My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations (v 17)
God loves the whole world. Muslims, Buddhists, Atheists and Agnostics. Pagans, Hindus, follower of Tribal religions. God's love is for all. The Jewish people were to be a beacon to that love. But God's inclusive vision became an exclusive religion. And before we point the finger, how readily does that happen in modern-day Christianity?
Too easily we define ourselves by what we are against rather than what are for; who is 'out' rather than who is 'in'. We are hopelessly divided over matters of doctrine (often obscure) and matters of 'faith', which more often than not are about cultural biases rather than spiritual convictions. God must look upon us and weep sometimes.
God loves us as we are and loves us too much to leave us as we are. God's house, our church, should always be a place where people can 'come as they are', rather than who we would like them to be.
God, help us to more faithfully reflect your radically inclusive love. Strip away any pretense at being 'good' in order that we might be more loving.
Hi Stu,
Great thoughts. As you have noticed, I've come across some of Laubach's story and the thing that really struck me was as he learnt to draw nearer to God, experience his love - and as he learnt to love God in a deeper way he found components of the Koran as assistance - not as a threat. It seems like he was being set free from the fear of other ideologies. His foundation was becoming more solid. A truly remarkable observation and something we can all learn from. Think of how much of a difference this would make to being inclusive and "coming as you are".
Posted by: Chris | May 14, 2008 at 07:36 PM