12 Augsburg 2005

We will end this week with the long passage used yesterday from 1 Corinthians.

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have died. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead has also come through a human being; for as all die in Adam, so all will be made alive in Christ. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom of God the Father, after he has destroyed every ruler and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For "God has put all things in subjection under his feet." But when it says, "All things are put in subjection," it is plain that this does not include the one who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to the one who put all things in subjection under him, so that God may be all in all. (1 Cor. 15:20-28)

"Then comes the end." Yes, all things will be in subjection to Christ. It will be and already is to taste like grace abounding and the resurrection declaring how firmly God is with us - forevermore. We must remember that we, nor any power in our lives, can have a say as to how that gracious rule will come to its fullness. It is an abounding grace that is beyond us. Unfortunately, we are always being pulled to live within the realm of Adam and run from the Reign of God in Christ, Jesus. But...forever...beyond all of our imagination and short-sighted expectations, is the Reign that will and already has the final word about us and for us. In the meantime, we are invited into life that must deal with the world as it is and the promise as it is handed to us - graciously. There is before us a bountiful beginning within what is usually called the end...and we are there already.

Connection: Be ready to be a part of what is at hand and is a part of the promise of what will be. That will always have an impact on who we will be among those around this day.

Lord of Our Whole Lives, encourage us to enter into your domain and the promises of life that are available for us even as we walk through these moments in time. You tell us in many and various ways that we are your people and we will forever be your beloved. Praise be to you. Amen.