God requires being intentionally active and engaged in putting our lives in order. 1 John, quoted above, tells us that when our lives are out of order, we have an Advocate, Jesus Christ, who can help set us straight.
While Paul suggests some steps to take toward putting things in order, the author of 1 John reminds us to always start our recovery by reengaging with God. If the prayer, Create in me a clean heart, O God and put a new and right spirit within me were not everlasting, I would have worn it out a long time ago. I also think we separate ourselves from God in the times when we are the most vulnerable in need of an advocate. Psalm 63:1-8 is most helpful in such times. And Psalm 23 always awaits to renew our souls. God is love and thus wants the absolute best for each of us, individually and collectively, even the whole world.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for being our advocate, particularly when we have sinned and need to reorder our lives. Amen.
*https://biblehub.com/greek/2675.htm
**(Psalm 51:10)
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.