Monthly Archives: October 2023

Our Refuge and Strength!

Featured by

“Our Refuge and Strength!”

Psalm 46:1-7 – October 29, 2023

Here we are at Reformation Sunday, the week of the year when we remember Martin Luther posting his list of grievances against the church establishment of the Catholic Church, more than 500 years ago in 1517. These 95 grievances against the Church sparked a movement of protest that was felt around the world. And thus, the Protestant Church was born.

But, that was more than 500 years ago. Long ago history, to a lot of people today! And our Scripture reading Psalm 46? Written about 2000 years ago? That is really ancient times! How can these people and writings be relevant to us, today?

If you have any concept of what it means to “go viral,” Martin Luther’s 95 Theses did just that. For those who are not familiar with that term, “go viral” means a computer post that is popularly shared on email or social networking sites (Facebook, Instagram, etc.). The Urban Dictionary defines “going viral” as “an image, video, or web link that spreads rapidly through a population by being frequently shared with a number of individuals.” [1] That means that lots and lots of people forward posts or images to lots and lots of their online friends.

Martin Luther did not have an easy life,especially after the 95 Theses (or grievances against the Catholic Church) were published and popularized in large parts of Europe.

Seriously, when Martin Luther’s highly inflammatory writings were widely published, he gained a LOT of powerful enemies! And, he went on the run for a number of years, even secretly hiding out in a powerful ally’s castle for two years. But, what about the man?

Father Martin Luther – for he was a Catholic priest – was a sincere, devout follower of Jesus Christ. He thought long and hard about sin and confession, faith and grace. He also thought a lot about and valued God’s Word. Martin eventually translated the whole Bible – both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament – into his dialect of German, the common tongue of his day and area of Germany.

The Catholic Church considered Martin Luther to be a very dangerous agitator and heretic. They sent armies to find and arrest Luther, and he stayed in hiding for several years.  Because he translated the Bible into German, the Catholic Church got even more mad, since they wanted the Bible to be available only in the specialized language of Latin. Martin disagreed!

Which brings us back to Psalm 46, a psalm of King David. This psalm written in a time of great need is reputed to be Martin Luther’s favorite psalm. Such a favorite, in fact, that Martin wrote the hymn “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” based on Psalm 46.

            Just imagine running for your life – which Martin was. Soldiers, even small armies were actively searching for him. The first verse of Psalm 46 proclaims “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” When he translated this psalm into his mother tongue, I suspect the words became very precious and real to Martin.

            Modern translators have done a great deal of study into the meaning of Biblical words. There is a footnote after the phrase “very present.” “Here the translators have indicated that the verse may also read: “God is our refuge and strength, a well-proved help in trouble.” If you go with “very present” you have a God who is right there with you, keeping you secure in your time of trouble. If you go with “well-proved,” you have a God who has been time-tested and, over and over again, can be trusted upon to keep you secure in your time of trouble. Either way – and in all times and circumstances – you have a God who has got you covered. That is what Psalm 46 declares. And that is what Luther wanted to proclaim in ‘A Mighty Fortress is Our God.’” [2]

            I have a special soft spot in my heart for Reformation Sunday. I was baptized and confirmed as a Lutheran in a church on the northwest side of Chicago (now sadly closed). I can remember very well those Sundays in Octobers past where churches had joyous organ preludes, Reformation celebrations, and brass accompaniment for the hymn “A Mighty Fortress.” I remember sermons where Martin Luther’s bold proclamation of “Here I stand, I can do no other” rang forth from the pulpit. And, I try to make certain our congregation understands how vitally important this date is, in the history of Christianity.

            Yet, I am also a hospice chaplain. I choose not to bring the intellectual ideas of Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation to my patients and their families, nor should I. However, I can bring them the very real understanding that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble and need. For, who has more serious need of the Holy than a family dealing with the realities of significant physical decline and approaching end of life?

For that matter, we can embrace this psalm, too. God is always present, always at our sides. “Indeed, is this not as much a promise for a whole community of believers living in a time of uncertainty and anxiety as it is for the individual who is nearing the end of his life now?” [3]

Whether we are on the run – like King David from Saul’s armies, or Martin Luther from soldiers sent by the Catholic Church – or whether you, or I, or our families are going through difficult periods of serious illness, psychological upset, financial distress or political turmoil, God is indeed our refuge and strength.

