Tuesday 11 August 2009

Sometimes I like the way William Willimon simply goes for it.

The basis for these effusive claims about God's salvation was something that had happened to them. Nobody is more extravagant than Paul in his sweeping declaration of what has actually occurred in our salvation. No longer jerked around by "the elemental spirits of the world" (Galatians 4:3,9), the otherwise intimidating "powers" (Romans 8:38; cf. 1 Corinthians 2:6-10), they stood up and spoke up, now free from sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). They spoke not about an opinion that they shared, a new theory they had devised; they spoke of a series of events (they often said they were being saved [Romans 1:16; 10:10; Ephesians 2:5-8]) that had happened to them, something even now happening. "For freedom Christ has set us free," (Galatians 5:1) Paul preached on his way to jail. Note that he spoke in the past tense claiming a gift presently received rather than only a future expectation.

It is already a gift. What a remarkable reality to grasp onto as it is handed to us! A freedom that is not coming down the road...but already embracing us and wooing us to be free, indeed. Within our faithful imagination, it is a good daily exercise to consider just what this salvation means for how the day unfolds. Where will we be held back.....and why? Who will we sell out to....and why? What forces in the day are able to control us and bind us up...and why? Salvation is a brewing stew already tasty and ready to be served at any time and in any place. In today's piece, do you hear the movement toward something real? Paul speak because of what has taken hold of him and moved him and become so real his life is changed beyond recognition. Imagine his rabbinical teachers listening to him go on and on about this freedom of life and the boldness with which he is willing to enter the day as one of God's saving people. I think it is a powerful image.

Connection: This day is already a gift that is enhanced by the fact that God has delivered us into new life...

Within your saving embrace, O God, we are brought into this day as a people free to be the beloved people you call us. When we are unsure about this freedom, let you Spirit tickle us again and show us your way to new life. Amen.