What’s God gonna do next? is an ageless question. Soothsayers of recent time or long ago have made and lost fortunes by reading tea leaves, bird entrails, clouds and seasonal signs. Down deep, this is an acknowledgement that The Other is in ultimate control, much as we’d like to be the captain of our ship, the master of our soul. In the words of Cassius, “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars but in our selves…” But don’t let the weekend’s readings degenerate into mere parlor tricks of predictions: the Evangel is in presenting God’s Steadfast Love, still at work despite overwhelming odds.
The story of Hannah, Samuel’s mother, is found in the First Book of Samuel, 1:1-2:10. Hannah was impossibly barren of children; but her intense prayers were rewarded by the birth of The Prophet. She announces this Great Reversal: “the bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble gird on strength.” (2:4) Nearing the end of the Christian Year, we’re refreshed by this vision of a Realm quickly progressing, one not dependent upon human strategies or momentary strength. “The vision of reality sung by Hannah invites us to see the world as God intends, to behold what God is bringing about. It is a vision that may sound surprising to some and may even be threatening to others.” (Michael Pasquarello III, in FEASTING ON THE WORD. vol.B 4: 299)
The Letter to the Hebrew Christians is still comparing Jesus to the Temple’s High Priest (10:19-25). The strength of this text is in what’s implied: that Jesus has freed us from our anxiety about sin so that we may live as pioneers of an eternal country. Believers are prodded beyond passive reception into active participation in that which is on our doorstep. “And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (v.25)
“Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” said the disciple (Mark 13:1) But they won’t last, said Jesus: “all will be thrown down.” Everything changes; but when?? There will be many “signs” and tumults, he said; always wars, earthquakes and famines. So don’t follow every Chicken Little who announces that the sky is falling! But do be alert, and open to what God is building. Resist the easy answers and hold out for the coming of God to a heart near you…
How then do we move from darkness to light, from pity to parenthood, from musty tradition to the assurance of forgiveness? Give thanks to a God who is present always–even in empty despair–and look for God’s surprising provision as each day unfolds…
God Bless Us, Every One! Horace Brown King
Weekly insights into coming lectionary readings can be found in this spot on Facebook every Tuesday.
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