This Tuesday one of our members reaffirmed his commitment to the covenant we share as a church - and he was welcomed to our Agape meal with open arms.I don't think the significance of this should be missed. Here is a brother who is saying to his church as Paul said "you have such a place in our hearts that we would live or die with you" (2 Corinthians 7) and "you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown" (Philippians 4). When church is so real that it captures our heart nothing else matters; and that is exactly as it should be.
If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be my disciple.
Jesus, Luke 14
It is the reality, the cut off from the world, the circumcision, that we are baptised into.
I remarked recently to a group of young men that they should be glad they live under the new covenant, given what the cut that marked entry into the old was! But on reflection, the cut that we undergo in baptism is certainly far more total an incision, very likely a lot more painful - and, of course, a great deal more useful in spiritual terms. So I am glad to be within the new covenant (and of course as a gentile 'dog' is was my only chance...) Thank you Jesus.
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