Tuesday, 20, 2004

We continue with pieces from “Holy People” by Gordon Lathrop.



According to the Christian faith, the God who acted in the exodus, forming a holy nation of witnesses and priests for the world, also promised to assemble all nations at the end of time to hear the life-giving Word. The faith says that this promised assembly of the nations is beginning to occur now in every local Christian meeting and the great “assembly” which the whole Christian movement throughout the world is becoming. The word “holy” can be applied to Christians, primarily, as they are members of this assembly. So 1 Peter asserts to the churches in first-century Asia Minor: “you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of the one who called you out of darkness into the marvelous light of God” (2:9).



The “we” of the Church is a vital note for us to understand. The pictures drawn from the words of 1 Peter press that point. WE proclaim the mighty acts of God by being a “we” who carry the stories of the past with us and then march into the stories of God’s people being in touch with our identity as a “holy people.” I’m always amused by those who have grand visions of the church but rarely take part in the gathering of the community in worship. Excuses for not being in worship can be legion…but then, go someplace where you may have less excuses and therefore you may be willing to be a part of a community in worship. TV assemblies don’t make it…internet assemblies don’t make it…UNLESS, you have no access to a gathering people. In some ways, it is the responsibility of the community to make sure those who cannot be present for worship are, in some way, connected to the holy community.



Connection: We are all responsible for our part of the “we.” If we are not there in the midst of the community and we are able to be there, then we have chosen to be a “me” rather than a “we.”



By your gracious love, O God, you bring together people from every walk of life and each and every place within your creation. Help us to see the value there is when we come to worship you as one people – broken & confused…and yet still your people. Amen.