MEDITATION:
Written by James A. Forbes, Jr., a contemporary pastor in New York City. This is from an essay in “Living with Apocalypse: Spiritual Resources for Social Compassion,” edited by Tilden Edwards.
The gospel calls us to count up the cost of our witness. Part of this process is the assessing of our power as well. In God’s grace the Church discovers that its members are not helpless victims of alien powers but bearers of gifts, competencies, and influence for effecting change. Just as Moses was told to use the rod in his hand and the disciples were bidden to feed the multitude with the lunch they had, so we are expected to use what we have. One of the functions of the Church is to helps its members discover and release their power in ways that promote the cause of the Kingdom. Professionals and non-professionals, trained and untrained workers, rich and poor – all are influencing their context either by reinforcing the status quo or promoting change. The issue is not simply one of getting power but of becoming aware of how we use the power we have, and then developing expertise to make an impact on our communities for good. The Church is the sleeping giant. What a powerful witness if the parts of the body came to a new awareness of the power that is at work within and around us!
PRAYER:
Written by Christina Patterson, a contemporary author and Bible teacher.
Dear Heavenly Father, Your ways are higher than my ways. I pray for power and strength to surrender my way and follow your best way. I trust You Lord. In Jesus Christ Name I pray. Amen.
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