Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they shall be called children of the living God.”
NL Daily Devotion for Monday, May 22, 2023
by R. M. Fergus, Clergy Stuff
I sometimes just cannot understand humanity’s perverse need to create “in groups” and “out groups.” I mean, I get it on a social science level. I’ve read the research. I know bias is hardwired into our brain and gives rise to the multi-layered oppression and injustice we see all around us. But I just want to grab society by the shoulders and shake it and shout, “We are all children of the living God! Knock it off!”
I, being human, am as steeped in my own bias as the next person. But I also feel that as a Christian it is my job to push myself out of my comfort zone in order to extend Jesus’ radical welcome to every single person I come into contact with. And I am convinced that Christians in general can (should) be on the forefront of social movements that work for the total freedom and equality of women, BIPOC folks, the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, non-Christians, convicts, disabled and differently-abled folks…you know: everyone. These individuals and groups have heard the message proclaimed in overt and subtle ways over and over again that “You are not my people!” Newsflash: anyone sending that message is flat out wrong. God’s message is this: “You are the children of the living God!”
How do I proclaim Jesus’ radical welcome in my own community?
