crazy.....

like a fox!! That is Jesus at work.. and sobering power is far from our experience of Christ. Mostly because that is what keeps us from the power; the power. There never is the power which constructs, tends, creates; the slower, gentle presence (power) which is mundane and sometimes hard to notice. No, when we want to see power, we want big! The gospel of John chides those who just come looking for the miracles, reminding them it is not the miracle which shapes the life, but the life that is shaped after the miracle. The miracle is a moment, the belief in the miracle is what lasts. Or we are content to have the Lord be a figure on the shelf, the "creator" who has pulled itself out of all contact and watches with a voice of affirmation or condemnation. With no power. and we don't receive the power of forgiveness, healing, comfort or grace and we are disappointed. Sobering power means God will forgive us even though we keep telling ourselves God won't, God will stand by us and we don't need everyone standing by our side saying "it'll be okay". No, sobering power takes us outside of our earthly limitations and gives us the chance to believe when we don't feel, to stand when we would like to fall, and to close our eyes and remember life is life, but God is God. A power not produced, defined or managed. God being God. And, as Galli points out about Christ, we are a people with an unfailing confidence the Lord will work with us, love us and call us to be the people who see, feel and bring the presence of the Lord alive. That is a miracle.