The Gospel is a free and open invitation to move from captivity
to freedom. It brings together people from different backgrounds, different
perspectives and abilities, and different experiences. What unites the church
is not our homogeneity (i.e. everybody is the same), but the truth that we are
all captives freed by a benevolent God who acts in grace and mercy. That
sometimes brings together the most unlikely people to work as a unit, a body
with one head. It is our brokenness apart from grace, and the healing truth of
the gospel that unites us.
The gospel not only unites us, it changes us. It transforms
stingy people into generous givers, bitter individuals into loving care givers,
masters into servants and slaves into free men and women. The gospel is
not about us, it is about the grace of the God we serve who takes captives and
turns them into a free people. It turns broken people into whole individuals.
It takes separated people and turns them into a single unit that exercises and
demonstrates acceptance and love in truth and holiness.
But the gospel doesn't turn unique individuals into homogeneous
automatons (i.e. robots that all look and act alike). It leaves room, indeed it
makes room for the fullness of our uniqueness expressed in a holiness that is
in perfect harmony with the person, nature and character of the God we serve
and yet looks slightly different for each one of us. As the Apostle Paul wrote,
"If the whole body were an eye where would be the sense of hearing?"
(1Cor 12:17)
The purpose of the
Book of Ezra is to remind the people of God’s faithfulness in restoring them
and to warn them to live as a covenant people of God. That means we answer the
invitation with faith, embracing a unique and diverse body of brothers and
sisters in Christ in a spirit of unity and love looking for opportunities to
freely and willingly give and serve because God has changed our hearts by his
grace. What is he calling you to give? Who is he calling you to serve?
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