Show Notes
In this eighth week of “Ordinary” (or “Normal”) time, Case explores the themes of divine election and American liberty. He reflects on the tension between American values such as individualism and the theological reality of God’s sovereignty over all of creation, including human agency.
Nuance’s Formed for Formation is a weekly liturgy to encourage all of us to be faithful to Christ in the public square. Join Case Thorp as he follows the Church calendar through the reading of Scripture, prayer, and short reflections on faith in all facets of public life.
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Episode Transcript
Mid July, we continue with normal time, that season of the church where we highlight growth, growth in Christ.
A Poem
In the dawn of a spiritual light,
victory in Jesus, a glorious sight.
New life blooms, petals unfold
in Christ’s reign, a love untold,
Joyful beams, hearts set free,
salvation’s grace a jubilee.
In the garden of hope we stand,
embraced by Christ’s loving hand.
Ephesians 1:3-14
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, just as he chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless before him in love. He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he freely bestowed on us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and insight he has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory.In him you also, when you had heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and had believed in him, were marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit; this is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.
The doctrine of election, a theological concept often associated with predestination and divine choice, can be juxtaposed with the principles of American liberty and freedom. The doctrine of election asserts that God in His sovereignty chooses individuals for salvation and specific purposes. This divine selection is seen as an act of grace, not based on human merit, but on God’s will all fall short, and all are deserving of condemnation. But no, God in His grace draws His children close for eternity.
Now, American liberty and freedom, foundational to the nation’s ethos, emphasize the rights and autonomy of individuals within a democratic framework. So often as Americans, we rub up against the idea of election and we don’t think it feels fair. American liberty champions the authority of the people, emphasizing a bottom-up approach where the will of the individual is paramount and governance is by consent of the governed. However, central to this doctrine of election is the belief in God’s ultimate authority over human affairs, suggesting a top -down approach where divine will supersedes human desires. With our love of American liberty, we see success and opportunity as the result of individual effort and merit with the belief that anyone can achieve greatness through hard work and perseverance. And yet, in the Bible, salvation and purpose, they are seen as gifts of grace, not earned by human effort, but granted by divine favor.
Finally, American freedom promotes individualism. It also seeks to balance this with a sense of community and collective responsibility, recognizing that the freedom of one must not impinge upon the freedom of others. But for the Christ follower, our calling as a person into covenant family fosters a sense of belonging and purpose within a chosen community, unified by a shared divine calling.
In reflecting on these perspectives, we can appreciate the value of both divine grace and human agency. The doctrine of election, of which Paul speaks in Ephesians 1, reminds individuals of the humility and gratitude that come with recognizing a higher purpose or calling, while American liberty celebrates the potential for individuals to pursue their own paths and contribute to a democratic society.
Psalm 24
The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it;
for he has founded it on the seas, and established it on the rivers.
Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place?
Those who have clean hands and pure hearts, who do not lift up their souls to what is false, and do not swear deceitfully.
They will receive blessing from the LORD, and vindication from the God of their salvation.
Such is the company of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob. Selah
Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in.
Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah
Let us pray. Almighty God, we praise you for the earth and everything in it is yours. Who may stand in your holy place? Those with clean hands and pure hearts. So cleanse us, O Lord, and guide us in your truth. We seek your face, O God. Bless us with your presence and righteousness. Lift up our hearts that the King of glory may come in.
Who is this King of glory, the Lord, strong and mighty, the Lord of hosts reign in our lives and lead us in your ways. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Mark 6:14-29
King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.”
But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.”
But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”
For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him.
But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.”
And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.”
She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.”
Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”
The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her.
Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother.
When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.
