09-21-19

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS

September 21, 2019

Scripture: Ephesians 1:17-18 (the Message)

But I do more than thank. I ask – ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory – to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for Christians…

Thought for the Day: Did you notice the phrase, “…knowing him personally…”? Paul hopes his readers will know the living Christ, not in some abstract theoretical way, but with the intimacy of a friend. You can know all kinds of things about a person – date of birth, address, color of hair, height and weight. But will any of those facts allow you to understand what is important to that person, what s/he values? In the last year, I have made a conscious effort to shift my thinking in regard to God – in the full trinitarian expression. I am a geeky theological nerd. I enjoy the abstract and theoretical conversations and discussions, and though I believe they are very important in understanding the broader concept of God and the vision for life presented in Jesus, there is something about having a relationship. You may notice that some of my prayers do not mention God by name. Some of my prayers do not begin with the words, “O Lord God” or “Lord of Heaven and Earth” or any other name/title. For though prayer can be formal and instructive, I believe it should be more conversational, with a genuine rapport and warmth to the exchange. And when I am conversing with a friend, I don’t continually say the person’s name. When the relationship is good enough, there are certain things that go unsaid. It is about a relationship that is light on the formalities and heavy on honesty and authenticity.

Prayer: Thanks for being my friend, my encourager, the holy and eternal presence when life seems so uncertain and shaky and out of control. Help me make more room for these moments of companionship and growth. Amen.

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