Good morning friends. Access to your words gives light, giving simple folk understanding. Psalm 119:130 CEB We return again to Psalm 119, the longest chapter in all of our canonical scripture (both Old and New Testaments). This week we also conclude our series, No Perfect People Allowed as we look at the early life of Joseph, son of Israel (Jacob). Words (plural) truly can help us illuminate the darkest corners of our world if used appropriately. The Word (singular) is a reference to Jesus Christ who came to illuminate the world to the darkness of our easily fallen natures. The inclusion of the statement giving simple folk understanding is not meant to diminish or place people into separate classes based on knowledge and wisdom, instead it becomes a reminder that we are all simple in relation to Gods ultimate plan for creation. My plans aren’t your plans, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my plans than your plans. (Is. 55:8-9) Joseph, like Jacob before him and Abraham before that did not have scripture to guide them. Their life was lived doing the best they could as they formed and became the beginnings of Gods chosen people. How difficult it must have been to live without the instructions for life we have available to us. In many ways they were flying by the seat of their pants and yet we have the written witness (words) that God was illuminating the darkest parts of their journey. This illumination is a type of grace not often recognized in our life. John Wesley had a term for this, prevenient grace. Prevenient grace is that grace that reveals God working in our life to draw us to Him even when we do not recognize it. It is the illumination of the dark recesses and corners tat show us there is a better way, one that is full of mercy and unmerited love. The culmination of that action is found in the death and resurrection of Jesus. On the cross we recognize Gods merciful love in that Jesus, who could have called on ten thousand angels, takes instead the punishment for all. In the resurrection of Jesus we see grace as a gift of new life, one filled with hope and transformation. Joseph would experience these transforming activities in his own life. He will find forgiveness, mercy, and then exhibit grace as he provides new life to his family who stands to surely starve if left to their own devices. We have the words of the Word, the incarnate image of God to light our life. The challenge issued to all of us today is whether we will become a light to others or whether we will let them languish in darkness as we seek to keep our own self on a safe path? What would Jesus do? Prayer- God, you sent your Word among us to teach us how to illuminate the lives of others so that they to can no longer fear the darkness. Encourage us to rise above our own desires to illumine only our path as others stumble. Give us enough oil in our lams that we become the beacons that light up the world for you. Amen.
Posted on: Tue, 05 Aug 2014 09:19:54 +0000
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