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Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

Welcome to Varied Expressions of Worship

This blog will be written from an orthodox Christian point of view. There may be some topic that is out of bounds, but at present I don't know what it will be. Politics is a part of life. Theology and philosophy are disciplines that we all participate in even if we don't think so. The Bible has a lot to say about economics. How about self defense? Is war ethical? Think of all the things that someone tells you we should not touch and let's give it a try. Everything that is a part of life should be an expression of worship.

Keep it courteous and be kind to those less blessed than you, but by all means don't worry about agreeing. We learn more when we get backed into a corner.

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

Opus 2018-288: Want to Be Highly Favored?

Mary was a wise woman even if she was young.  She had been listening in Sunday School and paying attention to life around her.  So when the Gabriel showed up she was a bit upset.
(Luke 1:29 KJV)  And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.
What got her “troubled”?  It was probably his opening words.
(Luke 1:28 KJV)  And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
She was worried because Gabriel said she was “highly favored”. 

Now most people would think this was cool.  “I am favored by God.  Look out world, here I come.”  You know the statement “If God is for you, who can be against you.”  That is an example of worldly application of eternal truths.

We need to understand that when God says we are worthy and blessed it usually means, “You have been selected for something that is going to challenge the sox off you.”  God has an agenda.  He has a universe to put through its paces and, to be honest, your personal agenda for the day is not His number one priority.  Mary was doing okay.  She had a husband lined up.  She had her place in society.  She was recognized by all as a virtuous young lady.  Life was planned out.

Then God said, “Have I got a job for you.”

Mary knew this was not going to end well.  She was right.  It started with being branded as a slut and having her husband-to-be getting ready to send her away to a home in the country.  It ended in standing at the foot of a cross where her first born had been crucified.  Okay, it did not end there.  He was resurrected, but she did not know that at the time.

Are you ready for God to use you?  I am almost sure that it will be a hard road.  It will also be a glorious road. 

homo unius libri

2 comments:

  1. Sunday School? Guess I'm not the only one to use a little "artistic license." ;-)

    ReplyDelete

Comments are welcome. Feel free to agree or disagree but keep it clean, courteous and short. I heard some shorthand on a podcast: TLDR, Too long, didn't read.