03-03-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
March 3, 2020
Scripture: 1st Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on God, because he cares for you.

Thought for the Day: On Sunday I preached on forgiveness, and I am always a bit caught off guard in the response. It tells me that I could probably preach on forgiveness twice each month and people would be pleased. No matter how healthy you are, there is almost always something in your life where forgiveness would be helpful. After worship this past Sunday, someone approached me and referenced my line about those who see themselves as “Gatekeepers of Forgiveness.” He was in complete agreement, but then offered the thought that we are often our own Gatekeepers. We do not allow for forgiveness to be received. For a whole host of reasons, we have convinced ourselves that we are unworthy or undeserving of the gift. I found those words so insightful. The Greek word translated as care in the above scripture comes from the Greek word, Merizo. It means, among other things, to distribute or bestow. To care is more than some emotion, for God who is gracious demonstrates care in tangible ways. So in the case of our guilt or shame, God doesn’t simply say, “Get over it!” God finds ways of revealing the depth of divine love, to make real the power of that gift to release us from chains we have imposed upon ourselves in the belief that we are the Gatekeepers who need to keep out the very forgiveness intended for us.

Prayer: Remind me; prompt me; show up and give me a clear picture of your liberating love. O Merciful and Kind God, my life needs forgiveness and you are the Eternal Source. Thank you! Amen.

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