From "Theology of the Pain of God" by Kazoh Kitamori.
First of all, we must proclaim that the gospel is indeed "glad tidings." God in the gospel is the One who resolves our pain and the Lord who heals our wounds. This means that he is our "Savior." What is salvation? Salvation is the message that our God enfolds our broken reality. A God who embraces us completely - this is God our Savior. Is there a more astonishing miracle in the world than that God embraces our broken reality? Our reality is utterly and hopelessly broken. Yet the gospel brings us the message of "hope even for the hopeless" - yea, rather, "hope only for the hopeless." Those who believe in this gospel believe against their own hope. (Rom. 4:18).
Glad tidings like a person handing a thirsty sister or brother a bottle of water. Glad tidings not just because it is water for the thirst, but also because it is brought by another person - someone who also must be thirsty or know of such a thirst...someone who is bold enough to be there and hand it directly to the other. I never use the word "enfolds," but I like it. It is not like the word "embrace" as I would usually use. "Enfolds" carries the image of God taking it in...all the brokenness...all the pain. God takes it in and holds it as though it is a part of God - and it is. The gospel is news that transcends what we can possibly manufacture for ourselves. There is no "fix it" to the gospel sound. There is...an eternal foundation upon which we can find a place that will be there forever and ever - no matter how bad things may look or feel. Even when we don't see a way or know of a way or can imagine a way into new life...the gospel is there already making a way.
Connection: Today is a day to get in touch with what it is to be all about bring "glad tidings" and also, receiving "glad tidings" as the gift that they will be when they are sent our way. Sometimes, it can be difficult to acknowledge the presence of such news...so let's practice.
Giver of New Life and Lord of All Gladness, shake up our lives with you bountiful love and inspire us to see your life giving Spirit bringing the news of your Reign within this day. Amen
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