God's `comma'
Age, injury and the pandemic have kept Shirley and I from `in-place' worship.
Thus we are so grateful for the church's use of Facebook or YouTube, which gives us the opportunity for worship in our homes and also receive the blessings that come with the worship at several churches. The variety is wonderful, and the Word meaningful.
One of the rich symbols of the United Church of Christ is the “comma.” The punch line is, “Don't put a period where God has put a comma.” A good line. What famous theologian coined that phrase?
I discovered it came from Gracie Allen … you remember if you are old enough … the Gracie Allen from the “George Burns and Gracie Allen Comedy Show”… nevertheless, a great theological statement. God continues to reveal new truths to us.
This notion of continuing revelation makes some people uncomfortable. After all, isn't everything we need to know in the Bible? I remember an old bumper sticker that stated: “The Bible says it. I believe it. That settles it!”
If that were true, there would be no revelation in what Jesus did or what we believe the Holy Spirit continues to do. God's revelation enriches the church. Our historic welcome to allow women to speak in the church, the opposition to slavery, the opening of the universe in all its glory are indications that we “Do not put a period where God has put a comma.”
It has indeed enriched the church. As James Russell Lloyd wrote, “New occasions teach new duties; Time makes ancient good uncouth.”
So we speak from the spirit of faith rather than the letter of the law. And as some insist that we speak about particulars in scripture, then let us start not with sexual identity issues, about which Jesus said nothing, but about hospitality for the outsider, tithing, about hypocrisy and lying, mean-spiritedness, warmongering, violence, and god-forsakenness in our personal lives.
A few weeks ago, one of the churches introduced to us a hymn that has great meaning in today's world. It is entitled “Build A Longer Table,” with the text written in 1984 by David Bjorlin. Quoting a portion of the verses:
1. Build a longer table, not a higher wall, feeding those who hunger, making room for all … 2. Build a safer refuge, not a larger jail, where the weak find shelter, mercy will not fail … 3. Build a broader doorway, not a longer fence, Love protects all people sparing no expense…. 4. When we lived as exiles, refugees abroad, Christ became our doorway to the reign of God. So must our tables welcome those who roam, None can be excluded; all must find a home.”
So in our daily lives where we hear regularly to “Don't say gay!”, ban books, stop the flow of immigrants, anti `trans' statements, … where racism, sexism, and exclusion becomes so prevalent, we must extend the welcome to a longer table and invite all to be and act as loving brothers and sister and live as a loving family in the Kingdom of God.
May we come to know God's love, a love that does not condemn but brings new life and opens up to all and for all. Thus, God's story continues comma, after comma, after comma.
Thanks be to God!