From “The Cross in our Context” by Douglas John Hall
…if there is a cross at the center of this faith it is because the God who is our human source and ground cares infinitely about the creation and , especially, about that creature that is the creation’s articulate center, steward, and representative. Whatever else Christianity may have to say about the human being, its foundational presupposition concerning humankind is irrefutably affirmative.
Hall says that this is a “crowning affirmation.” At the same time, I find that too often we do not consider the place in which God lets us dwell. What a wonderful word about humankind. Yes, we may well be broken and sinful and self-absorbed, but we are also that part of Creation to which God gives a high place and, you might say, great responsibility. The bottom line is the simple fact that we are beloved and that is where the whole story begins. The Word that creates out of nothing creates all things and you are held in the hands of the Creator within a never ending grasp of love, mercy and compassion. From this status, we are sent out to lift high the Reign of God in all we do and hold that Reign as the center of our very being.
Connection: Okay, so the day may not be going so well. But know this: God Reigns and that will always bring a word of affirmation into each of our lives. That…is a powerful place to start each moment.
Creator of all things great and small, in the midst of this world you lift us up to be your stewards and you endow us with gifts to help bring the creation into your realm of peace. We give you thanks for the possibilities for new life that will come within our reach this day. Amen.
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