From “The Cross in our Context” by Douglas John Hall
… Where deity is concerned, is our foundational assumption that of “power” or that of “love”? In homely terms, when we think of “God,” do we think the last word in sheer might, authority, supremacy, potency? Or do we think compassion, mercy, identification, grace, benevolence – agape?
… I am really asking for first thoughts. What does the word “God” (or its linguistic equivalents) first suggest to you? What come nearly unbidden to your mind?
The two need not be so separate. Recently in writings for this devotion by William Placher, we heard about the power that is within the love that is associated with our God. And yet, it is realistic to note that we do have an immediate picture in our minds. Sometimes that picture is the one that wins the day with us even if we do not think we agree with it. It takes some intentional reflection to make the image of the loving, graceful God the God that leads us. The importance of some devotion or some discipline helps to move us in that direction more readily but still…it is so easy to lean to the God of power and might before we learn to focus on the agape rule of God.
Connection: What does it take to stay focused on the God who overwhelms all things with love? Then, what impact does it have on our life throughout the day?
Almighty and Loving God, continue to invite us into the life you have secured for us – a life that is free to love and free to risk and free to follow our Lord, Jesus. Help us to trust that you have set a place for us no matter what the powers of this world may try to say against us. Amen.
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