Between Heaven and Hell
Our text from Romans is probably one of the most difficult texts in the Pauline corpus to understand. Those who chose the lessons for our Lectionary did not help by skipping the first verses in chapter seven. That is because those in chapter six are controversial although because of a misunderstanding of Paul’s argument. Paul, of course, did not mean to have his letter broken up into pieces and read at different times. He meant for his letter to be read in its entirety in one sitting. (We note that Paul did not divide his letter up into chapter and verse either.) With those thoughts we return to our text for today.
As we have noted the past several Sundays Paul is talking about sin and grace. He now brings in law, contrasting two different understandings of it – the Law (the Jewish Torah) and the law of sin which controls our actions. Unfortunately he is not always clear which one he is talking about as he switches between the two. Another issue here is the question, Is Paul talking about himself personally (“Wretched man that I am”) or is he talking about the human condition? Many have seen this passage as a confession emphasizing the first understanding. I believe it is the second or maybe a little bit of both.
Paul is contrasting the two lives that Christians live by reminding us of how it was before we were baptized and after. Before, you were in bondage to sin and death. Now, you have been made free. Before all that you could do is sin, now you can choose. Like Paul, you often times do the things that you do not want to do and do not do those things you want to do. Wretched people that we are. But, this is not the end. Out lives are not determined by our sin. They are determined by Jesus. Because of his life, death, and resurrection we are made new each and every day. Made new for one purpose. That purpose is to bring God’s love, hope, and peace into the world which certainly needs it. All you have to do is to turn on the television, watch the news, or just watch the popular shows and you see a lot of violence. Watch too long and listen too closely and you will find yourself depressed, thinking that there is nothing you can do to change it.
But that is the old sinful self talking. You can change it. Instead of cursing those who anger you, say a prayer for them. Instead of insisting on your rights, be gracious, instead of bravado and commandeering be humble. All in all remember your savior. As Zechariah prophesied he came not to conquer with a mighty army – with no war horse or chariot. He came riding upon the foal of a donkey, humble and willing to die for others. Yes, when you look at the world and see the task at hand and think on your life, it seems that we have been called to do the impossible. That is where you are wrong, you have been washed in the waters of baptism, filled with the Holy Spirit, and fed at this table, and joined to the whole body of Christ.
As Christians we stand between heaven and hell. We are, at the same time, sinners and saints. But we are God’s, purchased by the precious blood of Jesus. It is our task, then, to live our lives sharing God’s love, hope, and peace with the world. Though the task be cheerless Let Jesus lead you for his yoke is easy and his burden is light. until you safely stand in your Father’s land.