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As Jesus is brought before the religious leaders of his day, we remember his teaching,” Don’t even begin to think that I have come to do away with the Law and the Prophets (Jewish scripture). I haven’t come to do away with them but to fulfill them (Matthew 5:17). This statement obviously shows there were places in the religious thoughts and practices of his time that were not bringing glory to God and needed to be changed. Rabbi Abraham Heschel reminds us that God is concerned about injustice not because a law or a rule is being broken, but because a life is being diminished. The scriptures are about lifting people to find the promises of God’s grace in Jesus.
To show God’s unfailing commitment of love to all people, Jesus often broke the religious rules and structures of his culture. He ate with sinners which indicated they were his friends. He healed lepers. In doing so, he would touch them and then become unclean himself.
The Apostle Paul tells us in the earliest writing in the New Testament (I Thessalonians 5:11) that we need to, “Be encouragers of one another.” The prefix “en” can mean wrap another in.
The church, we, are here to remove the barriers to grace, to God’s unfailing love. Our lives are the reflection of God’s gifts offered to us by Jesus. Early Church Father Irenaeus stated, “The glory of God is a human being fully alive.”
Jesus’ story reminds us of theologian Deitrich Bonhoeffer’s thought that there is no such thing as cheap grace. Even when our life is dedicated to bringing love and new life to others, it can still cause others to react negatively towards us and the work we are doing. Sadly, some may see the elevation of another as a threat or diminishment to themselves.
Thoughts to ponder:
Are there any beliefs or stances of the church that cause you to pause and wonder?
Are there barriers that you are hoping to overcome that are preventing you from feeling fully alive?
Are there places where you may provide another encouragement to remove a barrier to grace?
Do any of these thoughts seem to put you in conflict with practicing your faith life?
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If this experience has raised questions or concerns and you would like to have further conversations, please email srpastor@doveofthedesert.com.
Stations of the Cross at Dove of the Desert UMC 