His authority set
and stated, he
pronounces grace
and peace to those
reading and listening.
It’s something he
usually does,
this pronouncement,
but this time he
includes a reminder
of the source of grace
and peace, what was
done to provide
grace and peace, and
thanksgiving for both
the act and the result.
Photograph by Kirill Pershin via Unsplash. Used with permission.
A letter, a theme
begins with a statement
of authority and, also,
a little history, a reminder,
rather pointed, not so much
of who he was or his training
and education, but what
he was, a man called to do
what he was doing, not by
the authority of friends or
institutions but called
by God. It is a letter
from the man, but it also
on behalf of those with him.
In other words, he’s not
a lone voice, he has
the calling of God and
the backing of those
in authority. He speaks
with the authority he’s
been granted. And it’s time
to fasten your seatbelts.
Photograph by Illiya Vjestica via Unsplash. Used with permission.
