In the pre-church they argued over whether you had to become a Jew first to follow Jesus.
Human boundaries started springing up almost from day one.
Paul reminded them that rejecting their essence as a Jew or a Gentile was not the path to following Jesus.
Following Jesus, we are called to embrace our authentic selves and that of others.
We struggle to this day with this simple truth. Whether gay or straight, trans or cisgender, stranger or born in this place, we are beloved by God. Our ancestors can come from Africa or Europe, Asia or the Americas and we can still be full-fledged followers of Jesus.
Open our hearts and eyes to the path of extravagant welcome and love of Jesus. Make our actions like that of the Christ who embraces the image of God within all of us. Amen.
Tim is a former early childhood educator, a runner, a hiker, a devoted husband, father of two adult children, their spouses, and a grandfather of four perfect children. Tim is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Tim has served as pastor of both Disciples and United Church of Christ congregations. As we enter what we hope is the final phase of the pandemic, Tim is beginning a journey of rediscovering himself and discerning next steps. He writes from his home in Albany, Oregon and wherever the Spirit lures him.
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