08-27-19

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS

August 27, 2019

Scripture: 1st John 1:1-2

We announce to you what existed from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have seen and our hands handled, about the word of life. The life was revealed, and we have seen, and we testify and announce to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us.

Thought for the Day: What do think is meant by “…we have seen and our hands handled…” in regard to the word of life? When it comes to the Christian faith, I tend to be a little geeky, enjoying the theological discussions and even a little bantering with clergy friends. We can get into some pretty heady conversations in regard to what others might find irrelevant or even weird. I’m sure a lot of professions have similar insider talk that leaves an outsider yawning. In 1st John, this word of life is something they have heard, seen and touched. The language, “word of life,” sounds a bit ethereal, but it cannot be contained within the theoretical. It is confirmed by our senses, and for that reason, there is a response. One of the greatest challenges facing the church in the United States is transitioning faith from the abstract of study or worship to the trenches of daily life. There is even pushback, with people saying things like, “You’re getting too political” or “You’ve gone too far” or “I come to church to feel good, not to be challenged.” What the word of life seems to offer is a peace amidst the turmoil, but when peace turns to complacency, there will be God-generated turmoil to awaken us from the complacency. Reflection, contemplation and discussion are all wonderful parts of the faith, but they should never be viewed as the final objective. When I’m living my faith, my only hope is that others hear, see and are able to literally touch God’s love.

Prayer: The incarnation of your love, O Word of Life, was your fullest expression of what our mission is – to make sure your radical, redemptive and reckless love is made available to the ears, eyes and hands of those around us. Amen.

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