Page 187 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 8

Forum

for who he truly is. Jesus converses and calls. The person being addressed
speaks and acts in ways that manifest extraordinary potential. Such mar-
vel does not occur in human persons until Jesus is the full object of our
gaze. Peter’s personal identity is on display in his ‘answerable agency’ to
the Lord of the universe. Human potential reaches its full heights when
there is a bond and mutuality with the Creator. Peter’s spontaneity may
contribute to the appeal of the moment. Without any doubt, it is the
strength and faithfulness of Jesus that drives this theological demonstra-
tion of personhood.

Human persons are created to enjoy mutual conversation with the Tri-
une God who created us. Persons are mirrors that image God’s nature
and become actors in his redemptive story as we move into the role he
has for us. When we turn our being (agency) toward him (answerability)
and walk in his way (action), he brings forward our specialness (new
creation) addresses our wayward distractions (salvation), and instills
profound meaning (vocation) as we reveal his glory (covenant). Humans
are persons destined to image the Creator. This occurs passively as per-
sons exist, and dynamically as unique human persons enter into abun-
dant life by accepting his gracious invitation to make the essence of life
worship. That is, the center of our being is bound to worship when our
living becomes communion in word and deed with the Almighty.

The concepts offered in each step thus far may be distinct; still the con-
sensus in the conversation is evident. My gratitude goes out to each con-
tributor who gave step-by-step to this conversation.

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