Category: Speaking to the Soul

We have no privilege because of our religion. We are not better because of our belief. There is goodness and godliness present in the non-religious and other-faithed person. God comes to us in the unexpected one. Our theological presumptions, even when founded on the scripture, can be wrong or shortsighted. We all need God’s compassionate mercy. We’re all in the same boat, believer and non-believer alike.

The failures that the prophets like Jeremiah and the apostle Paul articulate have two dimensions. There is the dimension of personal faithfulness and holiness-of-life which is the goal of each believer. There is also the dimension of social justice and compassion which is the goal of corporate life. In both dimensions they commend special attention and care on behalf of the poor and vulnerable. The Biblical writers also note with approval of acts of justice and compassion by those who are outside the circle of faith.

We’re not told of his inner geography, but only of the direction of his feet. He hears Jesus’ word of hope — “Go; your son will live.” And he turns his feet in the direction of active trust.

First, in this little epilogue from the wonderful story of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, it seems interesting that she leaves her water jar right there at the well as she returns to the city.

When we make laws today, if they are going to reflect the original laws of God, they will need to promote the welfare of the poor and vulnerable and they will need to make provision for hospitality for the stranger. These are core expectations throughout the witness of scripture.