Daily Worship

CORRIDORS OF POWER

Liz Crumlish June 12, 2016 0 0

2 Corinthians 8: 1-15

The Collection for the Lord’s People

8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you[a]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

10 And here is my judgment about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were the first not only to give but also to have the desire to do so. 11 Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 12 For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.

13 Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. 14 At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, 15 as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”

We who live in western democracies often think we live in a free society. The truth is we are less free than we think. A great many people and organisation exert power over us today.  What does it mean to speak truth to power?  Think of the conversation Jesus had with Pontus Pilate? What would he say to any of our current world politicians.

Donald Trump has for his slogan ‘We will make America great again!” So what is it that makes a nation great? What is it that makes a person great? Jesus suggests that true greatness lies in the place of humility and servanthood driven by a sense of generosity and a love for one another. 

Our prayers this week will be engaging with the challenges we encounter as Christian Communities and individuals when we seek to talk gospel to power. When we begin to put others before ourselves. 
 

As we walk the corridors of power
have we paused to hold the door open for others
Or have we gaily marched on
too seduced by our own lofty success
to consider the plight of those 
who have journeyed with us
As we take our well earned place at the table
are we careful to make room for others
recognising that their presence
enhances, not threatens
complements not competes
or are we too tired of fighting
to want to make it easier
for those who come after?
God give us grace
to do what we can
to ease the journey
for all who follow
in our wake.