Reflection: Remember? Remember? Remember! If something’s significant it’s worth repeating. And Paul certainly lays on the reminders in this letter. About 20 times: remember, that’s what life was like in the past–human nature. But, about twice that many, is his theme song…and ours–life in the Spirit.
Human nature is consumed with gratifying human nature–
antagonistic to God…not wanting nor able to please him–and that is deadly.
But those who live in the slip-stream of God’s Spirit are consumed with God’s nature.
The Spirit inclines them to vitality and contentment.
Meet Saint Sarah. Childhood visits to this family friend’s single room involved wandering a labyrinth of frightening, nose-pinching, scungy halls. ‘Aunt’ Sarah was always expecting us: sparkling with smiles and fake jewels, well-groomed and well-informed (because she prayed for each of us). A quick catch up and she’d swivel her withered, crippled body and wheelchair to the piano and begin a hymn-sing. She sang for all to hear. It was always about the singing. Say no more.
Prayer: ‘[Sing]…me the old, old story, Of Jesus and His love. [Sing]…me the story slowly, That I may take it in—That wonderful redemption, God’s remedy for sin; Tell me the story often, For I forget so soon…Tell me the old, old story: “Christ Jesus makes thee whole.”’* Thank you Saviour for that old, old story of abundant new life in your Spirit.
*hymn by Kate Hankey