09-06-20

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
September 6, 2020
Scripture: James 2:2
Imagine two people coming into your meeting. One has a gold ring and fine clothes, while the other is poor, dressed in filthy rags.

Thought for the Day: This verse of scripture is referenced in today’s sermon. I like this translation (CEB), and the use of the word Imagine. I can almost hear Rod Serling from The Twilight Zone. In the TV series, it was an invitation to engage one’s imagination, but here in scripture, I find it as a gentle entry point into a tough conversation. James could have browbeaten them, making a harsh accusation right from the start. It allows the listeners to hear what is said, and as they begin to imagine, it doesn’t take much imagination. You can just picture some of them nodding as they know firsthand from that time greeting folks on a Sunday morning right before the whole pandemic thing started. There is some discomfort in acknowledging the possibility of some preferential treatment, yet the invitation to imagine is a much less threatening approach. My heals are not dug into the ground and my fingers are not in my ears. In today’s world, there might be something for us to learn when it comes to challenging people on tough issues.

Prayer: Use my imagination as a path to confession and repentance. Invite me, Merciful God, and then join me in this important journey. Amen.

---

TODAY’S SERMON

CLICK HERE

Based on James 2:1-5

---

---

via WordPress https://ift.tt/3h3m2NO