This week: God as powerfully able to lose. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com . God as powerfully able to lose is how this God wins the day. The world defines the loser as one who is less and one who cannot be on top and rule others. And yet, God as powerfully able to lose is simply living within the boldness of the Reign of God. This can and is seen as losing - losing as in hanging on a cross - losing as in forgiving rather than fighting back - losing as in siding with those who are always being called the losers. Within the last few days I have been thinking of the Missouri football player who let it be known to the public that he was gay and was intending to enter the NFL. He may end up being a loser for this action. Already there have been comments from some General Managers about his numbers dropping off the draft lists for teams. His Missouri teammates knew he was gay and they supported him - but it was a secret. A gay man in a 'macho' sport - a gay man who could probably bring down any of the 'macho' men around him - but rather than be a tough guy, he enters into the realm of loser. He does so not just for himself, but for all the so called 'losers' with whom he now stands. God as powerfully able to lose knows that humanity hates those who lose and those who do not carry themselves as winners or act like winners (winners being the 'norm'). So, God as powerfully able to lose becomes a loser. Yes, even as Jesus - the one who did not fit the bill of a Messiah. God as powerfully able to lose inspires and encourages ordinary people to become characters who are not defined by the world around us - but by the God who endlessly loves and endlessly sides with all. O God of love and new life, grant us courage to be boldly alive in the face of all things. Amen. |
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