01-09-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS

January 9, 2020

Scripture: Ephesians 4:14-15

We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,

Thought for the Day: If you know the musical Godspell, then you probably know the song, Day By Day. I remember singing it at church camp as a young kid, but it was only recently that I learned how those words were much older than the musical. A 13th Century Bishop named Richard of Chichester wrote the following words:

Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ,

for all the benefits thou hast given me,

for all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me.

O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother,

may I know thee more clearly,

love thee more dearly,

and follow thee more nearly, day by day.

Amen.

The Apostle Paul challenged us to grow up, and this growing up is like a child beginning to look more and more like his/her parents. The hope is that we are looking more and more like Jesus, but this happens with the intentional work of knowing Jesus more clearly, loving him more dearly and following him more nearly…and doing it day after day after day.

Prayer: Make me more consistent in learning about you, O Lord, and sitting quietly with you and being challenged to seek you. It is in this work that our lives will better reflect you. Amen.

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