Following is the commentary for the responsive reading on 18 June 2023. The responsive reading was taken from Romans 5:6-13 and Psalm 100:1-5.

Both the Epistle and Psalm selections of today’s responsive reading are on the liturgical calendar for this Sunday. The combination of reminder of God’s love for us and our salvation, and praise from Psalm 100; seemed very appropriate. 

Paul speaks of how at the right time, Jesus came into the world and died for our sins, providing for our eternal salvation. To me this says that in God’s plan, Jesus came exactly as was Gods will. In other scripture we read of the salvation plan existing at or even before creation, based on God’s foreknowledge and foreordination. (Ephesians 1:3-5)

Paul uses the term reconciled to describe God’s plan for our salvation. Forgiveness is expected of all of us. While we may be forgiven, or forgive someone, for a wrong committed; we are not automatically reconciled. Reconciled means our relationship is restored to the extent that it existed before the wrong was committed. 

For us reconciliation can be difficult and even impossible, depending on our commitment to restore the relationship. Reconciliation requires love, and sometimes lots of it. What Paul is speaking of is God’s incredible love for us, and that through the suffering and death of Jesus; we are reconciled to him.

This means that God, since he originally planed on an intimate love relationship with each of us; through Christ’s sacrifice has completely and perfectly restored it. We only have to accept this gift, and Jesus as our savior; willingly following him as he leads us to eternity with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

When we really contemplate this concept of forgiveness and reconciliation, it is nearly impossible to not make a joyful noise or song of praise to almighty God. Through our proxy, Adam, we are born in sin, and are eternally dead; except for God’s plan of salvation and reconciliation, through Jesus. 

Our response is to worship the Lord with gladness. Perhaps gladness is not a strong enough word; and could be replaced with exuberance. Songs of praise tumble exuberantly from our lips, as we come to worship God.

The Psalmist David asserts that God is good; his steadfast love endures forever, as does his faithfulness to all generations. Truly he made us, and we are God’s children through adoption, as heirs with Jesus the Son of God.

Happy Father’s day, and may God bless and protect us all this week…

© 2023 David Posival, all rights reserved