Constraints

"The old is good," Luke 5:39.

So said Jesus. Anybody whose palate has developed a taste for aged wine prefers it over new wine. Why does Jesus suddenly talk about wine connoisseurs? Oddly enough, because people criticized him for not doing religion like connoisseurs of religion prefer. You know, gimme that old time religion, good enough for gramps, good enough for me. Jesus had already discussed the kingdom of God. He healed sick people. He forgave sins. He consorted with known sinners. His followers didn't pray according to the old traditions. They tended to feast rather than to fast. (Even they noted he hadn't taught them to pray properly like others.) No. Jesus puts old timey religion back into its old constraints. Instead, he and his are about a new thing on earth: the kingdom of God. About God dwelling among people born anew, from above. Sky kingdom.

When Jesus' people visit with each other today, these folks recognize a new way to relate and serve. Jesus lives and reigns among them. And, together, we give thanks to God who reigns through human hearts. His church.