Devotional 12-16-18

Lectionary texts  Zephaniah 3 14-20, Isaiah 12:2-6, Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3: 7-18

 “...I have come that they might have life, and have it abundantly,” Jesus says in John’s gospel, chapter ten, verse ten.  This has long been one of my favorite scriptures. Jesus’ words are like a personal mission statement for the Messiah:  this is why I came, and here are the results that will flow from my actions. During this holy season of Advent, when we are called to study the promises surrounding the coming of the Christ, and their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus, his own understanding of his mission as a life-giving gift can be a powerful source of comfort and hope. So much in our world and its history focus on power and punishment, on judging and dividing people, on condemnation and conflict.  The lectionary texts for the third week of Advent draw us into a deeper focus on joy at the coming of the Christ, the bringer of abundant life.

Seven centuries before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Isaiah spoke about the people’s future:  “You will draw water with joy from the springs of salvation....and you will say on that day ‘Thank the Lord...’ “ (Isaiah 12, verses 3,4).  Seventy years or so later, the prophet Zephaniah proclaimed “On that day, it will be said to Jerusalem:...The Lord your God is in your midst....he will rejoice over you with singing....” (Zeph 3: excerpts from verses 16.17)  These prophets wrote during times of civil unrest and international conflicts, and some of their words are a call to repentance, but it is interesting that they come back, ultimately, to a sense of joy and hope.  The first generations of Christians, steeped in the Hebrew Scriptures, saw the fulfillment of this hope in the life of Jesus.  The gospel text from Luke shows a divided people, hearing good news that calls them to new and abundant life.  Within the crowds coming to John for baptism, some claim special treatment because of their ancestry as children of Abraham.  Others are not sure about sharing their resources with those in need.  Some are tax collectors, representatives in that time and place of the Roman Empire, and famously unjust.  Others are soldiers, and John’s words to them show that they were also prone to abuses of power.  It’s a vast and diverse crowd of people, each with needs and expectations, and John’s preaching causes some to wonder whether he is the Christ.  John deflates that idea quickly, affirming that “one who is more powerful than me is coming. I’m not worthy to loosen the strap of his sandals.” (Luke 3:16) John talks about the sifting process, the burning away of husks and the bringing of life, “proclaiming the good news to the people,” according to Luke.

A few years later, the apostle Paul exhorts the Christian community in Philippi to rejoice “always” and to be kind to others.   “The Lord is near,” he says, “Don’t be anxious about anything....” (Philippians 4:5b-6a).  Paul is writing from a prison cell, twenty-five or thirty years after the death and resurrection of Jesus.  The Roman Empire is still persecuting the fledgling faith, and Paul himself has also been beaten and run out of towns by both political and religious leaders.  This isn’t his first imprisonment.  He will eventually die for the faith. And yet, he sings the same song that the prophets knew, a song of joy and hope.  God is with us!  Don’t be anxious, but bring your concerns to God, who will “keep your hearts and minds safe in Jesus Christ.”  (Philippians 4:7b)

We still live in an imperfect world, and there are surely things we could focus on that might lead to worry or even despair.  But God’s word has been steady over the centuries, in this call to hope and joy.  I leave you with a modern poet/songwriter’s call to faithful life:   “Ring the bells that still can ring, forget your perfect offering, there is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in.”  (lyrics from Anthem, by Leonard Cohen)

A Prayer for the Day:
God of abundant life and hope, thank you for your faithfulness down through the centuries.  Help us to live with joy and faith, in the midst of all the ups and downs of life.  Let our song rise up to you in thanks and praise, in this life and the one to come.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Rev. Teresa Deane