Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

God is a verb

Sunday, March 10, 2013

2 Corinthians 5:17-19
Whoever is in Christ is a new creation. He has given us this message of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them.

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031013-fourth-sunday-of-lent.cfm

God is friendly with the world, and in the Christ-mystery God once again brings himself together with the world. This is the best understanding of the word "reconcile."

Here is the meaning of the Christ: God does not "count their trespasses against them" any longer. God consists of love: the word "God" is more a verb than a noun, because God IS relationship. God IS relationship with himself (the Trinity) and with us. In our salvation, we enter the flow of love, the circle of God, the new energy of rebirth. Paul exults in this rich new life. God has blessed us, Every One.

What joy to pass this along, wherever you are, whoever you are with. The "message of reconciliation" is not words to believe as much as it is energy to experience.

Theologians usually settle on either belief in words or experience as an entry point for our salvation. But I think Paul rightly interpreted Jesus' words and actions to mean that God has done the deed. We are free. We can proclaim this truth and manifest it in our lives, as did Jesus.

We are, however, in for a surprise. Jesus calls this life "carrying our cross." He walked a downwardly mobile path, which God made straight. Now follow me, he says. Proclaim God's forgiveness even as the world around you crushes the message back onto your lips. How strange, that it is really only in this kind of suffering that we finally lose our egos and find God. "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of me. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble" (Matthew 5:11-12).

This conjunction of suffering and satisfaction is not masochism; it is instead a paradox not meant to be resolved. Holding it in tension within my body and my mind brings me helplessly into the place where Paul's cry, "In my weakness I am strong" rings out right and true. This is the new creation. This is real freedom.

We bless you, Lord, at all times. Your praise shall ever be in our mouths. Let our souls glory in you, Lord; let us be lowly and be glad. We taste and see your goodness, oh God, and receive the radiance of your face on our faces, free from all fear and all distress, never again flushed with shame. (Psalm 34)

Devotions Archive

God is a verb

Sunday, March 10, 2013