Monday 17 December 2007

This week we will continue with two more days of material by Brian Blount on homosexuality and the New Testament.

In Paul's thought, God's doing is simultaneously the mandate for human living. The shattering of creation's boundaries that occurs with Jesus' death and resurrection is the gracious provocation of a new eschatological reality that enable human transgressions of the same kind. All people, regardless of gender, ethnicity, race, stature, or - dare I say it even though Paul does not - sexual preference, are equally acceptable in God's sight and therefore must be equally treated in human living.

Several pieces strike me as powerful - "God's doing is simultaneously the mandate for human living." This is a masterful way of taking a look at what is the life of the community that claims to be followers of Jesus! We would like to question more or restrict more or deny more. But when God acts, it defines us with a wide open doors - frightening but marvelous. Also, I was really taken when Blount writes that "Jesus' death and resurrection is the gracious provocation of a new eschatological reality that enable human transgressions of the same kind." The image of our lives being provoked by grace is disarming. Most often, we use the word provocation with a sense of fighting or paybacks. Here it is the reality of the Reign of God in Christ, Jesus, that....says "Come on...try this out for yourself." In all of this, there may be great fear - such equality in treatment can shake people. This can happen even to the point that we will want to run away from the living graciousness of God's Reign. We need more feet on the road that are being pulled by the Spirit into the midst of this gracious community.

Connection: So how will our feet hit the road today? Try to take note during the day of what it is that provokes your actions. Often, I don't even let grace in...unfortunately.

Lord of the Gracious Reign of New Life, it is by your actions that we have come to define ourselves. Inspire us to see that as you act, you empower us to act in just such a manner. It is by your acting in Christ, Jesus, that we are able to see the vividness of your invitation to new life. Thanks and praise to you, O God. Amen.