New "eyes"
“Open the eyes of my heart, Lord” begins the popular praise song by Michael W. Smith. Smith was inspired by Paul’s prayer-filled opening words of his letter to the Ephesians. Paul prayed God would give them a new way to “see”—with “the eyes of your heart filled with light”—so
you may know what is the hope to which God has called you, what are the riches of God’s glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of God’s power for us who believe, according to the working of God’s great power.
Paul talked as if all that God wants to give us starts with these new “eyes.” And indeed, scripture itself is filled with similar talk, sometimes using other metaphors:
• ears, hearing, and listening
• waking up from sleep and staying ready
• becoming a “new creation” or being born “again” or “from above”
• being “baptized in the Spirit”
• having the mind of Christ or knowing God
• God writing the law on human hearts
Scriptures in the Old and New Testaments, using diverse metaphors, promise a radical new way of processing life, the world, suffering, other people, and everything.
We can’t experience a fully Christ-soaked world with the same, old “operating system.” All good religion unites. That’s what re-ligio means, “to reconnect.” The Word made flesh is a great reunion. So our old ways of dividing—separating, competing, striving to be superior—has to go. In Christ, they are going, will be gone, like it or not.
PC
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Faith Question For The Week
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“This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
The author of the gospel of Matthew shows us Jesus’ baptism for a reason. What does God want us to see or experience?
Maybe this: Jesus submitted and surrendered to John. Earlier, John said another is coming, someone “more powerful than I am” and “I’m not worthy to carry his sandals.” Then when this one came, Jesus did not bench John or make him carry anyone’s sandals. Jesus simply participated in what John was doing, received what John had to give. John himself could not believe it, “would have prevented it.”.
Jesus comes to you in the same way Jesus came to John. Can you imagine it? Do you notice it? Can you allow it?
During your daily routine, Jesus comes simply to receive the gift of your work, to enjoy your presence, to bear the weight of the moment with you. What does this receiving give you to? What does it do to you, your work, the world?
Stop and think about this. Call it to mind as you go about your day today, tomorrow, and the next day.
When Jesus came to John in this humble, powerful way, it “fulfilled all righteousness.” Whatever that means. And maybe it means, Jesus shared the affirmation with John--”This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
Just as Jesus shares it with you: “You are my Child, my Beloved, with you I am well pleased.”
--PC
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Starting in January 2020 our winter bible study for the Women of ELCA will be
"All are Called"
All are welcomed to join this bible study.
Lydia Group will meet on January 11, 2020 at Jenny's Diner at 9:00 am
Bible Study will follow at 10:00 am at the church.
Lesson study is being led by Barb Larson
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This weeks events at
St. Paul
Sunday, January 12
Worship 9:15 am
2020 Informational Budget Meeting
Tuesday, January 14
Worship 4:30 pm
Wednesday, January 15
Executive Council Meeting 4:00 pm
CCC Choir 4:15 pm
Tintinnabulum 5:15 pm
Vocal Choir 5:15 pm
Confirmation at Zion 5:45 pm
Adult Bells 6:15 pm
Thursday, January 16
Hannah Group 1:00 pm
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This Weeks Readings
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