Being a new parent makes one thing immediately clear: You’re life is not your own. Everything in your life is reorientated to accommodate the needs of the new, largely helpless, child you are charged to care for. One cannot simply carry on with life as usual. Instead, what is demanded is a full time commitment to the responsibilities of this new relationship.
It should not be too quickly overlooked that Jesus chose to enter into humanity as just such a helpless child. What is further significant is that Jesus was Lord in that humble state. His Lordship was not something He grew into, but something fully part of His identity, even in the manger. This is no coincidence, but rather a fundamental statement about the nature of the kind of Lord He was and what kind of kingdom He was inaugurating.
When Mary and Joseph began to tend to the immediate needs of baby Jesus, it was most certainly they did as the expected obligation that their relationship to Him demanded. Yet I think we can also assume that, above all, they were motivated by love. They served and cared for Him because they loved Him. Their duty to Him, while defined by a formal role and relationship, was fueled by something far greater than duty: affectionate and passionate love.
In the same way, Jesus calls us to submit to His Lordship. His role and relationship over us is clear and unquestionable, yet we follow Him- not primarily as duty- because we love Him. King Jesus rules a kingdom fueled by the affectionate and passionate love of a bond far deeper than political, religious or even familial allegiance.
Christ is born!
Rejoice!
Tags: Christmas
Just got your book while at the GLF meetings in Tijuana, Mexico. God has been speaking a lot to me through the Sermon on the Mount as well. Walter Wink and Engaging the Powers has been a powerful reminder of the practical side of engagement.
I look forward reading your book and seeing what you are learning and practicing. Blessings on all of you at Little Flower.
Steve
That was a very kind gift from you and InterVarsity –On behalf of the GLF – Thank you for your generosity to us.
May you be encouraged in all that you are engaged in your labor of love.
Steve
Thanks Steve! I (we) are pleased to share this small gift with you all. Like yourself, Wink has been formative & challenging to me over the years (and was even kind enough to correspond with me some time ago). Please do let me know what you think of the book.
Peace,
Jamie
What a beautiful reflection – and so very true. Thank you and every blessing of Christmas to you and your loved ones.
Thanks FRS! Blessings & Peace to you!
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