Is anyone surprised that Martin Luther considered this comforting psalm his favorite? Even though everything is falling apart on all sides, Martin can stand safe and secure in his Lord’s care. And, so can we. That is good news for all of us! Alleluia, amen.

@chaplaineliza

(Suggestion: visit me at my other blogs: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. #PursuePEACE – and  A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!

[1] https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=go%20viral

[2] https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/reformation-day/commentary-on-psalm-46-6

[3] https://dancingwiththeword.com/being-still-letting-go/

Copy Cats!

Featured by

“Copy Cats!”

1 Thessalonians 1:1-7 – October 22, 2023

            Do you remember copy cats? The easiest way for me to remember copy cats is to think of school days. Back in elementary school, one person copying another. Sometimes it was to irritate a person. Can’t you just hear the person being copied say to their teacher, “He’s copying me!” and “Make her stop!” But oftentimes, it was because that copy cat really wanted to emulate the person being copied!

            That is exactly what the apostle Paul is saying here! He praises his friends and former parishioners – “When we told you the good news, it was with the power and assurance that come from the Holy Spirit, and not simply with words. You knew what kind of people we were and how we helped you. 6 So, when you accepted the message, you followed our example and the example of the Lord. You suffered, but the Holy Spirit made you glad.”

            Can you imagine that? Paul commends the Thessalonian believers for following his example, and moreover, for following the example of the Lord! For being copy cats! What is more, “Paul compliments the Thessalonians saying they are making a big difference in their town by living like Jesus every day.” [1] 

            When Paul and his friends came to Thessalonica, they found a pagan city. Although very religious, there was not a strong Jewish synagogue or presence of followers of the God of the Jews in that town. Yet, that did not stop Paul from preaching, and being faithful to spread the Good News of the Gospel. Lo and behold, the people in the newly formed gathering of believers began to follow Paul’s ways, and began to follow the Lord’s way, too. Paul lifts that up here at the beginning of this letter by calling his friends followers of the example of God.

“Paul could see the results in their lives: work stemming from faith; labor motivated by love; and steadfastness flowing from hope in the Lord Jesus Christ in spite of severe persecution. He goes on to mention how they had become imitators of himself and of the Lord and that the gospel was sounding forth from them all over the region. So their dramatically changed lives were evidence that God had chosen them for eternal life.” [2]

            Although you and I can follow Paul’s lead and try to follow in Jesus’s footsteps, many people really find it helpful to have a road map. This helps us understand and to read a step-by-step outline of instructions. We need to know how to live God’s way and walk in God’s path.

            Paul gives us three steps, or at least, three points to consider as you and I try to live God’s way. We find these pointers in verse 3: “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.”

            Some Christians have the mistaken belief that they can work their way to heaven. Paul highlights his friends’ work, yes! However, their Godly work is produced by faith – not the other way around. Yes, many Christians can quote the verses Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one can boast.” I want to be perfectly clear. God does not love us simply because we do good things or live by “works righteousness,” or are blindly obedient to God.

No! God loved us first, before we ever did anything, even while we were yet sinners, God loved each of us. How many of us are familiar with newborn babies? How many of us just love holding a newborn, or a very young baby? The baby does not have to do anything, or be any particular way, and yet the sweet little baby is showered with love. It is the same way with humans and with God. Remember, God first loved us.

            One of my favorite verses from the New Testament is from 1 John 4, and it says “We love, because God first loved us.” Love is often referred to in the Bible, and here in 1 Thessalonians, Paul talks about the labor of love the Thessalonian believers show. This kind of love is evident in just about every believer’s life.

