Scripture: John 10:17-18
Jesus said, “For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.”
Thought for the Day: In thinking about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his method of nonviolent confrontation of that which is unjust and sinful, I was reminded of these words from Brian McLaren:
What if the only way for the kingdom of God to come in its true form—as a kingdom ‘not of this world’ —is through weakness and vulnerability, sacrifice and love? …What if being conquered is absolutely necessary to expose the brutal violence and dark oppression of these principalities and powers, these human ideologies and counterkingdoms—so they, having been exposed, can be seen for what they are…
[Some ask] “Surely there must be a better plan.” If you can think of a better plan, let the rest of us know, and you may just become the savior of the world. But before you reject this plan you’d better be sure yours is truly better. This one has no peer that I have ever encountered or been able to imagine. (The Secret Message of Jesus, B. McLaren, p. 69, 71)
The way of Jesus is not the same as the world, and though many will try to blur the lines between the two kingdoms, the Gospels make it difficult to argue that Jesus or his followers should use anything but kingdom grace and nonviolence to help reveal God’s reign that is coming near.
Prayer: At times, Lord God, the ways of Jesus appear nearly impossible. Your kingdom vision was most beautifully displayed in his self-giving love, and though it is easy to receive that gift, I find it a bit more difficult to emulate it. Help me; let your spirit fill me; keep the example of Jesus before me. Amen.
Join us this morning
8:15, 9:30 and 11:00
And don’t forget
this coming Tuesday…
