21st
On Acts 15
If God were to do this whole thing by himself, there would be no problem. If we were only pawns (less than that, likely), we couldn’t mess up the works. But God brought us into the partnership of the gospel. He showed us behind the curtain and gave us inheritance in the mystery and ministry. And so the work of the church is in fits and starts. Steps forward, steps back, steps sideways. And falling, often. It’s messy work. Not because of God but because of his business partners. And so we first admit: the work of the church can never be easy, well-paved and well-lit. And second we decide: we will follow Jesus and his gospel forward, overcoming the obstacles we set up, not being discouraged but having confidence. Not because of our genius, but because of our business partner. Who happens to be the king.