 “This labor motivated by love should be evident in our homes. We should display the qualities of love that Paul mentions.” [3] This kind of love is not cheap affection, or so-called “love” that does not get involved in the lives and situations of friends, relatives, even strangers. Plus, this labor – or work – is not effortless! It certainly can involve physical work, “such as helping an elderly person clean by their yard or house. It will cost your time and sometimes some money.” [4]

            The last pointer that Paul mentions here is endurance inspired by hope. The hope of the return of the risen and ascended Jesus in the clouds is truly a hope we all can share. This blessed hope can help us – enable each of us – to endure trials, difficulties, even persecution with joy. “That kind of steadfast joy under trials comes from hope in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will right every wrong and reward every good deed done in His name.” [5]

            You and I are not in complete control of our lives, no matter how much we may wish to be. But, there is good news: God is always with us. God always travels by our sides, and walks with us through the dark valleys.

Next week is Reformation Sunday, when we will remember and celebrate the Reformation, that time that started with Martin Luther and continued with many, many reformers over the centuries. Not only that, but you and I are always reforming our faith, reforming our church, reforming ourselves.

This reading today calls us to remake ourselves in the image of Jesus: to be copy cats of Paul, as he is of our Lord Jesus. We can follow Paul’s road map right here. This helps us understand a step-by-step outline of instructions. We are provided a step-by-step way to live God’s way and walk in God’s path.

Is the path easy? Frankly, not always. Is it simple? Straight forward? Yes. Follow the road map of faith, love and hope, and be copy cats. Follow Jesus. Alleluia, amen.

@chaplaineliza

(Suggestion: visit me at my other blogs: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. #PursuePEACE – and  A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!

[1] http://worshipingwithchildren.blogspot.com/2014/10/year-proper-24-28th-sunday-in-ordinary.html

[2] https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-2-are-you-elect-1-thessalonians-12-4

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid.

Guard Your Hearts and Minds!

Featured by

“Guard Your Hearts and Minds!”

Philippians 4:4-9 – October 15, 2023

            Anxiety is commonplace, today. Practically everyone is anxious about something! Whether it’s work or unemployment, school or health (yours or someone else’s) – anxiety is prevalent in this world today. Just like an automatic setting on your washer or dryer, we can even call anxiety an automatic emotional setting for many, many people.

            Being anxious is very real, very automatic for a whole lot of people. When we consider things like climate change, or gun violence, or the changes in weather, or inflation, or the state of politics today, any one of those things is enough to make anyone worried, at least a little.

            Add to that widespread wildfires, droughts in large areas of continents, catastrophic floods, earthquakes and the devastation that follows, plus wars and conflicts and political instability over large portions of the world today. If we consider all of these problems and calamities, even on our own continent, much less other continents, what on earth are we to do? How are we to feel? Just about anyone would be really worried and anxious, especially if loved ones were in serious danger or in harm’s way.

            The apostle Paul was very much in harm’s way. He was in prison when he wrote this letter to the Philippian believers, in Rome, the capital city of the Roman empire. He was chained to a Roman soldier constantly. That means all the time. Paul was in serious danger of being found guilty of sedition against the emperor, which crime had a penalty of death.

            And yet, Paul writes this joy-filled letter to his friends from his former church in Philippi. Instead of being fearful, glum, or downright depressed, Paul tells his friends to rejoice!

            As Paul says from his prison cell, do not be anxious! Instead, rejoice! And again, Paul says, rejoice! A double dose of rejoicing, so to speak. Paul was not a fool, and not a Pollyanna, not thinking of pie in the sky and wearing rose-colored glasses. No, he was very much a realist in many ways. Paul faced facts, and talked straight. And – he told his friends to rejoice! Twice!

              If you and I consider our personal situations, or those of our friends, or members of our families, I am sure we would come up with quite a list of things to concern ourselves with. We do not call these requests “prayer concerns” for nothing, you know!  

            After Paul’s strong injunction (and it is almost a command!) to rejoice twice, he goes on to say “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

            Paul does not make light of our very real prayer concerns. In fact, he urges us to bring those concerns – those worries! – before God! “Paul is not saying that there is nothing to worry about or that the things we worry about are unimportant. Rather he places our anxieties, fears, and concerns in the context of our relationship to God. We are invited to make ourselves known to God, and to ourselves, at our points of greatest vulnerability.” [1]

            God does understand when we have concerns – for ourselves or friends or for loved ones. And, we are invited numerous times in the Bible to bring those concerns, those worries, those anxieties, before our God.  

