Sunday, February 21, 2010

Foundation Stones


Foundation Stones
Originally uploaded by auntjojo

Along the top of an old stone bridge crossing a stream down a winding road in Pennsylvania is a cornerstone carved with the names of important people who helped lay the foundation.
What if the owner of the bridge suddenly added new stones? Building on top of what already existed? How might we feel about these new stones? Would we consider them a part of the bridge?
Perhaps this is a bit of a stretch illustration wise, but I see a connection to today's text from Romans 10:12-13 where Paul reminds us that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. There will be no difference between Jews and Gentiles. The "same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on the Lord." Old and new will come together through faith in Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Paul's words challenge us to broaden our understanding of who belongs to the body of Christ. It is not just those who are new and vibrant. It is not just those who follow the ancient traditions. Rather, all who believe in the Lord are saved. During the Lenten journey, we can become protective of our faith. We recognize the depth of the struggle. We recognize the overwhelming sacrifice. And yet Christ himself; Christ who faced persecution, rejection and death; Christ who had every right to close the gate behind him, to limit salvation to only the most faithful; Christ throws his arms wide open to offer salvation to all who call upon his name. And we must have the faith and courage to do the same.

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