Again, another Luther quote as Tuomo Mannerma attempts to unfold for us this notion of gift and favor and participation in Christ.
...Luther expresses his thoughts....with particular clarity:
This is one of those apposite, beautiful, and (as St. Peter says in 2 Peter 1) precious and very great promises given to us, poor miserable sinners: that we are to become participants in the divine nature and be exalted so highly in nobility that we are not only to become loved by God through Christ, and have His favor and grace as the highest and most precious shrine, but also to have Him the Lord Himself, dwelling in us in His fullness. Namely (he wants to say), His love is not to be limited to the removal of His wrath from upon us, and to having the fatherly heart which is merciful to us, but we are also to enjoy this love (otherwise it would be wasted and lost love, as it is said: "to love and not to enjoy..."), and gain great benefit and riches from it.
There is a significant "but: in this piece by Luther. He notes what we are to become as this gift is given to us. We are "not only...loved by God through Christ, and have His favor and grace...." ...but also to have Him the Lord Himself, dwelling in us in His Fullness. Quite a picture of each of us, isn't it. Remember, this is not something we are able to achieve...a status we earn. This is the reality of life that is given as a gift. This is Us. The fullness of Christ is us - each of us. Please do not think it is in others and not you. This is a thorough indwelling. Our God in Christ, is not known for doing limited things. This is complete - thorough - expansive - without end. We are already there in the midst of all its glory. This is what creates the new life. Not our thinking about what we must do next. Rather, what the Christ in us invites us to be next. I find this almost too wild to comprehend. Maybe that is because this gift is just plain wild...uncontainable...and yet present and fully available for our living today.
Connection: These high images of Christ's indwelling can be a bit overwhelming. That's just it. It is overwhelming and it will overwhelm. That is part of the promise. We become who we are today - each different and unique and blessed people - as we are set free by the Christ who opens the door for us.
As you dwell among us, O God, there is no place we can go to leave your presence. When you are present, the power of your love and grace begins again and again to restore us to life that the world so often tries to take from us in many shapes and forms. We thank you for your persistent love. Amen.
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