            What a relief and what a help to us and to our loved ones to know we can always come before the throne of grace and bring our cares and troubles to God.

            And, that is not all! This short reading from Paul’s letter is jam-packed with positive, joy-filled, impactful statements from this man in prison. Amazing to me is how positive Paul can be in this letter. Not only does Paul encourage prayer and thanksgiving in the midst of negative situations, sometimes even dire, ominous circumstances, but there’s more! He also emphasizes peace. The reality of a peace beyond human understanding. God’s peace.

            Yes, we certainly can expect trouble in this world. Our faith will be tested. Some may even suffer as Paul suffered. But, Paul reminds us all about Jesus Christ. We are urged to “think like Jesus who stood in solidarity with the oppressed by taking on the form of a slave. Yes, Jesus died on a cross. Yes, the powers killed him… But a far greater power exalted him and bestowed upon him the name which is above every name. [That at the name of Jesus every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus Christ.] This God did not abandon Jesus and will not abandon [us].” [2] Do you hear? Do you believe?

            This peace is not simply calmness or the absence of anxiety. A more literal or direct translation of the word is “having power over” or “being superior to.” In other words, “peace has power over, excels, and surpasses reasoning. It is superior to human understanding because peace comes from God.” [3]  Peace from God is truly a guard against fear, worry and anxiety.      

            How awesome is that? Yes, the world is powerful, but God has overcome the world. We have God on our side. Not to be a quick fix, or a magic incantation, or a Santa Claus in the sky. Prayer is not magic, not mumbo jumbo. Instead, Paul talks about developing a relationship with this God. An ongoing, deepening, intimate relationship with this God of peace. [4]

            This can be a blessed reality! And if you wish to know more about how to be in a close relationship like this with God, ask me! I’ll introduce you to our wonderful God.

In difficult times, in times of trial, and in the good times – at all times – we can draw near to this marvelous God of peace. God of love, and joy, and grace, and mercy, too!

The result will be that God’s peace stands guard over our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. Believe this blessed truth! Alleluia, amen.

@chaplaineliza

(Suggestion: visit me at my other blogs: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. #PursuePEACE – and  A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!

[1] https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/third-sunday-of-advent-3/commentary-on-philippians-44-7-4

[2] https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/third-sunday-of-advent-3/commentary-on-philippians-44-7-5

[3] Ibid.

[4] https://bible.org/seriespage/lesson-24-answer-anxiety-philippians-46-7

Keep On Keeping On!

Featured by

“Keep On Keeping On!”

Philippians 3:7-14 – October 8, 2023

            I remember several wise sayings or proverbs, from when I was very young. I can’t recall where I heard them, or who brought them up, but they stick in my memory! Sayings like “A penny saved is a penny earned,” “slow but steady wins the race,” and “a stitch in time saves nine.” One wise saying that seems quite appropriate for today’s Scripture reading is “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”

            Today’s reading from the apostle Paul in Philippians chapter 3 is filled with memorable remarks! But, when I read through this passage this time around, I focused on verses 13 and 14: “13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”

            When Paul wrote to his friends in Philippi, he insisted that they keep on trying! Keep on the path, press on towards the goal. Paul uses a sports analogy here. Sports were huge in Roman society! And, Philippi was a colonized Roman city. It was several hundred miles from Rome, and not even on the Italian peninsula, but that made no difference. The people of that city were very much aware of their special status as Roman citizens, and many citizens of Philippi emulated the practices of Rome very much – including being big sports fans!

            Paul wrote this letter to the Philippians from prison in Rome. “His physical movements are severely limited. He is certainly not engaged in any chariot races. Yet this is the metaphor he chooses to inspire the Philippians to press on. It is an athletic, physical, and forward-moving metaphor.” [1] But, hold on, a minute! Before Paul says all this, he hits on something important!

