Saving and a dose of humility (Friday)

Topic: Week 2- Jesus as Savior
Theme for 6 Weeks- Who is Jesus and what difference does it make?

Read Matthew 11:27; Romans 5:1, 6-11

I’m not a fan of street preachers who wave signs, point fingers, and shout words of judgment at anyone walking by. When Gail and I walked out of Coors Field in October 2007, when the Rockies had just won the National League Championship, there he was- this street preacher saying “Jesus saves” and yelling at all of us walking out of the stadium. If the Rockies had lost, more than a few fans might have punched out the guy, or at least wanted to.

I’m afraid of my faith in Jesus getting lumped in with the street preachers, and having conversations with others set back as a result. It’s not that the message might be offensive to some (e.g. saying that you believe going to war in Iraq is wrong will cause offense); it is how one says it that matters a great deal to me.

In this respect, I would advocate we seek the posture of humility. In this arena of the saving, rescuing work of God in Jesus, two areas, among many, come to mind.

First, we are unable to save ourselves (already noted this week). “If, when we were at our worst, we were put on friendly terms with God by the sacrificial death of his Son…” (Romans 5:10, The Message). When reading the beliefs’ section of The Simple Way this week (community of Shane Claiborne), their statement on “Humanity” fit this description, “We believe that people are created in the image of God… We also believe that humanity is fallen, and Jesus died and rose in order to save humanity. Humans are incapable of holiness and perfect love without the sacrifice of Jesus.” Thus, humility.

Secondly, this “exclusive” claim about Jesus gets tricky and can appear arrogant. I do not believe the Story of God, and of Jesus, is one story, equal among many. I like the way in which Dale Bruner, in his monumental commentary on Matthew, comments on this verse from Matthew 11:27, “We have not been authorized to say that there is salvation anywhere else than in faith in Jesus Christ, God’s Self-Gift.” (p. 535)

But, Bruner also adds this, “Christians must also allow the Son, if he chooses, to reveal the Father to those outside of Christendom.” (p. 534) This is not the all-paths-are-great-just-pick-one notion. We are called to live and announce Christ. But, we also come at this with humility, acknowledging our need of God and that we aren’t God. Humility.

This is even in concert with the truth that we need a Savior. We can’t save ourselves.

Question: Is there an area in my life characterized by arrogance?

Prayer: Thank you, God, that “when we were at our worst, we were put on friendly terms” with you. You save and rescue and put us in right relationship with you, something we cannot do on our own. I thank you. May l live in your saving work, day by day. Amen.