Lloyd: the Gospel in plain language

Friday, June 16, 2017
    Feast of Richard of Chichester, Bishop, 1253
    Commemoration of Joseph Butler, Bishop of Durham, Moral Philosopher, 1752
Meditation:
    [Jesus:] “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’”
    —Matthew 11:16-17 (ESV)
Quotation:
    At no point does the Gospel encourage us to believe that every man will hearken to it, charm we never so wisely. The prophets, for all their passionate sincerity, for all their courageous simplifyings of the Gospel, will meet many deaf adders who stop their ears. We must reckon with this certain fact, and refuse to be daunted by it. But also there comes a point where accommodation can go no further. It is the Gospel we have to present, however we do it. We cannot hope to do it unless we walk humbly with the modern man, as well as with God, unless we are much more eager to learn from him and about him, than to instruct him. God help us, it is all very difficult. But was there ever a task better worth trying to do, or one in which, whether we fail or succeed, we more surely find our freedom?
    ... Roger Lloyd (1901-1966), The Ferment in the Church, London: SCM Press, 1964, p. 121 (see the book)
    See also Matt. 11:15-17; Ps. 58:4; Isa. 6:9-10; Mic. 6:8; Matt. 11:20; John 6:63
Quiet time reflection:
    Lord, do not let me stray from presenting Your Gospel. CQOD    Blog    email    RSS
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