Day 37: Same Terms, New Territory: The Unchanging Agreement of Faith
March 26
by Michael Lovett
Readings:
Reflection:
Today’s reading in Genesis offers a beautiful, prophetic image of God and Abram defining the heart of their relationship. God is 100% for Abram (whose name means "exalted father") and renames him Abraham, "father of many". God was calling him out of self-centeredness and evoking Abraham's responsibility to his legacy. He is not exalted as much as he is validated as a pioneer of faith. He is given a great responsibility, to say the least.
The important part of the agreement is Abraham and his posterity's obedience. It makes all the difference. The terms were clear from the beginning: God is the boss, Abraham and his progeny follow God, and it goes well with them. The converse is true, as well. Abandon God, disobey, and it will not go well. Consequences either way. Consequence as a result of choice is the way it's always been, from the first humans.
In John 8, it gets very hot and very direct in a scrape with the religious leaders surrounding Jesus.
Jesus is in his pure strength, speaking as God's son, not just another teacher. He is using his identity and voice to make a crystal-clear declaration: If you obey ME, you live for eternity and receive all the blessings promised to Abraham. Same terms, but now Jesus is being very clear. He has fulfilled the Law (not nullified it), and he embodies truth. He is being as clear as anyone could be. There is ONE person to follow--himself.
Obviously, the religious leaders around him are irate, taking this young man's claim as heresy. They are ready to KILL him for having said this! Not only so, but they are also reeling from two accusations Jesus has levelled: they are glorifying themselves, and they are LIARS... Those are fightin' words!
Jesus is being clear: there is one way to eternal life: through him. He is clear, but that was not expected. That truth remains difficult for many to embrace today.
Let Lent recalibrate us to WHAT and WHO the truth is: Jesus of Nazareth. We obey and respond so that we can enjoy collaboration with the one who created the heavens and the earth, not merely to "get to heaven". We collaborate so that more heaven comes to earth now; to the poor, the oppressed, those who hurt when the world is mean and selfish, the widowed, divorced, and those who have lost children far too soon. Jesus is the way; let us follow in the way if we are to enjoy wisdom and contentment.
Song:
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