07-07-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 7, 2020
Scripture: Acts 16:9-10
During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.

Thought for the Day: It was about this time last year that I was returning from Greece, one of the most faith stirring experiences of my life. We started our trip in the northern part of Greece where Paul first arrived in Macedonia (Europe). You may remember how excited I was upon my return to tell about Philippi, one of those cities in the north. For the next four Sundays, I plan to preach from Paul’s Letter to the Church at Philippi (Philippians), specifically focusing on the notion of Joy. For Paul to speak of joy when referencing Philippi seems a bit strange as shortly after arriving he was arrested along with Silas and given a “severe flogging” (Acts 16:23). This is one of the important theological ideas within Paul’s writings, but also throughout scripture. Joy is something so much more than what is found in Webster’s definition. It is not easily swayed by the daily happenings of life. If anything, joy becomes an alternative force that is attempting to sway the happenings of daily life. Paul felt called to go to Macedonia to proclaim the Good News, but he also clearly embody joy for others to see. We’ll continue this conversation in the weeks ahead.

Prayer: May the joy given through your Living Word, O Lord, be for us a source of persuasive power against the strong winds of discontent, suffering and injustice. Your joy never ignores our pain. It is your amazing gift that refuses to allow anything but your love to have the final word on our lives. Amen.

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