I resonate with a lot of it particularly: "I never thought I would be in the 'opinion' business. "
You're right that Acts is such a timely read (and of course, there may be no better guide to understanding this biblical book in our day than Jennings's commentary! I'm overdue for a re-read of it.)
So much in Acts about living faithfully in a world that we don't control.
You’re the one who recommended Jennings! I’m sure you know I disagree with him on a lot of things, but I am really grateful for the ways he corrects some of the political overtones I would probably ignore.
Ha! Yes, I guess I have been an evangelist of sorts for Jennings's work over the last 15 years... And I totally get that one needn't agree with him on everything to find him insightful. (I'm sure I don't agree with him on some points, and even more that I'm simply not sure if I agree or not... lol) Grateful as always for you, and your thoughtful and attentive work!
I have also felt "deflated" since the election. The desire to write in a way that reflects a Jesus-shaped, Gospel-shaped truth seems to lie flat. But I am confinced it is only a temporary kind of "grieving" that will find new life and new motivation going forward. The Kingdom of God is real, ruled over by the King. Representing the truth is still a valuable calling. Thank you, Jen.
Oh Jen: I feel this lack of focus so strongly. I hope you’ll continue to write, and to bear witness, and to yes, allow for argument and differences of opinion. My own experience as of late has found me in a tiny charismatic Anglican Church, and my soul has been anchored as I recite the long liturgy with about 20 others, as I join in with the Prayers of the People, and as I remember that Jesus is King. One of the biggest gifts of this new church experience is being able to express our emotions openly: lament, affirmation, petition, joy at the Eucharist and participating in it together, signing the cross to remember we are caught up in the community of the Trinity, and the steadiness and surety of both the Old and New Testament readings in the lectionary. Here is one place where it feels like the sanctity of which one made in God’s image is affirmed, and how we need to guard those spaces, so we can be in the world what God always intended. Grace and peace, Suzanne
This sounds like a rich experience of God's presence, through Christ's bride. Thank you for sharing! And may you continue to find your bearings in the story of Jesus as King.
This is SOOO good, Jen! Thanks.
I resonate with a lot of it particularly: "I never thought I would be in the 'opinion' business. "
You're right that Acts is such a timely read (and of course, there may be no better guide to understanding this biblical book in our day than Jennings's commentary! I'm overdue for a re-read of it.)
So much in Acts about living faithfully in a world that we don't control.
You’re the one who recommended Jennings! I’m sure you know I disagree with him on a lot of things, but I am really grateful for the ways he corrects some of the political overtones I would probably ignore.
Ha! Yes, I guess I have been an evangelist of sorts for Jennings's work over the last 15 years... And I totally get that one needn't agree with him on everything to find him insightful. (I'm sure I don't agree with him on some points, and even more that I'm simply not sure if I agree or not... lol) Grateful as always for you, and your thoughtful and attentive work!
I have also felt "deflated" since the election. The desire to write in a way that reflects a Jesus-shaped, Gospel-shaped truth seems to lie flat. But I am confinced it is only a temporary kind of "grieving" that will find new life and new motivation going forward. The Kingdom of God is real, ruled over by the King. Representing the truth is still a valuable calling. Thank you, Jen.
Waiting can be such an active experience of faith. As you wait on the words God gives, may you continue to be nourished in hope.
Thank you for being faithful in stewarding the gift of writing He’s given you. Yes to listening to the Spirit and responding to His heeding
Thank you for reading!
Thank you for your devotion to listening to the Spirit and to writing, in that order. It is an example I learn from each week.
So grateful, Tabitha, to be writing alongside you!
Oh Jen: I feel this lack of focus so strongly. I hope you’ll continue to write, and to bear witness, and to yes, allow for argument and differences of opinion. My own experience as of late has found me in a tiny charismatic Anglican Church, and my soul has been anchored as I recite the long liturgy with about 20 others, as I join in with the Prayers of the People, and as I remember that Jesus is King. One of the biggest gifts of this new church experience is being able to express our emotions openly: lament, affirmation, petition, joy at the Eucharist and participating in it together, signing the cross to remember we are caught up in the community of the Trinity, and the steadiness and surety of both the Old and New Testament readings in the lectionary. Here is one place where it feels like the sanctity of which one made in God’s image is affirmed, and how we need to guard those spaces, so we can be in the world what God always intended. Grace and peace, Suzanne
This sounds like a rich experience of God's presence, through Christ's bride. Thank you for sharing! And may you continue to find your bearings in the story of Jesus as King.