ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
June 20, 2020
Scripture: Matthew 10:16-20
“See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Beware of them, for they will hand you over to councils and flog you in their synagogues; and you will be dragged before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them and the Gentiles. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Thought for the Day: Who really wants to hear someone say, “I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves”? No one is going to ask, “Are they nice wolves?” -or- “Can you, instead, send us into the midst of some really fluffy kittens?” Of course, the rhetoric of Jesus doesn’t ease up as he goes on to speak of arrest and flogging, being drug in front of unsympathetic leaders. Where did we ever get the idea that Christianity is supposed to be jovial and easy, pain-free and undemanding? It wasn’t from scripture or Jesus? In today’s world, following Jesus is going to take on some discomfort for some of us, even challenging us to see things differently, pushing us on what it means to honor another person’s experience that may be far different than our own. I don’t know if we can ever truly walk in someone else’s shoes, but there are moments when we can catch a glimpse. Those are gifts, and usually moments that are a mix of pain, awe and respect.
Prayer: Thank you, Lord God, for all the saints and martyrs who have provided an awe-inspiring glimpse at what love and faithfulness can look like. I’m not real excited about joining the martyrs, yet I do not wish to be silent or aloof to the cries of those who suffer this day. Show me how best to be part of real and lasting transformation, Easter morning transformation. Amen.
