Living in the Spirit
November 22, 2018
Scripture Reading: Revelation 1:4-8
John to the seven churches that are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us to be a kingdom, priests serving his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. –Revelation 1:4-6
I do not remember the last time a wrote a letter and sent it by mail. I do send cards that may have a quick note wishing improved health or sympathy. Most of my written communication including birthday wishes is completed via email, Facebook, or texting. None include anything like the gracious words John uses to address the seven churches of Asia. I wonder if we have lost something from such courtesies or gained something from expediency—probably a little of both.
The closest I come to explain my connection with the recipient of my emails is included in genealogy inquiries. I must tell the recipient how I think I relate to them, so they can hopefully fill in some of the blanks about my ancestors. Last summer I emailed a very nice gentleman in England after seeing a reference to one of his relatives that might have related to one of mine. It did not but he went the second mile and checked the local magistrate’s records to see if there was any other information about my relative in his city. His finding nothing told me I was on the wrong track and needed to follow other clues.
The inner working of the family of God is all about relationships, how we love God and love one another. It really is as simple as thought. We can choose to follow the example of John or the gentleman from England by establishing how we are related and going the second mile to assure that all are flourishing in their roles as members of such a great family or we can choose to ignore each other or live in disharmony. I think God prefers the example John sets.
Prayer: Lord, enable our communion with you and with others always to nourish, never to starve them of love. Amen.