SCRIPTURE: Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 1 Corinthians 1:26 ESV
THOUGHT: We are in the midst of one of my favorite seasons on the church calendar – the little-known period of the year called “Ordinary Time.” You almost have to go to a more liturgical church in order to have even heard the term, although it basically covers everything not a holiday or holiday season [think holy day]. Like Ordinary Time, which encompasses about 2/3 of the year, Scripture is filled with ordinary people. One of my greatest spiritual comforts comes from the fact that our highest holy book doesn’t just contain stories of high, holy people, golden-boy examples, or gods and goddesses we are meant to pay homage to in fear. It’s actually one of the most real and raw books I’ve ever read, filled with stories of ordinary, imperfect men and women whom God befriends to tell his extraordinary story.
Consider Mary, a poor teen in a culture that devalues women. She says yes to God’s plan, becoming even more vulnerable, and her “yes” changes the course of history. Or Peter, a rough fisherman without religious education or wealth, who grows into the leader of the early church. Even Abraham, the father of the faith, stumbles toward his calling; he lies about his wife to avoid trouble and makes a mess when he fathers a son by her maid.
We humans are a mixed bag, but God is still inviting ordinary people to take part in the greatest narrative this world will ever know: real life and untainted love that starts when we say yes to God, and goes on and on. We don’t earn it, don’t deserve it, and couldn’t pay for it—so we can’t boast about it. We can only ever humbly tell another hungry soul where we found bread.
PRAYER: Oh God, there is relief and freedom in not needing to be perfect or famous or rich to be part of your great story. Thank you for befriending us, calling us out of our ordinary lives and into something much, much larger.
Dear Reader,
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ABOUT ME:
Blogger Amy Clemens is the author of Walking When You’d Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall. In it she explores childhood sexual abuse and how it impacted her faith (or lack thereof) for four decades. You’ll find not only her story, but better yet, the Big Story of God.
Check out Walking When You’d Rather Fly, and learn more about the book and Amy’s other ministries. You will also find her devotional work at Words of Hope.
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