LGBTMJGA

For just as you (Gentile followers of Jesus in Rome c. AD 58) were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their (the ancient people of the LORD God – “Jews”) disobedience, so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you (followers of Jesus) they (Israelites) also may now receive mercy. For God has imprisoned all (human beings) in disobedience, that he may have mercy on all (human beings who seek mercy from the LORD God). Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:30–36

You know what the initials LGBT stand for. But what’s the MJGA? I’ve added those initials in order to clarify something which is rather important to me and, I hope, to you. M = me. J = Jews. G = Gentiles (non-Jews). A = all humans. I’ve done this in order to explain my position regarding those who see themselves as within the LGBT initials – and in order to draw attention to the extract (in bold above) from the Letter of Paul the Apostle to Roman Christians written around AD 58. First, I wish, by adding the M to associate with all LGBT folk. I know that I’m not as I should be – I’m not what the LORD God would want me to be. How do I know that? Only because Jesus came from heaven as a human being to show me what a good human being should be like.
.	‘Sin is in essence man’s declaration of independence from God. (Anon.)
In his Sermon on the Mount he said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God…Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven…You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Yes, a pure heart. Yes, righteous even if persecuted for it. Yes, a pure mind. Second, I wish, by adding the J and the G to draw attention to the conclusion of Paul the Apostle set out in bold above about Jews and Gentiles in his day. The Jews had disobediently rejected the Son of the LORD God and put him to death on a cross. The Gentiles had always disobedient to God – they weren’t given the ten commandments (which were given to Israel) and they only ever did what was right in their own eyes – not in the eyes of the LORD God. Third, I wish, by adding the A to include not only LGBT and M and all J and all G but also all human beings. Having brought all these together, may I draw your attention to one particular sentence written by Paul above? For God has imprisoned all in disobedience, that he may have mercy on all…… Mercy on all? None of us are what we should be. None of us – because each of us ought to be living in fellowship with the LORD God – as indicated in the Sermon on the Mount when Jesus said, “Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven….” None of us are what we should be because of our disobedience towards the LORD God who, in sovereign love, wishes to show mercy towards us all. For God has imprisoned all in disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. I must add something else which, to me, is full of meaning. This human world is and has always been self-seeking, self-exalting and rights-focussed. It’s always been me first. To climb the ladder I will tread on others. Knowing what I now know, that is becoming not only unattractive but also to be avoided. Aware now of my rank failures and of God’s mercy through this man Jesus, I’m anxious to come closer in (at least) two more things he taught in his Sermon on the Mount.
.	‘When God decides to forgive us he changes our hearts and turns us to obedience by his Spirit.’ (John Calvin, French pastor, 1509-1564)
If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses… Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

Sinner Syvret

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