            Let’s backtrack a few verses. Paul gives some autobiographical details. We already know Paul is highly educated, and a former member of the Sanhedrin, the ruling council of Israel. Here, he mentions his status and achievements as a Jew by birth – a “Hebrew of Hebrews.” Paul is ticking off these prestigious honors and points of status, one after the other. A Pharisee, a former persecutor of the Church, a blameless follower of the Law of Moses. A real blue blood, and he used to be particularly proud of all these status points on his resume!

            Just imagine a child or grandchild. Some parents would want them to get all the prestigious honors, high grades, and extra-curricular activities, playing a musical instrument, and going out for the team. All the things, as the young people say! Some parents really want their kids to have so many achievements on their resume or in their scholastic record! This is what Paul is saying, here. He was a huge overachiever, as far as his resume was concerned!      

            Yet, Paul now regards all of these prestigious honors and achievements to be nothing, less than nothing – even “dung” or in colloquial language, horse manure! Instead, the very most important thing to Paul was now doing exactly what God wanted him to do! And, being exactly who God wanted him to be!

            Which brings us back to where we started in our examination of this Scripture reading. “13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Paul returns to one of his favorite metaphors for the Christian life, a sports metaphor. At the end of a sports contest in the first century Roman empire, the winner would get the prize. A laurel crown, a bag of gold, some fame and repute. In other words, become a sports star! Paul is encouraging all of his readers to strive for the goal! To run the race, and win the prize!

But, this prize Paul talks about is not an earthly prize, like in the Olympics. It’s not some gold medal or silver coins, or some laurel crown that will decay and dry up. Instead, Paul encourages us all that we can never give up! We all need to press on. Not to persevere toward a sports medal, or public prestige, or a multi-million dollar contract! No! Paul wants us to persevere for our souls’ sake. Paul wants us to persevere in our walk with Christ! [2]

            Sure, we might fall down. Fall on our faces, and strive to get up again. This whole topic reminds me of a classic song and dance number from a Fred Astaire musical, where Fred sings “Pick myself up, dust myself off, and start all over again!”

            To use another (more modern) sports analogy, if in baseball a batter gets a base hit one out of four trips to the plate, he’s considered a pretty good hitter. A batting average of .250 is perfectly respectable! And, if the batter gets a base hit one out of three times at bat, he’s a really good hitter! A consistent batting average of .333 is great!

            Except – that means that two thirds or even three quarters of the time, the batter is going to strike out, fly out or ground out. That could get really disheartening! Imagine, only getting on base a quarter of the time. And yet, do baseball players get mad, or frustrated, or downright depressed just because they can’t bat 1.000 all the time? No! Sports players keep on going. They keep on keeping on. They persevere, and keep on swinging.

            Exactly what Paul would have said. He would have nodded in agreement and affirmation and said, ” this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus”

            The old Spiritual expresses this sentiment of determination and perseverance well: “I have decided to follow Jesus. No turning back, no turning back.”

Remember the words of Paul, and remember to keep on keeping on, just like your favorite sports stars and sports personalities. And, remember to continue striving, and continue to serve God as best as you are able! Alleluia, Amen.

@chaplaineliza

(Suggestion: visit me at my other blogs: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. #PursuePEACE – and  A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!

[1] https://www.patheos.com/progressive-christian/keep-on-keepin-on-alyce-m-mckenzie-09-29-2014

[2] Ibid.

Have the Same Mindset

Featured by

“Have the Same Mindset”

Philippians 2:1-11 – October 1, 2023

            How many here have seen a Christmas pageant? How many here have ever participated in a Christmas pageant? It can be sweet, even awe-inspiring, seeing the story of the Nativity played out, sometimes with a large choir or even real animals. We can watch a Christmas pageant and be so proud of our children or grandchildren as they participate. Or, we could possibly be totally swept away as we consider what a grand, eternal narrative we are watching, as it was played out on a huge cosmic stage!            

            Today’s Scripture reading comes from the apostle Paul’s letter to the Philippian believers. I want us all to pay close attention as “we connect this passage from Philippians theologically with the Incarnation, as God in Jesus came down on our level.” [1]

            We all know the story of Christmas Eve, and the cast of characters. The shepherds, the angels, the animals. Even the wise men (even though they really arrived some months later, according to the Gospel of Matthew). We see the Holy Family at the center of the Christmas pageant. Young Mary, exhausted shortly after the birth. Joseph, trying to protect his family. Then, we have the baby Jesus. A beautiful baby.

