Our church is in the middle of a wonderful transition to a Postmodern paradigm marked by many encouraging things. Among them is the demotion of reason (some may say truth) and the elevation of beauty. What does this mean, you may ask? Let me give you a good illustration - or at least give my best shot at it.
Today in Spiritual Formation we listened to a eulogy delivered by the former president of Asbury College, Dr. Dennis Kinlaw. He was memorializing the life of Dr. Caruth (spelling?) who was the previous Prayer and Spiritual Formation professor, and in fact, the first such professor in a Protestant Seminary.
Dr. Kinlaw's words were gracious and honoring. Without ever having known about Dr. Caruth's life, his ministry, his passions or his calling we came closer to knowing the type of Child of God he strove to be, endeavored to be, encouraged others to be. He was truly intimate with God - a true God hearer who lived life for the sake of others.
Today in chapel we heard a lecture delivered by Dr. Francis Watson of Durham University in England. The comment that links to this story was quite off-the-cuff (especially in a lecture setting like we had). Of the sacrificial system he was describing at the time, he said, "the priests were given the flesh of the burnt offering to eat and God was given the aroma."
I parallel these sacrifices in my mind, and with that of Jesus' sacrifice. God was pleased with the perfect sacrifices brought to the altar, with his son's body, anointed by a prostitute for burial, and with the life given to service to himself through intimacy and service to others.
I was inspired by these thoughts to think of the sort of bride I am preparing to be for Christ's return, both in the respect that I am his bride the same way the church I serve is his bride. Let me be the sort of mate befitting the Prince.
No longer Gomer. No longer Gomer.
