Thursday 13 August 2009

Once again Willimon has a wonderful way of looking at the experience of the early church.

You know how people fear public speaking. To speak in favor of a criminal who died on a cross must have been even more fearful. Yet they preached. the the experience of homiletical boldness, the disciples added testimony to "peace", "joy" even amid suffering, as well as "faith, hope, and love." In short, they claimed many of the gifts and dispensations that Israel had come to expect in the messianic age as their own. Get it! The Christians believed that they were the first fruits of God's promised salvation of Israel, only in a form that was wider, more extravagant and reckless than even Israel imagined.

These were ordinary folk living as though their were inheritors of God's Reign that was available to them in their time and in their day. Willimon notes that they "claimed many of the gifts and dispensations that Israel had come to expect in the messianic age." There was to be no more waiting. They were within that age and they took off into the day saying and doing and being children of the Resurrection...children of promise...children of the new age. When you give it just a moment to settle in, that is also us. That's right. Rather than sitting around waiting for something to happen, all that is to happen has happened. The end of the story is secure and we are, like those first followers of Jesus, expected to live as though it is true...that is believe the story in which we are a part by grace. This is not a heady message. This is a message that grabs hold of hearts and offers a way of life that is "wider, more extravagant and reckless" than any of us let ourselves consider.

Connection: When we stand with each other, it is often more possible to walk within this promise that is waiting to see what life comes from us as we take part in it. What do you need to help you walk there. We are already given the Holy Spirit...but it might just come in the shape of someone that as real as those around you.

When you take hold of us and bring us into the vision of your Reign, O God, we still need a hand that will guide us into the pathways of life that reveal your Reigning glory with the life that we call "everyday and common." Continue to abide with us and nurture us. Amen.