Incarnational Ministry

I have just finished re-reading Sam Wells’ “Incarnational Ministry” – and so enjoyed its many words of wisdom. There are so many things to inspire. For example, on the Martha and Mary story, he writes: “Martha says she’s serving Jesus, but her notion of service is entirely on her own terms: she’s not giving him what he wants. Mary’s service doesn’t look like much, but it’s a statement of faith. Martha offers food; Mary shares communion.” Then, there are those things which are almost throwaway lines, like “I believe “with” is the most important word in the Christian faith.” There’s a lot there that is worth some reflection. Thinking about how we might interact with all that’s wrong in the world, he suggests, “Lament comes from a place of deep trust in the faithfulness of God and deep awe at the mystery of creation, which finds itself dismayed at the deep disgrace of events that surely reflect neither God’s character nor God’s will.” And then some words about engaging with the Bible – “Reading the Bible requires attention, delight, and enjoyment as well as entering into a mystery. The initial experience can be like reading a poem and finding oneself perplexed.” There is a lot more I would like to mention, but let me restrict myself to just one more, some great words of exhortation – “Wash one another’s feet, be the servant and slave of all, make every act of your life a sacrament of love to others and praise to God: for your existence is a miracle, and your redemption is amazing grace. And never cease from singing.” I can see this is a book I might well read yet again.