The Days are Surely Coming?

The early saints expected the “second coming” of Jesus right away. But the years toddled on, and we post-modern Christians put little emphasis on this. Yet all people seem to have an appreciation of what might happen in God’s Good Time, anticipating the ending of things as we know them in order to establish a new (and righteous) domain. The First Sunday of Advent marks a new beginning, the opening of the liturgical year, and a hope that we can get things right this time around…. Readings to be heard this weekend may cut through Holiday planning with a prophetic word about life when God breaks in.

JEREMIAH 33:14-16 may be the key-note passaages for the Season, if not the Year. The Righteous Branch from King David will “execute justice and righteousness in the land”. Jeremiah was writing, of course, to the Chosen People; but Christians may and should expand on this tribal Messiah to include the Lord of ALL creation. YHWH speaks through the prophet of a certain future, a newness to be gradually revealed. We start Advent with a longing for justice and righteousness even though the world may be changing and the sky falling all about us. We should also note that the Messiah incarnate was an improvement over what Jeremiah’s audience was expecting…

St. Paul wrote to the early congregations scattered in the eastern end of the Roman Empire; and to the THESSALONIANS (I, 3:9-13) about the immanent changes which God was making all around them. “May (God) so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of the Lord Jesus with all his saints.” How do we prepare for this ultimate incarnation? By “abounding in love”. But what about all those unloveable persons? Even them?? Easy for HIM to say! This is gonna take some work, I can tell you.

At the ending of Jesus’ life and ministry, LUKE 21:25-36 has him instructing–and comforting–the disciples about the end times. Yes, there will be natural disasters and human uncertainties; but stand tall in the midst of them, praying and being alert. The redemption which is drawing near is not only personal but cultural and social: there are some systems which need to tumble before the New Age can take place. Just as Luke placed Mary’s song near the start of his account (1:46ff), now Jesus finishes (?) the story by presenting alternatives which are going to happen by God’s direction.

Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; For you I wait all day long. –Psalm 25: 4-5

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Join me every Tuesday as we’re confronted by scriptures to be read on the upcoming weekend.