This movement back and forth becomes a problem, as well as the fact that we can't see "the next world" and it seems to drain energy from the difference we can make in "this world." So we seek to move the "next world" into "this world" so that the "next world" becomes a depth, or inner dimension of "this world." "This world" sets the terms for our action and engagement by the congregation -- our ministry as a congregation helps us to become fully and completely and authentically members of "this world" because we know its inner meaning. We can take control of this world to help it most find itself in itself. Insofar as we are of Christ, we are of the world.

It seems to me that we have to situate ourselves differently to understand the Scriptures, even those for this week. As a congregation and individually members of it, we are the "pilgrim people of God" -- on a journey in this world, a journey that has its end, not in this world, but in God -- eternal life in God. As a people, we cannot collapse God into this world; we have to see how this world is made to be raised up by grace to become what it really is in God -- and how God became human in Jesus Christ so that we ourselves might become divine -- not by being "absorbed" back into God or nature, but through our eternal participation as creation in the joy that is found in God. We live in the world, but not of the world. We are citizens only of one kingdom -- the Kingdom of God that God has revealed for us in Jesus Christ and that God does bring forth and will bring forth as God will -- our job is to receive in faith by doing what we are commanded by the king whose kingdom is not of this world. Therefore, we live as "pilgrims" -- people passing through, using the gifts of God in creation for our and all creation's eternal enjoyment of God. This is the way of life of living between the times of Christ's incarnation and Christ's return.

If so, it shapes our expectations differently and our involvement. Obedience is more important than effectiveness -- although we believe that only obedience is ultimately effective, and therefore often what the world calls effective causes more problems than it solves. We encounter each other and strangers along the way as joint aliens. We don't have to take control, but are freed to live faithfully to what we are commanded.

Perhaps we could start with the Gospel reading, move to Habakkuk, and then to 2 Timothy for these Scriptures with these reflections in mind.

Luke 17:5-10

What is the disciples request of Jesus? Why might they think that this is Jesus' responsibility? If faith is "loyalty" or "allegiance" (or trust and obedience), how does this explain Jesus' response -- both immediately and in the story that follows. What is the point of the story about the slaves? Who does Jesus ask us to understand ourselves as? What is it the job of "slaves" to do?

Habakkuk 1:1-13;2:1-4

What is the time and situation of the prophet? What allows the prophet to persevere through this time? Who is God in the passage? What then is the "faith" in this passage that the just live by? Why does faith allow justice/righteousness?

2 Timothy 1:1-14

Notice that Timothy stands between the generations in this passage, from his grandmother and mother to those to whom he is called. As one in this "inbetween" generation, who does that help us understand the exhortations/instructions he is given? Why is Paul suffer? How is Paul "between the times" as well?

What sort of skills do we need, as well as inner characteristics, to live "in the world, not of it", to not live in control but in obedience? How does the image of a "tweener" or a "pilgrim" or "alien"/"immigrant" help us understand the normative life for the congregation here.

Have a wonderful evening!