03-12-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
March 12, 2025
Occasionally, I will read the translation of the Bible called the Message. Definitely not one of the more accurate translations, but it has some really interesting ways of looking at a passage. A few days ago, I read Psalm 9:9-10 in the Message, and it says:

God’s a safe-house for the battered, 
a sanctuary during bad times. 
The moment you arrive, 
you relax; 
you’re never sorry you knocked.

I absolutely love those words, and not only do I believe them to be true of God, I believe they are supposed to be true of the church. If we are a reflection of the God we have met in Jesus, then the church should be a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times. A place where you relax, and you’re never sorry you knocked.

The two phrases that really catch my attention: safe-house and never sorry you knocked. Sadly, a lot of people have found the church to be unsafe, and in the end, they were sorry they ever knocked. Though we have many places where we can do better as a church, I believe we are a safe place for those who have been battered emotionally, spiritually, and physically. And those who feel safety in the unconditional and immeasurable love of God are never sorry they knocked. 

Provide us strength, O Holy One whose home is welcoming and safe, for we are striving to emulate you as we live together within the body called the Church. Wherever we might fall short, awaken us to those places where we did not live up to your high standard and then, by your mercy, call us back to your good work. Amen.