07-29-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
July 29, 2020
Scripture: John 16:21-22
When a woman gives birth, she has pain because her time has come. But when the child is born, she no longer remembers her distress because of her joy that a child has been born into the world. In the same way, you have sorrow now; but I will see you again, and you will be overjoyed. No one takes away your joy.

Thought for the Day: Earlier in the passage, Jesus told his disciples, “Soon you won’t be able to see me; soon after that, you will see me.” The disciples were a bit confused and debated among themselves the meaning of these words. Jesus then used the metaphor of labor and child birth, a common metaphor from the prophets referring to the end of the present age and the emerging of a new age. Th event of death and resurrection was the threshold moment, and from that point forward, how we see and perceive is radically changed. It is not simply about seeing Jesus, but Jesus seeing us. This is not some casual, “Oh sure, I saw Bruce the other day.” This signifies a true recognition of a person as one loved by God. To know that we are seen by God, not for our mistakes and shortcomings, but as inseparable members of the divine family is the birth place of joy. You walk over that threshold, moving from a life incapacitated by anguish and fear, to a life of freedom in the news of God’s unconditional (that’s not just a word that describes something unconditional until it is not unconditional) love for us. It is a true rebirth, for which there is joy that no one can touch.

Prayer: If I need to see it and feel it again, Loving God, take me to that threshold moment once more, a place where I can leave behind all that has me questioning my place in your household. Walk me into the new life where I am forever convicted by your look of grace that communicates to me, “You are forever loved.” Amen.

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