February 11, 2012

There is something about the harshness of a very cold day that is energizing to me. The temperature has hit 10 degrees here in Springfield, and the sky is clear. Snow and ice are predicted for Monday. With adequate clothing, housing, transportation and food I am prepared for this day. I am mindful that in this community and around the world people lack the basics and suffer more when the weather turns adverse. I desire to be prepared and also to help others as their needs arise.

Acts 4

Peter and John are arrested after the healing of the lame beggar recorded in chapter 3. They spend the night in jail, and have a hearing the next day. They are instructed to speak no more about the resurrected Christ and the healing, to which they reply: “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard.” (Verses 19-20). As witnesses of the power of God they could not be silenced by decree or threat of punishment. In this current day, the challenge seems to be this: there is a lack of observing the power of God, and thus a “ho hum” lack of witness. God’s power is manifest in a myriad of ways throughout one’s life, and my challenge is to cultivate an openness to this power, a recognition of it, and to readily witness to the resurrection power of Jesus Christ.

In the news this morning was a piece about Mormonism. Due to the fame of Mitt Romney as a republican presidential candidate his Mormon religion is in the spotlight. People who are Mormon do not welcome being labeled a cult, but the facts are that given their beliefs and practice, they are a cult and not part of what historically and theologically is considered the body of Christ. I estimate that there are certainly Mormons who individually follow Christ, but outside of the official teaching of the cult, whose Christology is flawed.

Guide me today, most holy Lord as I serve you with joy, witness to the power of your resurrection, and live this season in the refreshing that comes from the presence of the Lord. Amen