The Second Sunday in Lent (Year A), Feb. 17, 2008
BCP: Gen. 12:1-8; Psalm 33:12-22; Rom. 4:1-5 (6-12), 13-17; John 3:1-17
RCL: Gen. 12:1-4a; Psalm 121; Rom. 4:1-5, 13-17; John 3:1-17
For those of us who have heard the stories, it is difficult for us to catch the suspense and drama of these lessons.
We all know the Abraham story — blessed to be a blessing, and all that. And we have heard over and over what Paul stresses endlessly: Abraham was justified by faith and not works. As for Nicodemus’ conversation with Jesus, we can overlook that phrase about being born again (how un-Episcopal!) since the ending gives us John 3:16.
To really appreciate these lessons, though, we must read the story as for the first time. Then we see amazing, stunning things about God, his grace, his love and his call to us.
Take the conversation with Abraham. Have you read the story of the audacious pride of the people of the world on the Plain of Shinar? We should expect nothing other than the fury of the God of heaven on all humankind. When we finish reading Genesis 11, we should be holding our breath in anticipation. Will God wipe us out, as we deserve?
But not only does God spare us, he gives Abraham and his seed a commission to merge into all the nations of the world and show off God’s grace. From the Plain of Shinar to mission. That grace is hardly believable, truly breath-taking.
When Paul brings up Abraham in Romans 4, the story is just as unbelievable. What did Abraham do to earn God’s righteousness? Whatever it was, we want to do the same thing. So, Paul, what did he do? “Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness.” That’s all? It can’t be. Give us a list. Tell us what laws. Make us a deal that we can get our teeth into.
Faith alone? Yes, but only because our unrighteousness met the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. That is love at the cost of innocent blood.
Then there’s Nicodemus, someone with whom we all can identify. A priest maybe, or at least on the vestry. So why is he going to Jesus by night? John astutely catches the drama by writing, “And Jesus answered him…” What was the question? Ah, there’s the rub. Not a question voiced, but certainly one in his heart. “I’m OK, aren’t I?” Only if you strip your religious pride and see. Then you can see the depth and the cost of God’s love for sinners.
If we are not amazed and in praise, we need to read it all again.
Look It Up
Nicodemus reappears when only love could motivate him.
Think About It
What is it about God’s love that leaves you utterly amazed?
Next Sunday
The Third Sunday in Lent (Year A), Feb. 24, 2008
BCP: Exod. 17:1-7; Psalm 95 or 95:6-11; Rom. 5:1-11; John 4:5-26 (27-38) 39-42
RCL: Exod. 17:1-7; Psalm 95; Rom. 5:1-11; John 4:5-42
