Monday, February 14, 2005

Promises and Spirit (Lent A2)

Abraham received a promise and believed. "So Abram went, as the LORD had told him." He is a God of promises. Perhaps we see the promises of God so plainly because his word is always true. For he does not need to attach an "I promise" for the force of those words to apply. It is the veracity of truth in his every word that causes us to hide in his shadow and declare I promise.

He declares that he is our keeper. As we gaze at the Word that is true, knowing that he does not lie, we are saved. Father Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness, and in the same way, the God of promises expects us to take him at his word.

Jesus affirms this to Nicodemus.
"Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above."
Earthly sons of Abraham have no part in the kingdom except that they be born from above, spiritual sons.

This passage from John is rich and poetic.
"The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."

Lord may we experience the breath of your Sprit. Remind us of the mystery of our own re-birth and give light to our wilderness.