Galatians 5:1
For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
via Daily Lectionary Readings — Devotions and Readings — Mission and Ministry — GAMC.
This was not the text today: the correct text and the one preached on was John 9:1 –41. We concentrated on the following:
1As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. 4We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, 7saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent).
Barry led us to consider how we have been limited by the words and blame that have been attributed to us by others. From being called infidels or racists (which I fully expect, given my most recent post) to being told one is a dweeb, useless and unloveable… if we are told often enough we lose the sober assessment of our strengths and weaknesses we need to function.
Our perspective is incomplete. The idea that one is blind from birth — unable to fend for oneself, begging — is unjust. The healing is miraculous. But Jesus strips away the comfort that this is some kind of karma or familial curse. Sometimes things happen that are unjust to allow a miracle. (This should not have been a surprise to any Jew: for Moses recorded that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart so he would not repent, and in the process not only allowed Israel to be liberated but damned Egypt. Israel’s freedom came at a price). I can’t understand this. It is beyond me. Like Job, I am aware there are things that are too great, and I shut my mouth.
But… for two things.
Firstly, I pray for miracles. For healing. For the opening of people’s lives beyond any script that this world puts on them. Particularly in my family, but beyond my family, nation and religion.
Secondly, as we were reminded at Kirk today, miracles and healing comes from God. And there is but one way to God, through the life and sacrifice of Jesus. For our liberation and healing also comes at a cost — that of Jesus being tortured and killed in our place.
Through Christ we can destroy the blots and labels that have been shoved on us. It is not of our doing, and in this liberation we cannot claim any credit.