17 June 2009

New Lutheran Quote of the Day

We, surprisingly, stand in for others [who do not know God] with Christ through our thanksgivings for the blessings that they have received from God. If they prosper and things go well for them, we do not envy them and begrudge their happiness. Instead, we act as if their blessings are ours. We use our access to God to thank Him on their behalf for His loving kindness and generosity to them because they are not yet in the position to do so themselves. This is an aspect of intercession that has received scant attention in recent times, but it was prominent in both Judaism and the Early Church. They believed that the Church was appointed to serve, together with the angels, as a single choir that voiced thanks and praise to God on behalf of the whole human race. -- John Kleinig *Grace Upon Grace* p. 211.

3 comments:

Mike Keith said...

I rememebr hearing Dr. Klenig speak at our District COnvention anumber of years ago on this very topic. He kept coming back to "access." It was most intriguing.

Rev. James Leistico said...

gonna have to tuck this thought away for a Thanksgiving sermon

Unknown said...

"We use our access to God to thank Him on their behalf for His loving kindness and generosity to them because they are not yet in the position to do so themselves."

This is truly amazing and awe-filled!

I shall be adding this element to the Treasury.

Thank you for the post.