Apples and Oranges

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Ephesians 4:3-6 NIV)

I really enjoy Trinity Sunday. Every year a pastor has to come up with a way to explain the Trinity to lay people! Most of them at least admit that they themselves don't fully understand it. And that is because it cannot be understood in earthly terms because it is a heavenly concept. Jesus once got frustrated with the Pharisees when they tried to put earthly rules to the afterlife. Jesus told them they couldn't do that. He pretty much said it was like comparing apples to oranges... heaven is that different.

Jesus replied, "You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God. At the resurrection people will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven. (Matthew 22:29, 30 NIV)

We can't fully understand how if Jesus is God, how could he pray to God? It is really confusing for our brains. But this isn't something for our brains; it is for our hearts. It is something that makes more sense there. And every time a pastor explains the Trinity with a new example or new story, it takes better form in our hearts.

I loved how Pastor Chad did it yesterday. He brought us all into the story. He made us see that we are ALL part of the ONE. That really resonated within my heart. Perhaps we are on earth to learn how to be part of the One. Perhaps that is why relationships are so important. Perhaps that is why learning the joy of serving others is so important. Perhaps that is why making less of ourselves and more of others is so important. Perhaps that is why Christian fellowship and worshiping TOGETHER is so important. Perhaps that is why we are told we can't be Christian by ourselves. We need each other so we can learn to be ONE here on earth so that we can be truly ONE when we leave it.

It is very hard to explain in words, because we need our brains to explain in words. But our hearts can capture it and maybe our hearts can encourage us to live it.

Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
Make us one as you are One. Help us to see that our job is to pull together rather than push apart. Amen.

Joys: beautiful weather this weekend; phone calls from Richard; the aroma of my morning coffee