THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 2017
Q. Is there any example in Scripture of persons who had attained to this [perfection in love]?
A. Yes; St. John, and all those of whom he says, “Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17). [John Wesley, The Character of a Methodist, ¶17].
A Hymn from Charles Wesley:1. What then is he whose scorn I dread?
Whose wrath or hate makes me afraid?
A man! An heir of death! A slave
To sin! A bubble on the wave!
2. Yea, let men rage; since thou wilt spread
Thy shadowing wings around my head;
Since in all pain thy tender love
Will still my sure refreshment prove.
(Collection-1781, #270: 4 & 5)
Questions for Reflection:
- In The Character of a Methodist, John Wesley calls on scripture to prove that it is possible, in this life, to be perfected in love. Why is this important to John Wesley? Is it important to you?
- The gift of the Wesleyan way of discipleship is the passionate desire to be mature/complete/perfect in Christ–to be Christ-like–so the world might see him in us and believe. What is the next step forward for you to be more like Jesus? What is the next step for your small group? What is the next step for your local church? What is the next step for the United Methodist Church?
- When Charles Wesley guides us to sing the words above, what is the feeling and calling that comes to you?
- Reflect on the implication of the verses. What would be different if we stopped trying to please other people, and focused fully on pleasing God?
Prayer
God of the prophets and apostles, you greeted old Abraham and Sarah with news of wonder and life. Send us into the world to preach good news, as Jesus did, heal the sick, resist evil, and bring the outcast home. Amen.
The Wesley excerpts are from A Disciple’s Journal—2017: A Guide for Daily Prayer, Bible Reading, and Discipleship, by Steven W. Manskar. Copyright © 2017 Discipleship Resources, Nashville, Tennessee. All rights reserved. Used by permission. The prayer is reprinted with permission from Revised Common Lectionary Prayers, copyright © 2002, Consultation on Common Texts.
| 
No comments:
Post a Comment