07-08-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 8, 2023
When something quirky and a little unexpected happens, yet the outcome is good, we often say, "God has a sense of humor." Now there is a part of me that wants to believe that God does have a sense of humor, yet many of the things we attempt to ascribe to God’s sense of humor might just be life happening. In my years of ministry, I have known people who believe God controls everything in our lives, from the color of the shirt we choose in the morning to the tornado that killed five people. There are a handful of Bible passages that would suggest such a God, but since Jesus was all about invitation and opportunity, an all-controlling God doesn’t seem to fit the enfleshed vision of God. We are invited, but the magnificence of love is its capacity to leave room for a NO as our response to the invite. Could it be that God loves us enough to let us do something contrary to the divine plan? An interesting thought?

Whether I am a product of my past or entirely free to choose in spite of my hardwiring, I pray for a life that aligns with the love you have shown to the world, O Magnificent God. This is my humble prayer. Amen.