Day 236
Job 12:1-15:35; 1 Corinthians 15:29-58; Psalm 39:1-13; Proverbs 21:30-31
Alive in the Spirit
Today’s survey of Job strips away any hope we might have for salvation while here on earth, in this life, in our bodies, and in dealing with our individual and corporate distractions of the secular. Couple that with the “Resurrection Body” narrative from 1 Corinthians, and we are brought, perhaps kicking and screaming, to an ethereal crossroads where, as an instrument of God, we are shown a path of what we must face if there is to be any hope for eternal life.
You don’t have to look very far or hard to find these themes resonating in Scripture, repeatedly admonishing us, encouraging us, consoling and urging us to inwardly digest concepts such as the pruning away of the bad in order to make room for the good, emptying of self or denial of self, picking up our cross in sacrifice and fellowship, loving others without condition, self-sacrifice, and our willingness to give it all up for the sake of our eternal spirit which can only come alive when who and all that we are in this world dies.
This sheds new light on the reality that one of the most courageous things we can ever do as Christians is to fully live into and accept what this really means. We know the cost and, in spite of our human selves, affirm it with a resounding yes, having full disclosure and acceptance of the price of admission. Here I am, Lord! Amen.
The Rev. Din Bisoondial – Deacon