June 4, 2020               (today’s lectionary)
God’s workmanship
Paul sometimes languished on the edge of self-pity, but after all he was often writing from prison. I think I would languish too.
But the word of God is not chained! He pulled away from the edge of the false-self-cliff by comparing his condition to the power and glory and light of the salvation of Jesus.
“Paul, why are you cringing like that?” Or I should say, “David, why are you cringing like that?” Just because I threw you off your camel in the middle of the desert and a bright light blinded you? What do I have to do to get you to listen to me?
Or maybe better, what do I have to do to KEEP you listening to me? How many times will you take this work into your own hands and forget I’m even here?
Of course God is not talking to Paul. Or maybe he is, but I hear his voice most clearly in my own ear. God speaks to Paul, who speaks through Timothy to me: This is a trustworthy saying. Take this to heart. Perhaps these words were part of a baptismal ceremony.
“If we have died with him, we shall also live with him.” And vice-versa.
This is what counts. Don’t quibble over words. Just be sure you have died with him. It is then that you know you will go on to see the King.
Be a true craftsman. Apply what you know TO YOUR OWN LIFE.
Do I lift up my soul
O my God I trust in thee
Let me not be ashamed
Let not mine enemies triumph over me.
Teach me your paths
Guide me in your truth
It’s you I wait for, all day every day
Your friendship sustains me forever
 Don’t forget, Timothy. Jesus has destroyed death and brought our human life into the light.
Jesus honors his Father and Mother, that it may go well with him all the days of his life.
Hear, O Israel this great commandment:
The Lord our God is one.
Love the Lord your God
With all your heart
And with all your mind
Love him with all your strength.
And the second commandment is equal to the first:
Love your neighbor as you love yourself.
In the geography of the Spirit,“ you are not far from the Kingdom of God.”
