Tuesday, September 14, 2021
Toiling
While kings and civil leaders deny problems that yawn before the nation, the remnant continue to move through their days. While priests set up and maintain hierarchies that God does not intend, the remnant live in fidelity with their Creator. While prophets are scorned and their words thrown back at them, the remnant toil in their smallness that is great in God’s eyes.
By the grace of God I am what I am, and God’s grace to me has not been ineffective.
Centuries after the fall of Israel and Judah the remnant still labor under corrupt leaders and priests, and the creator comes to walk among them as one of them. Generations after their exile and return the remnant witness to the resurrection of Christ. Years after the restoration of a temple and city the remnant live out the promise of redemption.
By the grace of God I am what I am, and God’s grace to me has not been ineffective.
In this year and in this hour the remnant still work in Christ to transform the reality in which they find themselves.
In this day and at this moment the remnant still labor in the Spirit to console a troubled world.
In this eternal time and in this infinite space the remnant still toil in God to bring forth the Kingdom.
This is a labor worth living for. This is work worth dying for. This is toiling that carries with it the gift of God’s grace. This is toiling that brings the immense and unimaginable gift of Christ’s love fully and truly given.
Spend some time today with 1 Corinthians 15 and reflect on its message for those who toil in unjust places under unjust leaders. If you want to spend time with a portion, consider: verses 1-11 The Gospel Teaching, verses 12-19 Results of Denial, verses 20-28 Christ the Firstfruits, verses 29-34 Practical Arguments, verses 35-58 The Resurrection Event. St Paul understand clearly both the frustration of living in world of turmoil, and the power of Christ’s love to mend, sustain and heal. He brings home to us today the meaning of Christ’s death and resurrection for those who toil against injustice.
Images from: http://cccooperagency.wordpress.com/page/47/ and http://www.pbase.com/jhiker/image/74249646 and http://hdw.eweb4.com/wallpapers/4520/
The Noontimes 