Useless. No doubt you understand your limitations and run up against a task for which you feel useless. Other times you find yourself deep into a project and discover that a very important tool or part is broken and as such is useless impeding completion of your work.
The Songwriter starts us off with a reflection on his own formation. What was surely improbable at one point has become valuable as it is brought to life. That is the nature of human beings. From improbable origins we are brought into being. Scientifically we may be bi-pedal carbon-based life forms. At the same time we are creative, industrious, caring, empathic, collaborative and relational. Failing to live into those features of humanity we can be destructive, lazy, insensitive, uncaring, aloof and selfish.
Jeremiah demonstrates the usefulness and uselessness of the varied paths we choose. Employing the imagery of potter and clay he reminds that God's grand design is that we live into what is useful in carrying on His love and mercy in the world. Turning ever inward we find it hard to live into an appreciation for the other - person or group.
That which was to be useful in celebrating the wonder of God is now good for displaying the inadequacies of an alternate path.
Jesus notes the one who would live into the grace and mercy of God will take stock in what he has, who he is and renounce any way but His Way. Following Jesus is just that, following Jesus. There is no place for appending Jesus to our whims. No, being incorporated into the Way of Jesus means denying what obstructs the fulfillment of the Way of God and embodying the life of Jesus in our own.
Finally, Paul writes a letter to Philemon playing this entire scenario out.
What are your thoughts about the texts for this week?
Add them in the comments of this post.
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