Here in New York state, in the mid-1800’s, there was a great interest in the Second Coming of Christ. Various leaders created imaginative charts, using numerology and astrological tables, to pinpoint the exact hour of this Second Advent. Some believers gave away their property and quit their jobs. Advent Societies sprang up across the state, and some remain to this day! “Inquiring minds want to know” all about the Future and consult charts, oracles and (too often) the Bible for proof of their own safety when the earth implodes. This weekend’s scriptures concern themselves with OUR concern about the Ultimate Advent.
Amos, the “non-prophet” from Tekoa (the south), tries to speak daily reality to those awful northerners (5:18-24). “Alas for you who desire the day of the Lord! Why do you want the day of the Lord?” This would be the “Day of Terror, Day of Wrath” still part of the Mass. This would be filled with evil powers chasing down the devout: a lion from one direction, a bear from another–and even for those who pant against the doorframe of sanctuary, a viper in the dark to offer the coup d’gras… All these festivals, burnt offerings and anthems won’t help a bit, unless justice and righteousness prevail in abundance. Our religiosity is so much fluff if our daily ethics are shallow.
Poor Paul unknowingly has added fuel to the Adventists worries (I Thessalonians 4:13-18). He’s not trying to outline the mechanics of the Ultimate Coming (meeting the Lord in the air troubles my acrophobia) as he is to reassure those who’ve lost a loved one to death. “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have died.” Bottom line: there IS Life beyond our physical death–and Jesus has our backs.
Matthew’s Gospel (the Wise & Foolish Maidens, 25:1-13) brings some sticky questions: do we allegorize this to mean the ultimate coming? and why didn’t the prepared maidens share some of their oil? and what are the cell-phone numbers of the foolish girls?? This is another of those Stay Alert stories of which Jesus was fond: we don’t know when God is going to begin a new phase of history–so be ready. The foolish maidens are chided because they either didn’t think that the Bridegroom could be “detained” or else they didn’t believe that he’d show at all.
And so, dear Church, put away all the reluctant show of devotion and walk the walk of justice & righteousness. Death is a reality, but Jesus has even this under control. And keep watching for God at work: come quickly, Lord Jesus! While we wait, life goes on…
God Bless Us, Every One Horace Brown King
My thoughts about scripture readings for the upcoming weekend can be found every Tuesday at this space on Facebook; or at horacebrownking.com
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