When we dig below the surface of the Bible readings we discussed this week, we see that these scriptures confront three forces that are shaping our current moment: exemption, obedience, and waiting. Taken together, these three things explain why harm persists, and why living an exemplary life today means refusing special treatment, rejecting blind compliance, and taking responsibility now instead of trusting that time or institutions will save us!
An exemplary life does not ask for exemptions, does not confuse obedience with virtue, and does not wait while harm continues.
That’s a hard message. When you really think about it, you might get a little uncomfortable. Because this message cuts against almost everything we’re being encouraged to do right now… politically, religiously, and culturally.
So I want to take some time to pull that apart into three movements. Think of this as a three-act story: Exemption. Obedience. Waiting. And then we’ll talk about what it actually means to live an exemplary life when the stakes are real.
So, let’s dive into that… in this episode of Afterthoughts!
