September 30, 2019

Martin Luther told us that God is a Leftie. Or at least that is how He expresses his power. By that, Luther means that in a world obsessed with right-handed power (strength, intimidation, dominance, sabre-rattling, and media-blitzes), God enters stage left as a baby, learns the humble trade of carpentry, chooses nobodies to be his cohorts, and finally dies between two criminals outside the city gates. Even His resurrection is without any hint of fanfare: just a tucked-away empty tomb discovered by some women. Aptly, the risen Jesus is mistaken for the lowly gardener rather than the mighty landowner.

Early on, God had a go at right-handed power, then decided to swear it off. After the Flood, in which He wiped clean the wicked people of the earth along with their wicked ways, He said, “I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of a flood…. And God said, ‘This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you for all future generations. I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” (Genesis 9:11-13)

For all the world, left-handed power seems like no power at all. But, then again, is there any power greater than the power of love? Just asking, but if Almighty God trades in His sabre for a rainbow, what kinds of ways might you lead with your left today?

“O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.”  (Proper 21 – BCP p. 234)