one new man

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Ephesians 2:11-22
Mark 2:1-12

"that he might create in himself one new man... so making peace... through the cross" (Eph. 2:15)
"that you may know the the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins - he said to the paralytic - I say to you, rise, take up your pallet and go home." (Mark 2:10-11)

We see this truth in both the epistle and the gospel reading - one new man / one new humanity. Jesus came to put things back together, "to unite all things." This refers to broken bodies of individuals, as well as broken families, communities, races. His word and work of forgiveness and healing, authoritatively spoken to a lame man, and manifest on the cross - both in word ("Father, forgive them...") and sacrifice, is for this purpose.

For now, we don't see it clearly or fully but are part of that building project, learning to fit together, grow together into a holy temple (interesting mixed metaphor), even to walk together where previously we were paralyzed and unable - all in and through and because of and for the word of Jesus, the work of Jesus, the vision of Jesus, the very real presence of Jesus.

Thanks be to God.