Any Word From God, Today?

My weird sense of humor always appreciates the stand-up monologue where the comedian is interrupted by a ringing phone. Comedian: “Hello…You don’t say!” and after a few seconds, “You don’t say!” and then again, “You don’t say!” This goes on for a few more times, then you can hear the phone hang up. Voice from off stage shouts, “WELL, WHO WAS IT??” Comedian: “He didn’t say.” Sometimes the Words from God fall on deaf ears. Fortunately, we have scribes who DO hear and pass the message or something like it to US. This weekend we remember the Baptism of the Lord, and notice how holy words do come to those who need to hear…

The first message this day comes in the words of Isaiah of Babylon, ISAIAH 42:1-9. He speaks of the Servant who comes to bring justice to the nations. Although Jesus will quote some of these words later to his hometown synagogue, the message revealed here by the prophet pertains to the whole community of Israel. The People about to be restored to Israel are to be a light to the nations, and to free the prisoners (is this a metaphor for those locked down by hard feelings, anger & grudges?). Even if we’re bruised and our fire is sputtering, the Servant continues to uphold this new commission.

The second reading is from THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, 10:34-43. It recounts Peter’s justification for the baptism of some Gentiles: “In every nation anyone who [respects God]and does what is right is acceptable to [God]”. Evidently that’s another difference between human business as usual and God’s divine excess. Peter, who insisted on “Jewishness” for new Christians, now understands the universality of the Servant’s message.

The event of Jesus’ baptism by John is told this year in the words of MATTHEW 3:13-17. The core of it is the image of the heavens ripped open and the dove of the Spirit plunging onto Jesus. And a Holy Voice came to him (them?), saying “this is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” Not everyone heard the Voice, alas. Worldly ways are still in power, denying justice to Others and excluding righteousness for the oppressed and imprisoned. The five verses can call the hearers to be immersed themselves as God’s People made sacred–again.

As a would-be mystic, I wholeheartedly believe that God speaks to us constantly. I also believe that there are Thin Places where these messages become more clear. Yet even in the traffic’s roaring boom can be heard the steady word that God loves us just as we are, and expects us to respond in our commitment to justice and righteousness.

In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King

Join me each Tuesday at horacebrownking.com to be confronted by biblical texts intended to be read in worship during the upcoming weekend.