            But, what if we walk around backstage, behind the manger? That is what Paul is doing right here in Philippians 2! Paul is showing us what went on behind the scenes, before time began. Paul reminds his friends – his readers in Philippi – about the mind, the motivation and the character of God, in Jesus Christ. Then, Paul starts to relate the behind-the-scenes story of the Incarnation. Imagine only being vaguely aware of how Jesus came into the world. Paul lets us know how God the eternal Son humbled Himself! Became human – a tiny baby!

            Jesus fully joined the human race. He became one of us, and willingly left all of His Godhood behind. Far, far away in heaven. Just think of what a huge cosmic event that was, for the eternal God the Son to become a tiny, helpless human baby. And yet, becoming human was (and is) the best way to communicate with us humans, on our level. In our language, and in a way we could possibly begin to understand.

            When Paul wrote this letter to his Philippian friends, he was worried about their little church. He had heard about some church fights some of the believers were having. Paul calls these fights divisions in the body. (Remember, Paul refers to the church as the body of Christ in several places, in several places in the New Testament.)

            Paul had just finished talking about these divisions in the church when he says “make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

            Think back on your own history, and the history of this church, or other churches where you have been a member. Do you remember church fights? Where one or two members were bickering with each other? Perhaps others in the church started to join in? Even, maybe, it got to the point of a church split? Perhaps it was an argument between different members of the church board. Or a difference in worship styles. Or a showdown between the pastor and one or two elders in the church. Or even a disagreement about the style of the new church drapes.

            Let’s concentrate on what Paul said in our reading today, from Philippians. “Have this mind in you that was in Christ Jesus.” Our Lord Jesus is all about unity. His humility and love for everyone transcends division and fighting, squabbling and bickering. Even over serious, consequential things like worship bands and the color of the new church carpet.

            The Church Universal today is fractured and splintered into so many different pieces! We know that the quarrels, disagreements and selfish attitudes among church members are nothing new. Paul wrote to his friends about those same things, and it hasn’t changed one bit, all these centuries later. Whether it is conflicts between faith traditions (Catholics vs Protestants), between denominations (Baptists vs Methodists) or groups within denominations (conservative vs liberal), things have certainly not changed. [2]  

            Yet, the apostle Paul knows very well how the Gospel of Christ can change hearts and minds! Just look at how the various Philippian believers, from all strata of society, welcomed the stranger Paul into their midst. They welcomed him and the Gospel he preached into their hearts and homes! And, they continued to financially support Paul long-distance long afterwards, when he was in prison in Rome.

            As Paul says, we need to pattern our lives upon Jesus Christ and His humility. However, I caution us all because of powerful things, divisive things that are just waiting to pounce and to separate us as believers in Christ. We need to keep our eyes on Jesus, and not allow conflicts, quarrels and divisions to confuse and separate us as believers.

That is why World Communion Sunday exists. We all believe in our Lord Jesus Christ. We all – across faith traditions, across language differences and cultural divides, across earthly conflicts and reasons to fight – can agree on this important thing. We come together in our faith in Christ; we come together in our reverence for God and our celebration of the Lord’s Supper.

And one day, the world wide group of believers will acknowledge together that “God exalted Jesus to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

So, come. The Lord has prepared THIS table. To that, we can all say “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!” And we can also say, “Alleluia, amen!”

@chaplaineliza

(Suggestion: visit me at my other blogs: matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers. #PursuePEACE – and  A Year of Being Kind . Thanks!

(I would like to express my great appreciation for the observations and commentary from Alyce McKenzie, https://www.patheos.com/progressive-christian/level-with-me-alyce-mckenzie-09-19-2014.  And also, many thanks to Dennis Bratcher and his superb article at http://www.crivoice.org/kenosis.html.)

[1] https://www.patheos.com/progressive-christian/level-with-me-alyce-mckenzie-09-19-2014

[2] http://www.crivoice.org/kenosis.html – Dennis Bratcher