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Scripture: Psalm 105.43-45 (NRSV)
43 So he brought his people out with joy,
his chosen ones with singing.
44 He gave them the lands of the nations,
and they took possession of the wealth of the peoples,
45 that they might keep his statutes
and observe his laws.
Praise the LORD!
Comments
I had not danced with anyone for over twenty years. Standing beside the dance floor, my friend asked me would I dance with her. I declined her offer. While feeling shy about dancing, I longed to step out and join, rather than watch. I summoned courage and went to my friend, accepting her offer. I released inhibitions and let myself enjoy the experience. I was so joyful that upon getting home that night, I danced by myself in my living room. It seemed my body had been cleansed of resistance that kept me from dancing with other persons for over twenty years, though I had often danced alone.
Earlier this week, we looked at Psalm 105 and God's grace proven by Divine faithfulness. Grace implies response. This response the Church has called cooperating grace. The Holy Spirit works in us, enabling acceptance of the offer of salvation. The early Church used a Greek word rendered “synergism” (working together, or sharing energy) for this cooperation. This synergism continues in sanctifying grace, whereby the Holy Spirit keeps forming us in Christ's image. Grace enables us to release inhibitions to sharing in the Trinity’s life and work.
Israel is to respond to God's loyalty by obeying the sacred law (v. 44). Christians are bound to principles of Old Testament law reaffirmed in the New Testament and Church tradition. Jesus spoke, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill" (Matt 5.17, NRSV).
This cooperation with God is to be from the heart, not perfunctory. Paul affirmed, “But thanks be to God that you, having once been slaves of sin, have become obedient from the heart to the form of teaching to which you were entrusted” (Rom 6.17, NRSV). By the Holy Spirit transforming our wills, dancing with the Spirit becomes a delight.
Suggestion for Meditation: What opportunities do you have to cooperate with grace daily?
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*OneLife writings are offered by Brian K. Wilcox, a United Methodist pastor serving in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. He writes in the spirit of John Wesley's focus on the priority of inner experience of the Triune God; scriptural holiness; ongoing sanctification; the goal of Christian perfection (or, wholeness). Brian seeks to integrate the best of the contemplative teachings of Christianity East and West, from the patristic Church to the present. Brian lives a vowed contemplative life with his two dogs, Bandit Ty and St. Francis, in North Florida. OneLife writings are for anyone seeking to live and share love, joy, and peace in the world and in devotion to God as she or he best understands God.
*Brian's book An Ache for Union, a book of poems on mystical union with God through love, can be ordered through major on-line booksellers.
The Grace of Christ be with All!
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