The metaphor of keys tells of a call to unlock the scriptures in our time. The charge is not to use the the scriptures to lock people in but to open the doors to the liberating power of God.
He reminds them that they know how to interpret the signs of the sky – whether it will be a rainy day or a fair one. Why can’t they interpret the signs of the times?
As disciples, we have been given a glimpse into the dream God has for us as human beings, born to seek relationship with each other and with God. The question is, what do we do with that vision? Do we continue about our business, thinking that how we live our lives doesn’t matter as long as we claim to believe in Jesus? Or do we acknowledge the grace that is God’s gift of love to us, that can’t be bought or earned.
A body of people joined to Christ through bread and wine. A body of people hungry and in need of a savior. A body of people yearning for community and connection. A body of people receiving grace and forgiveness.
I am content to live in the tension between holy obedience, as Jesus showed us, and the freedom to find our way, fall, get up, pray, redirect, and go on our messy way, the gift of choice which Jesus also showed us.
As things compete for your time and attention this week examine each one to see which holds the oil of your own God-given passion, and which are just place-holders which may look good and holy but are really just empty lamps.
To veterans, alive and those on the other side of the veil, thank you for your service and bless you for your sacrifices.
What I’ve come to discover is these stories always come with a profound change and restoration in the lives of those in the story.
As Christians we are often tempted to minimize our own and one another’s violence. Everything from derogatory comments made about women to outright physical abuse are made light of and excused because we want to think the best of one another, confusing denial with love.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)