GWPR-13 ONLY US

 ONLY US

CAN WE NOT ALL JUST GET ALONG?

The question on the table is, “Only us?”  Let’s be honest, people in the RM have been accused of this for at least 2-3 generations.  Where do people get that idea?  Out of thin air?! 

 

We do mental gymnastics with such comments as – “not judge …” and “define what you mean by us” or some other sort of smoke screen.  But, in our more honest moments, many of us think we will be the only ones!  You have heard the jokes, (first day, in heavenly mansion elevator, “why not stop on this floor”; “they think they are the only ones here”; “oh!”)

 

Let’s be “western”, first:  (rational, logical, “English!?)”

think Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Locke, Campbell(?!)

 

Look at this thought-flow chart and try to make some sense of it!

 

 

Now, let’s be “eastern”: (mystical, passionate, “celtic!?”)

Think “sound of one hand clapping”?!  (apologies to Ravi Z.)

 

Would a father give, to his son, a stone if asked for an egg; a snake for a fish?

Would He, when asked for life, give death? If asked for a Savior, give Satan?!!

 

This all kind of boils down to “what is God’s nature?”    But, I do not want to go western-systematic theological-syllogistic.  It reminds me of the Phillips book, “Your God is Too Small”.  "Your God is too Small"

 

At the end of the day, God is “father”, and all that means!  He is love (not just “loving”).

 

Too often, our paradigms become our prisons, not our portals. (purpose of religion link)  We need to ask for wisdom to fly! Too often we dissect the dog, put it back together, and wonder why it no longer barks.  Was Jonah’s whale his deliverance or damnation? His help or hurt?  His salvation or suffering?  Who is the pearl merchant?  You, or Jesus?  What is the Rich Young Ruler’s third option? 

 

We can paint ourselves into a conservative corner, taking the safe rather than sorry MO.  I’d rather dance in the son light!  He is able to make me stand (Rom.14)

 

One day (soon) we will see Him and bask in the glory of his grace!  I plan to see you there!  It will be fun to look around and see who all made it!

 

 

But, we still pray, “your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven”?!