WATCHWORD:
We all come with unveiled face,
beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord,
being transformed into the same image from glory to glory,
just as by the spirit of the Lord.
2 Cor 3:18
In another letter from Paul, 2 Corinthians 5:7, we read that we live by faith, not by sight, or circumstances, or by only bad days, crisis points, or those times when we don’t know where to turn. We are called to live by faith every moment of every day, and to rebuff the distractions that pull us away from our Lord.
Meditation:
(Borrowed a bit from Jesus Calling for last Wednesday.)
Jesus tells us to trust Him and do not be afraid, despite the many things that feel out of our control. This ‘new normal’ is not running very smoothly, slightly out of kilter, the old balance that kept us pointing in the right direction, needs adjustment. You know the imbalance that under-mines our security.
What is that, you say, Lord?
“Let Me lead you to the rock that is higher than you and those circumstances that seem to cause you to separate yourself from Me.”
“The rock that is higher than me? What does that mean, Lord?”
“You know, my son, you remind me so much of another beloved son of mine. Thomas had to be convinced in such concrete terms. His faith was strong but it needed to be anchored just a little before that strength was fully matured and he became the disciple that he is.
“You have such strength within, and you need to reach out and tap into the power that I offer. You remind me of another of my Sons, Peter, who caused so much stress within himself. He had no idea that he was following the calling of My Father, even in his denial, when the Gift of Calvary was being given.
“Here, take my hand and grip it tightly, let me lead you to the fullness of the Word, The Rock, and beyond your circumstance. Take refuge in the shelter of My wings, where you are absolutely secure.
“Instead of bemoaning the loss of your freedom, comfort, etc., accept the challenge of something new. I will lead you from glory to glory, making you fit for my kingdom. Say yes to the ways I work in your life. Trust me, and don’t be afraid.”
2 Corinthians 3 is Paul’s letter of recommendation. As you read that you realize that he’s talking about the Corinthians themselves. He tells us, as he reflected on the Corinthians, that our faith is written on our hearts, and is known by others in the way we live our lives. The Christians at Corinth, along with groups of Christians wherever Paul had worked, were Paul’s ‘Living letter’ to validate not only his ministry, but our own.
In verse 18, Paul invites every Christian to a special, glorious intimacy with God. This is a relationship and transforming power that is not the property of just a few privileged Christians. I can belong to all, to everyone who has an ‘unveiled face’. (Meaning: When one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.) [Enduring Word] Amen.
“You, who would dwell in the shelter of the Lord
Who abides in His shadow for life
Say to the Lord, ‘My refuge’
‘My Rock in whom I trust’
And He will raise you up on eagle’s wings
Bear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun
And hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Bulletin Board:
From Stan – My neighbor Joan sent me something that made me think of a movie from a few years back. God is (not) Dead. It is based on a true story of an atheist professor teaching a class in philosophy, making the case that God is dead, cowing the class, except for one young man. At the end of the class, the young man makes an amazing defense in front of the class that God is alive and active in the world. What got me, was how the Old and New Testament were tied together, along with historic events. Anyway, there it is.
How did God bless you yesterday, that you would share with us tomorrow, right here, in this space?
Closing Prayer:
We close today’s message with the Prayer of St. Francis —
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
