Created in this Location
by Rev. Alexandra Robinson on April 21, 2021
Where are you in creation?
Have you ever looked up into the night sky and felt so very small?
Have you ever looked down in the green grass and felt so very large?
Our place in creation makes a difference, doesn’t it – either to realize our need for God, or our ability to be god.
It’s all a matter of perspective.
As Jesus walked the earth, he taught in parables – the parable of the mustard seed, the parable of the talents, the parable of the prodigal son. Those parables brought new meaning to the people and their experiences of that day. The mustard seed, notorious as a frustrating weed that took over many crops, could be seen as a positive possibility of God’s relentless love. The parable of the talents, for listeners living in poverty, could be seen as a way to live in bravery of risk taking rather than in fear financially. The parable of the prodigal son offered an understanding of grace and mercy, a new perspective in a faith that required God be obeyed through sacrificial offerings. All of these teachings offered relevance for the lives of the hearers then, but perhaps in a different way because of their particular location in history.
I believe this is what is meant by the living Word of God. The Bible and it’s teachings, whether in oral form as was in Jesus time, or written form as they are now, offered wisdom that surpasses the ages. It allows us to experience God’s word in one way at one time in our lives and another when we have a different perspective. It’s a reminder to us all how God speaks to us throughout our lives faithfully and productively. But it also allows us to be assured that God meets us wherever our perspective is – whether we are feeling small or large – God’s word can offer transformation to this place and this time.
It reminds us that our location is a way that God’s transforming work can be done.
As you walk your journey this week, I share with you these words reminding us how Jesus walked through creation in his location that made such a difference:
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,
- Philippians 2:3-5
Your location this week makes a difference. May you live a parable of Jesus’ teachings.
April 10, 2024
March 27, 2024
February 21, 2024