From “The Cross in our Context” by Douglas John Hall
There is that in the humans, however it got there, that resists and rejects the god who is (to use Tillich’s well-known expression) “God-beyond-God” or in Martin Buber’s similar term the God who is “more than merely God,” that is, the God who transcends our idols, our imaginings, and (yes) our Theologies. Consistently and with great poetic skill, the Scriptures of both Testaments demonstrate that humankind from the mythic Adam of the first Garden to the historical Adam of the second Garden, Gethsemane, “cannot stand God.” Even Jesus…pleads with God to “remove the cup,” to take away the destiny that is his vocation. And between the two gardens every one of the prophets tries valiantly to resist his or her calling.
The resistance makes sense. It is resistance of the way of the cross. It is resistance of life that is concerned with the welfare of all and life that then acts in accordance with that concern. It is life shaped by sacrificial love. It makes sense that people would resist and even reject such life. This God of ours is the one who does not settle for isolation and separation. There will always be the pulling of the Spirit to make us one – and that means that we may have to give up some of what we have claimed is our way…our right way…so that whatever divides us may be removed and we may be bound together within the vision of God’s Reign.
Connection: Everyday, we enter the garden and ask not to be moved so far as to “really be” such followers of Jesus. Something like Jesus will do…but not all the way…to the cross. So, when will that garden scene take place today and how will we move within the garden?
Loving Lord, be our rock and the place upon which we can walk into your Reign this day as we are moved by you to enter and live a new life. When we are unsure and afraid of what is to come, remind us that you come along with us and have already gone before us to prepare the great banquet feast for all. Amen.
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