February 8, 2021

1 Corinthians 9:23 I did all this because of the Message. I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it! (The Message Bible)

The pew Bibles in our congregation (NIV) render this verse “I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” The Message Bible is less word for word accurate than the pew Bibles but I like the nuance it highlights. We have become a world of viewers. We have hundreds of channels on our cable TVs not to mention Netflix and other streaming options. Millions upon millions sat around watching the football game last night and critiquing the commercials. Screens are everywhere, from the cellphones in our pockets to displays in the grocery check out lines. We are constantly watching others do things. We can be that way about faith. Our beliefs can become removed from us, over there, what other people are involved in. Paul wanted to be in on the action. It cost him a lot but he seemed to think it was well worth it. What does it mean to be, in the Message Bible’s terms, “in on it,” part of what God is doing in the world, in history, in and around you? Lord, give us eyes to see what you are doing and hearts that long to be in on it