Awash in the Image of God

Last night I joined 800,000 people along the banks of the Charles river to watch the 4th of July fireworks. I was awash in a sea of humanity that had gathered together to celebrate all we had in common. When the program was over and the applause faded away, that sea of humanity became a sudden flood of people moving through the streets like a river that had jumped its banks. That is the part of the night I like best.

The subway is free after the fireworks, but it takes forever for 800,000 people to squeeze down the stairs and then try to force their way into already filled train cars. I opt to walk a bit further. Starting at MIT, we walk from Boston to Cambridge to catch the train at Harvard Square. That walk is incredible.

First, Boston is a town that rolls up the sidewalks at 9:00 PM. Outside of Fridays and Saturdays, there aren't many people about. But on the 4th the streets are full of people. Every kind of person imaginable. Boston has always been a city of immigrants. There are still well-defined Italian and Irish neighborhood, although the old European lines are fairly blurred. Today add Brazilian, Ethiopian, Ukrainian, Chinese, Australian, Nicaraguan, and... you get the picture. The city is a riot of diverse dress, food, language, and custom all brought together by the desire to prosper together, and on this night, they all move together filling the midnight streets.

I walk with them, and I am fascinated. So many different hopes and dreams. So much creativity. So much love, hope, and - sadly - despair. So much of the image of God displayed in its many facets. It must make Jesus smile.

We often under rate humanity as though it were a mistake that God made on one of his less than inspiring days. But God is an amazing Creator. He never has an off day. He made us as a work of art in his own image. We disrespect God when we see others as a blight, an inconvenience, as enemies, invaders, or just a drain on resources. We honor God when we treasure his image in others. Love is at the center of all he commands. Love for God and love for others - even those who go out of their way to be our enemies.

Human sin doesn't let us off the hook. God so loved sinful humanity that he sacrificed his own Son for them. For them? For us. Those of us who don't recognize our own sinfulness and the great generosity and sacrifice God expressed to meet our need are not yet able to pass that grace on. The main point James wants to make in his book to us is that our faith begins with a powerful act of grace that transforms us into gracious people. If we are not gracious people, then James questions if we know faith yet.

I see too much fear and self-protection in America today, even in the church. This nation is at a crossroads. Do we wrap our fears in religious language and become hostile? Do we prejudicially decide the nation between Democrat and Republican, fifth generation immigrant versus first generation immigrant, free or slave, Jew or Gentile?

Jesus is our peace who has broken down every dividing wall (Eph 2:14) uniting people from every tribe and nation through the new life he brings.

Are you fascinated by the people around you? Do you want to get to know them? Do you desire to have God meet their needs through you? Does the idea of walking through streets filled with people of every color, language, and culture excite you? Then you have been touched and transformed by the kiss of God. Pass it on.