This week: God as 'in Christ'. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com . God as 'in Christ' is a living reality. That is why I placed 'in Christ' in quotations. It is a way of living. It is seeing the essence of God out and about in the flesh within a specific character that will reveal God and therefore be seen as quite contrary to the character of the world. God as 'in Christ' is not a safe place to be in our world. Often, when people talk about being 'in Christ' it is meant to be a safe place - a protected place - almost a privileged place. But it is not. God as 'in Christ' becomes the fullness of humanity coming to life day-in and day-out in a way that calls into question the way humanity so often runs its course, that is, for one's self - against others - guarded - protected - blaming - violent. God as 'in Christ' brings to life the openness to give one's life away for another. To be involved in such an adventure places us at a point of risk. I may have to risk my place in the world - risk my place in the minds of others - risk my place in my own plans to succeed. God as 'in Christ' is the creative acting out of God's Reign within the ordinary course of a day. That kind of creativity - that sets captives free - that comforts the abused and forgotten - that stands alongside another no matter what might be the consequences, is life call 'in Christ'. We know its texture and flavor when we see it and hear it - so do others. Now, others may not call it 'in Christ' unless, of course, they already know what is to be 'in Christ' - they have been touched by the Good News of God's Reign - they know its everyday smell and feel. Others may never have heard such a life named in such a way. O God of love and new life, keep us within the embrace of your Reign that we will find our way within the endless bounds of the life of the Christ. Amen. |
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