Wednesday 29 October 2008

More on the tie between our story and the story that we tell in scripture.



"...the existence of Israel and the church are not accidentally related to the story but are necessary for our knowledge of God. You cannot tell the story of God without including within it the story of Israel and the church. So it is not so odd that as part of the creed we affirm that we believe in the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church. We believe in the church in the sense that we know that it is not finally our creation, but exists only by God's calling of people. Moreover it is only through such a people that the world can know that our God is one who wills nothing else than our good. To be sure the church is often unfaithful, but God refuses to let that unfaithfulness be the last word. God creates and sustains a peaceable people in the world, generation after generation."



I find great comfort in the reminder that even in the unfaithfulness of the church "God refuses to let that unfaithfulness be the last word." Rather than let ourselves be overcome by what the church is "not," we can remind ourselves of what God intends to do with us. It can be very easy to think about giving up and moving away from the church because it is not and doesn't seem to want to be a part of the living vision of God's Reign. And yet, beyond our bits of wisdom is the living God who does not give up on what God will do in, with, and under the lives of God's people. That is refreshing to me - especially when I'm not feeling hopeful. This is another reason why our story telling is so important. We have been here before....! We are not the first ones to have to face our own un-faith and the predicament that is all around us. It is our history to fall short. It is also our history to have our God lift up a remnant and continue on the way. In the meantime, we can turn to one another and together be prepared to be surprised by what God can do with the likes of you and me.

Connection: Hope is never defeated no matter how hard we fight against it or try to deny it.

You, O God, are the rock upon which we can enter this day. Again and again you provide a safe place to begin the life into which you are always inviting us. We give you thanks - again. Amen.