Here's an interesting take on the Incarnation that is a part of William Willimon's discussion of God "for us."
John Duns Scotus said that although, in the Incarnation, Jesus died for sinners, God would have become incarnate for us even if we had not sinned, our sins not being the whole point of the Incarnation but rather God's determination to be with us.
I have to say, I have never had anyone put it quite like that. It makes sense. God is always determined to be with us - we are God's beloved. Most often we are the recipients of a word about our God who saves sinners...and we are those sinners. Well, that is fine. But to also note that our God does not save us just from sin but also is a saving presence for us in that through all times is a powerful word. God will be God as God is "for us." It is through this kind of perspective that we begin the most important journey of affirming our humanity and the grand potential for new life that is within the realm of our humanity. Too often, we can hear so much about being sinners that we doubt that we can be a part of the transformation of our humanity. There is a wonderful hopefulness that comes when we are able to embrace our humanity because it is what God comes to embrace also.
Connection: When we take on the responsibility of being "sinners" it would be good for us not to leave off the reality of being "saints." When God is for us, our whole humanity is engaged and we are given a way to walk into this day with a spirit of new life.
As you take us into your full embrace and remind us again that you are eternally for us, O God, this day begins to be shaped anew. Inspire us to see you gracious embrace as the beginning of a day full of grace. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment