WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 2017
A Word from John WesleyTo this day both my brother and I maintain–
(1) That Christian perfection is that love of God and our neighbor which implies deliverance from all sin; (2) that this is received merely by faith; (3) that it is given instantaneously, in one moment; (4) that we are to expect it, not at death, but every moment; that now is the acceptable time, now is the day of this salvation. [John Wesley, The Character of a Methodist, ¶18.]
A Hymn from Charles Wesley:1. O for a lowly, contrite heart,
Believing, true, and clean,
Which neither life nor death can part
From him that dwells within!
2. A heart in every thought renewed,
And full of love divine,
Perfect, and right, and pure, and good—
A copy, Lord, of thine! (Collection-1781, #334:3 & 4)
Questions for Reflection:
- John and Charles Wesley wanted every Methodist to believe it was possible for every Christian to love God and love their neighbors—in this life—in any moment because this was a promise of God that we receive by faith. In this season of Pentecost, is this a gift you would like to receive? Are you willing to ask for it, with faith in the power of God?
- The gift and the challenge of the Wesleyan way of discipleship is this vision and desire to love as God loves and as God promises. With your group or with a friend, discuss this Wesleyan understanding of love and make it a part of your prayers this week.
- What is the meaning for us today when Charles Wesley guides us to sing the words above? What is the promise?
- Reflect on the meaning of this season in the Christian year—the mystery of the power of Christ made available to us in his resurrection and made present in us through Pentecost. What does the final stanza above mean to you?
Prayer
Ruler of the universe, you call us to radical loyalty beyond all earthly claim. Grant us strength to offer ourselves to you as people who have been raised from death to life through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. 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.
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