October 21, 2019

Passivity is kind of a bad word in the context of American Can-do-ism. But in terms of your relationship with God, passivity is the Whole Enchilada. Luther describes our experience with God as “passive righteousness.”

In his Preface to Galatians, he says, “This most excellent righteousness – that of faith, I mean – which God imputes to us through Christ, without works … is passive…. We do nothing in this matter; we give nothing to God but simply receive and allow someone else to work in us – that is, God. Therefore, it seems to me that this righteousness of faith, or Christian righteousness, can well be called passive righteousness.”

I wonder if we sometimes theologically accept our passivity, but then resort to our own proactivity in “the real world.” You’ve had your shot at this God, but now…over to me. I wonder if we functionally act as atheists – as if God does not exist or is powerless to act.

God acts. That’s what He does. Not in our own time or after our own fashion, maybe, but He acts. “He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.” And we wait.

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalm 46:9-10)

“Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and forever. Amen.” (Third Sunday of Advent – BCP p. 212)