Today’s Word from Pastor Tom…
“In but not of…” One of the great lines of scripture. A slight paraphrase from John chapter 17, Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer. Jesus prays for his followers who are “in” this world but not “of” this world. For me this is one of the most profound images of scripture. Jesus prays for us, and in doing so we are gifted with a glimpse of the two Kingdoms we are simultaneously living in. We are in this world living a life of faith always pointing toward the Kingdom of God that we pray for each day to come closer.
While we are in this world, we are already of another. Let that sink in a while.
Thich Nhat Hanh died last week. He was 95; a good life span. This Vietnamese Buddhist Monk made me a better Christian. He wrote over 100 books during his life. He was known as “Thay” (Teacher). Jesus was often called Teacher. His book, “Living Buddha, Living Christ,” has crossed the desk of many a Christian seeking a deeper understanding of the life of faith as well as the expanse of God’s Kingdom.
“It is safer to approach God through the Holy Spirit than through theology,” Thay writes. These can be challenging words for those of us who have always believed that though we are saved by grace, it is best to know we can have nailed down the correct theology. “Yay, Lutheran!”
Thomas Merton, the Christian mystic and author, wrote that “Nhat Hanh is my brother.” These were two monks approaching the evils of the Vietnam War from two different traditions, yet speaking of one mind. Merton referred to him as “a brother in the Spirit.” Nhat Hanh taught this Lutheran pastor that Christians do not have a monopoly on the Holy Spirit. “The Spirit blows where she wills,” John 3:8.
As I write this, I am mindful that today I will visit with a 103-year-old friend who had a decorated WWII military career and is having a real struggle with dying. As well, I am in conversation with a middle-aged mother who has received a difficult cancer diagnosis and is living with real fear. To which Jesus prays for us who are in this world but not of it. While we live this life we are not bound by the limitations of this life. Maybe, sometimes, that is easier said than done.
Jesus prays for us. God answers that prayer, the means of grace are available to us. It is the Spirit breathing into us that allows the curtain to be lifted and “the peace that passes all understanding” overtakes us to either take the next breath, or not. Meanwhile, as people of faith we keep each other company, which means sometimes we will love each other to death. An easier task by virtue of a Spirit that has given us a confidence in the Kingdom we are truly “of” and will, as Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “For now we see as in a mirror dimly, then we will see fully.”
Okay my friends! Go! Go out there into the world today, live the full Spirit-led life regardless of circumstances. While you are “in” this world, you live your life already “of” another. Jesus has prayed for us; that is the source of our confidence. Sit for a moment, mindful of that truth.
Pastor Tom
