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Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:16-19 I’ve been known to tell people that I grew up in an apocalyptic household in an apocalyptic age. My mother, well-schooled in end-of-the-world imagery, often referred to “wars and rumors of war.” As a young boy I was mystified by references to radioactive fallout and Strontium 90 and was petrified by images of the mushroom cloud. There were assassinations, tales of corruption by people in high places, and blazing signs of a nation divided across racial, economic, and political lines. From a child’s point of view, it could be downright terrifying. You might say that, other than living in a radically smaller world, things haven’t changed much since then. Nowadays, my children hear about other wars and ask what genocide means. If they don’t hear about weapons of mass destruction, they hear about climate change and global warming. They can’t help but see images of starvation and disease. They live in a society that is still often divided along racial, economic and political lines. From a human point of view, it all can appear quite bleak. From a human point of view… On the other hand, both they and I have been baptized into Christ. By the ministries of the risen Christ through his church, we are provided a different point of view. In Christ, we receive a corrected apocalyptic, a revelation of divine mercy and love. Namely, through Christ, God is at work to restore the world to God’s original intentions for it. In Christ, the lines that separate us from God and others are transformed into the ties that bind us together in holy love. In her life and mission, the church exists to bear witness to this grace that creates all things new, from the vast reaches of space to the recesses of the human heart. The intriguing thing about it all is that God chooses to work in, with, and through us to do this. The God who is making a new world from the old calls us to see and embody this new reality. The God who creates from estranged sisters and brothers the global community of the church entrusts us to invite others to enjoy her fellowship and mission. True, there’s always the human point of view. Then again, there’s also God’s point of view. Question is, do we see and believe that God can make all things new? Prayer: Ever-creating God, create in us new hearts, new minds, new relationships, new visions, and new hope. Help us always to see ourselves, see others, and see your redeeming work from your point of view. Amen. Bill Davis |