What do we look for, what do we find when we are in wilderness times? Do we see our glass half empty? Half full? Is it wrong to question God? Is God present in the good times, but not the bad times? Do we look for mirages instead of the truth in times of want, need or trouble? Security instead of facing our fears and troubles? Read Kate Matthews' "Everyone's a Critic."
And Jesus, speaking with authority (ἐξουσία - a
liberating power, not a dominating force), gives us the parable of the
two sons who are asked to work in the vineyard. One says he will, and
doesn't. One says he won't, but does. Who does the Father's will?
In Paul's beautiful letter to the Philippians, we have the kenosis (κενόω -
to empty out). After telling us we need to have the mind of Christ,
Paul tells us a love story of Christ's sacrifice from the beginning to
the cross. Jesus, "though he was in the form of God, did not regard
equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human
likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-- even death
on a cross."
So, with all the grumbling and complaining, how are we to do the Father's will? How can a grumbling church become the church God wants us to be? How can a divided nation become one nation, under God? Consider Will Willimon's "One in Christ." Debie Thomas tells us Words Are Not Enough.
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