Oh, shit!

1 Peter 4:7-19

     I hope there isn’t anyone that is sitting at home today wishing or thankful that we are bombing other human beings for whatever justified reason. Everything can come crashing down in an instant and we could all die quickly in a whimper as so many did in Syria, both this week and last. The very same could be true of us. Whether factual or the product of Putin's wishful thinking, I recently saw a copy of a plan that included many nuclear targets throughout Florida. If such a scenario unfolded there would be little time for anything save an ejaculatory prayer, even if would simply be "oh shit!" If I have the presence of mind I hope I'd utter "Lord, have mercy on my soul" or Lord, forgive them for they know not what they do". And then we'd all be gone.

      Of course the same is true in life at any time. The recent passing of my mother-in-law proves just how fragile life is and how quickly it can evaporate. No notice, here one minute loving, laughing, particpating vibrantly in life, then fighting a quickly lost battle for life the next.

     If today’s passage offers us any practical advice or direction it is to take nothing for granted and to live a life of love and faith without wasting time. This admonishment comes at such a timely juncture. This reading was not randomly picked , it is one of today's scheduled passages in the lectionary. We can become so terribly complacent and take so much of life for granted. We might even say, nah, let's see what's on the blog tomorrow, maybe that will be more relevant, less challenging or more entertaining. I am not guaranteed by some contract that I will be able to write tomorrow and you may not even be here. We may not be here.

       So the admonition is to take life and love seriously and act out of love NOW. 

     

     

1 Peter 4:7-19

      The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers. Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaining. Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you are sharing Christ’s sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory,^* which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief-maker. Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name. For the time has come for judgement to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And
‘If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
   what will become of the ungodly and the sinners?’ 
Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God’s will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good.