Scripture: Romans 9:24-27
We are the ones God has called. We don’t come only from the Jews but we also come from the Gentiles. As it says also in Hosea, I will call “my people” those who aren’t my people, and the one who isn’t well loved, I will call “loved one.” And in the place where it was said to them, “You aren’t my people,” there they will be called “the living God’s children.”
Thought for the Day: Donald Kraybill wrote a book entitled, The Upside-Down Kingdom. In it, Kraybill writes: “…the kingdom of God points to an inverted, upside-down way of life that challenges the prevailing social order. It certainly challenged the patterns in ancient Palestinian society and does the same in our world today.” Paul’s world had been turned upside-down, or some might say right side-up as he journeyed to Damascus. The same should be true of Christians everywhere, yet the decline of Christianity is, in my opinion, directly tied to a Christianity that attempts to mirror the current cultural patterns that include exclusion, exploitation, greed and division. Christianity looks and acts no differently, except it decorates itself with pretty language and rituals. As followers of Jesus, we should preach and embody the upside-down kingdom, the Jesus who was known for his teachings on the great reversals. We are to stand against the prevailing winds, not to destroy the current culture, but to transform it. And Paul would encourage us to begin with simple invitations to those who sit on the margins and know the brunt of rejection. To them, we say, “You are among God’s beloved, and though many will suggest otherwise, we are here to announce your rightful place as children of God.”
Prayer: Though it might be easier to live a cultural version of Christianity, I believe you have called us, O King of Kings, to fully participate in your Kingdom that stands firmly and faithfully against the hatred and violence of our world. Amen.
LET’S JOIN TOGETHER IN PRAYER
Tuesday at 6:45pm
&
Wednsday at 12:15pm
