The Reign of God as capricious extravagance. If you have any comments - adebelak@redeemerluth.com . The Reign of God as capricious extravagance is an invitation to any and all. It says come and join in a life that comes wherever you may be in your life - and it is a generous and life changing reality. In the parable of the landowner and the various workers he hires during the day (for the same wage) we are witnessing how God's Reign is meant to satisfy the hungry heart and sustain God's beloved through whatever is at hand. I some way, I thought of the story in the wilderness of the book of Exodus in which the manna came down for the people every day. It was always enough for the day at hand. Each person could eat all they needed - for we know that not everyone is satisfied for life by the same amount. So there it was - eat! And yet, it was not to be held and saved for another day - it spoiled. Enough for the day at hand - with the promise of more to come. The Reign of God as capricious extravagance takes care of all and there will be no bit of envy because some have more than others - there will be no puffed up presence within the community - all will have enough without condition. Why? Well usually that is where we like to write up reasons for how it is - they did that - they were able to do this - they knew them. But here it is simply because the Reign of God participated in this capricious extravagance that does not fit into the common sense of the day. If this Reign of God was made up of common sense, it would look just like the world of brokenness and despair all around us. We are invited into something strange and alive. O God of love and new life, when you satisfy us and then satisfy those who are no like us, you show us how broad an wide is the love of your Reign. Pull us away from our ways of wanting to rule and step into the depths of grace. Amen. |
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