Words 12.2

 Words Twice a Week        12.2

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An acrostic psalm/prayer -

Almighty God,

Before there was darkness even, you

Created all that is -

December’s darkness lies upon us but

Even now the light of Christmas

Flows into our lives.

Glory to God in the Highest.

That’s what I had – you probably came up with something better!  Now, some introductory thoughts on some of the scripture lessons for this Sunday – the second of Advent

Luke 1.68-79  The Benedictus!

+ this is really given as the psalm for today.  I’m putting it first because of my sense that the psalm is more than just “a response to the Old Testament lesson.”  In particular, this day is pretty much given over to John the Forerunner, so why not start with the words that Luke accompanies his birth with.

+ anyway these are the words Zechariah finally was able to speak after his son was born and he agreed with Elizabeth (his wife) that “the baby’s name is John”.  Recall that Zechariah had been unable to speak throughout the pregnancy as a result of his questioning of God.  Calls to mind again the comparison between his response to the angel – How will I know…? - and Mary’s – How can this be?

+ and what Zechariah finally says is first off a hymn of praise to God, remembering God’s acts of mercy in the past and promises for the future. (vs68-75)  Verses 76 and 77 prophetically address the child, and vs 78 and 79 again talk of God’s promises.

+ note the language is both religious and this-worldly.  Whatever God’s salvation is, it is not being taken out of this world, it is somehow “making this world work as God dreams it will.”

Malachi 3.1-4

+ we don’t know who Malachi was, or even if he/she was a person named “Malachi”.  The word means “Messenger”!  The book seems to come from after the return from Exile and the Rebuilding of the Temple, when people were pretty much settling into life once again.  (Are there maybe thoughts for us as we look forward to “getting beyond” the Covid experience and once again settling into life?)

+ The messenger is coming, and that sounds like good news, but immediately it all turns a little more somber and even troubling – talk about a refiner’s fire and a fuller’s soap.  Things are going to change, old wrongs are going to be replaced with God’s values.

+ Israel seems to have developed an indifference and cynicism to the presence of God in everyday life.  Even in the sacrifices, while the people might have offered their best, somehow along the way, the best cuts got siphoned off (by the priests, sons of Levi?) and God got the seconds or what was left over. Does that reflect our lives today?  We take for granted that God will accept and be pleased with our offerings of prayer, presence, gifts, and service, but what really makes an offering acceptable, pleasing, to God?  Some words from the prayers of confession come to mind – “a broken and contrite heart”.

+ “What we are waiting for must be brought forward into our waiting.”

Phil 1.3-11

+ another good stewardship text – “I thank God when I remember you.”

+ vs 3-4 Paul gives thanks, vs 5-7 gives reasons, vs 8-11 express Paul’s compassion and concern.  Note – Paul himself is in prison and the Philippians are facing possible oppression.

+ note that all of the second person pronouns are plural – God is working in community.  “God is at work moving the mutual life of believers towards God’s own ends.”  One writer says – “To the modern church faced with a bleak future because of the erosion of membership, the affirmation of 1.6 becomes a word of hope.”  Does it work for you?

+ they, and we, are living between “the first day” and the “day of the Lord”.  What do those terms mean to you?

+ “the one who began the good work in you will bring it to completion.”  We are involved (as collaborators?) in bringing Creation to a fulfillment, but we are not the author or primary actors in the drama.  God is doing it.  So how do we get involved? How to we participate?

+ Paul’s prayer that “love will overflow with knowledge to determine what is best.”  It is not always clear to us what life is about, what really matters and what doesn’t.  (Consider the current debate over abortion.)  Paul encourages to look at such things through the eyes of love.  (Note – that does not always make things crystal clear, but undergirds our confusion with love.)  One writer puts it “Love fills up one’s life and informs all moral knowing ad doing in such a way that one sorts out and does the things that really matter…”

+ vs 8 – “For God is my witness” – Was Philippians part of Scarlett’s devotions that morning?

Luke 3.1-6

+ “The word came to John“ – it’s almost a second beginning for Luke’s gospel.  John appears abruptly (30 years old?), but linked with words, themes, from chapters 1 and 2 – he is the son of Zechariah, and he is dressed like a prophet.

+ Luke starts by identifying world leaders.  It places the activity of John and Jesus within world history.  It also gives Luke a chance to introduce Pilate and Herod – those who have heard this story before know that we will encounter them again before it is all over!

+ John is set within history and within the story of God’s saving work.  So the Gospel belongs to all, before the church, before Jesus, before John.

+ Luke mentions world leaders and important places, but the word of God comes to John in the wilderness.  God’s word often comes from surprising mouths and locations.  Has that happened in your experience?

+ “Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill be made low” –  Just a nice passage - you can hear the words rolling out of MLK’s mouth!

+ three themes – the word of God, repentance, and salvation.  John prepares for the work of Jesus, and the work of the church, in sharing with God in bringing Creation to fulfillment.  How is John like Jesus, how different?  How is John like the church (our church?), how different?

That’s what I got for now…..

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