This, I believe, was my very first prayer from the cell, posted on March 10, 2007. I can’t believe how long ago that was. It certainly doesn’t seem so.
I’m sorry I haven’t written much this last week. I feel as though I’m being dragged along the bottom of a deep sea by some invisible force towards the inevitable. I’m confident it is all good, but it isn’t without its terrors. And relative silence seems to be the appropriate response, for speaking while holding your breath does not seem to go well together.
Contributions to nakedpastor are greatly appreciated.
David Hayward is a pastor artistically stripping to the essential.
He was in our midst , but we were all too busy looking towards the front.
Praying for you.
thanks John.
Hang in there, David.
In this world there is no peace, no justice, and no victory.
“But it is not for this lif only that we hope.”
Steve: I used to believe that. But I refuse to live by that anymore.
Good luck, then, David.
You might be the first one to achieve peace, justice, and victory in this life.
Or…is it that you don’t believe it is possible in the next one, either?
steve, maybe it’s not a matter of achieving, rather working towards.
I endeavor to see it in this life. Our unity is a reality I’d like to see manifested. Now.
Of course we should lways work for it, towards it.
But history, and our own lives, and the life of the world around us, as well as the Bible, tell us another reality.
The reality is that it just won’t happen here.
Jesus said, “if they did this to me, what will they do to you?”
The theology of the cross (not of glory) keeps us grounded in reality, and hopeful of the New Creation that Christ promises when He will someday usher in His New Kingdom.
nakedpastor said, on December 7th, 2009 at 1:40 pm
I endeavor to see it in this life. Our unity is a reality I’d like to see manifested. Now.
———–absolutely NOT possible.
fishon
the walls have all been torn down. let us live as though that were true.
@Steve Martin
You said: “The theology of the cross (not of glory) keeps us grounded in reality, and hopeful of the New Creation that Christ promises when He will someday usher in His New Kingdom.”
Wow, what a great argument for being passive bystanders in life. There’s so much more to the theology of the cross than mere salvation from our sins (and thus a spot in heaven). Salvation, as used in the Old Testament refers to justice, a return to what is right in the world. As believers, we are to take an active part in bringing God’s kingdom to earth, as it is in heaven. All throughout the Scriptures, we are told to take part in the workings of justice and peace– Micah 6:8, what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? We are called to bring heaven to earth, not just wait around for God to come down.
Who said anything about standing around and being passive?
I said the theology of the cross keeps us grounded in reality. Just because we realize where we and this world are headed (the grave)…doesn’t mean that we don’t work to make it as good as we can, helping others along the way.
@Steve Martin
You said “In this world there is no peace, no justice, and no victory.”
And then later “But history, and our own lives, and the life of the world around us, as well as the Bible, tell us another reality.”
Too often such viewpoints have been taken to the extreme– a passive life. Christianity isn’t about a ticket into heaven, it’s about seeking to make this world a better place.
sometimes i don’t get why people apologize for not writing in their blogs. we understand that you have more of a life than just writing in this blog, and sometimes inspiration/the will/the time to write just isn’t there.