18 July 2006

We continue with Douglas John Hall as he writes on the theology of the cross and an ecclesiology of the cross.

...we have to reckon with the fact (and it is a fact) that there is more in the New Testament about the suffering of the church than about any other single theme or issue of ecclesiology. Not only is this theme prominent in the recorded teaching of Jesus ("If any would follow me, let them take up their cross and follow"), but it is a recurrent subject in the epistles, particularly those of Paul.

This is not about the suffering of the world, as such. This is about the life within the community of the followers of Jesus. Due to the life into which we are called, there will come some suffering. Now, we have to put the suffering word into context - our context. Yes, there are those who suffered greatly and to the degree I cannot see myself suffering. And yet, when we follow along the way of the cross, the church -that's us- will take a hit for living within a vision for life that is a part of a contrast community. Try this: speak out against war in the middle of a war. It is difficult to do this publicly even during an unpopular war and an unjust war...not to mention wars that people have called righteous in the past. If we advocate different ways of dealing with conflict and stick to those ways and constantly lift up those ways, then there will be people who will not (let's say) be friendly to us.

Connection: We don't suffer just to suffer. This does not mean we are "downer" people. Rather, it means as we follow the way of the cross, we will step across some lines that some people do not want anyone to cross for any reason. Our calling....step across the line when it is necessary for the welfare of all.

Come, Lord of Life, encourage us in our days of fear and anxiety and walk with us when we are confused and are not sure of what needs to be our next steps as we follow you alone. Amen.