Leaving space
John Povey
August 20, 2020
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Romans 11: 1-2a, 29-32 (NIV)
1 I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew.
29 for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable. 30 Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God’s mercy to you. 32 For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
Grace has been described as “God’s redemption at Christ’s expense.” Those who were once thought to be outside the Father’s love, the Gentiles, were welcomed through Jesus as part of the new covenant. At the Cross the arms of God’s love were extended to all.
Jesus once told a story of a father with two sons. The younger rebelled and left home, but the father watched every day for his return. When the great day came, he welcomed him home with a joyful celebration.
God our Father refuses to give up on even the most rebellious of his children. We too must leave space for the rebellious to return. More than that, we should leave space expecting them to return.
“Here the outcast and the stranger bear the image of God's face;
let us bring an end to fear and danger: all are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place.” (All Are Welcome — Marty Haugen)
PRAYER:
Barrier-breaking God, embracing all cultures and peoples, help us to keep a special place in our hearts for the stranger in our midst. Grant us your Spirit of unity, that we may welcome all as our friends, your cherished children, citizens together in Christ’s kingdom of peace. Amen.
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