John van de Laar, a Methodist minister who works full-time in the area of worship, wrote these words as the prelude to the title track of his album, Every God beloved life:
“No special qualifications needed; no particular connections or exclusive memberships required; no secret passwords or unique attributes expected. No campaigning or canvassing. No examinations, or reference checks.
Just an amazing invitation to a feast ….”
As we read these words, we must acknowledge that they accurately reflect the wonderful truth of the Gospel - God’s amazing, unconditional, and all-embracing love, extended to each and every person. We are all invited to live in the Commonwealth of God; to find or place in God’s family, part of Christ’s Body; and to feast at the Lord’s Table!
But I wonder whether we yet realise that these words apply to us, personally? Can we respond to the invitation as John does, exclaiming:
“With thankful and open hearts, we accept your amazing invitation.”
To help us grasp this wonderful truth more fully, we consider as our preaching theme this week, the first phrase of our community’s mission: “We are ordinary people …”.
As we do so, I pray that each one of us will be moved, once again, by God’s loving affirmation; and we will be set free to live into the wonder of who we are – the beloved of God – without needing to posture or pretend to be anything more than just that.
Well, then, Jesus, Lord of the Feast, with thankful and open hearts, we accept your amazing invitation.
Yours Rod
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