Larva Dei: Understanding How God Works Through People and Institutions

Description

We must always “see” God through some kind of veil, or mediation, etc. (cf. 1 Corinthians 13.12). If we learn to pay attention, we can see God in all sorts of unexpected places working in unanticipated means…but we must learn to perceive “God’s masks” (lat. larvae dei). These “larvae of God” are the external forms through which God accomplishes his purposes. God refuses to be found wherever we are certain he must reside, thus exposing the arrogance and ego of those who have it figured out. God reveals himself where he is not sought. Martin Luther found God’s wonderful “larvae” in the simple, faithful life and work of Christians – in their family life, in their work-a-day life, in their Christian service and gospel testimony. Lest we become overwhelmed with the world’s need, it is good to remember that God has not called us to do those things he has not given us the opportunity to do. Instead, God calls us to make the most of every opportunity in front of us.

This curriculum will help you understand that God reveals himself wherever and whenever he chooses…not where and when we might expect; understand that all of God’s activity in the world is “masked”; and learn to “become God’s mask” and act in God’s stead.