Lessons to be read this weekend will hit us squarely–and also bring a measure of comfort to those who can rid themselves of distractions. But there’s so much to hear and do and buy and promise! The readings say that God isn’t pleased with The Way Things Are, and challenges each of us to stop the idolatry and get on with TRUE worship and service.
ISAIAH 1:10-20 is a rant by God. (Let the reader be worked up.) “I have had ENOUGH…I do not delight in the blood of animals, incense is an abomination to me…who asked THIS from your hands?” Seems like folks in the time of Isaiah were no different from the folks of today, making a big show of worship yet abusing the poor and vulnerable. “If you are willing (to seek justice and be obedient) you shall eat the good of the land–BUT…” Stacy Simpson Duke observes that “our inattention to injustice deligitimates our praise.” (FEEDING on the WORD, C 3:318) Do you have blood on your hands?
The Letter to the HEBREWS (11:1-3, 8-16) tells of Faith, and of Abraham’s journey which is ours. Reformed Theology maintains that our Faith is a response to God’s Grace. (John Godsey, lecture notes) No one can imagine the finality of things not (yet) seen, but if we trust in God, it’s sure to happen. In God’s time, not ours. Abraham is cited for his willingness to pull up stakes from the familiar and go to an unknown land, following God’s direction. Are we?
It’s good to read the whole chapter of LUKE 12; but vocalization focuses on verses 32-40. This deals with our fear: headlines proclaim disaster, social media loves to spread gossip. But hang in there, for “it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” What’s Really Important in the greater scheme of things is to hear and do God’s work above everything else. Our future rests upon the promises of a restorative God. The imperishable things of Heaven ace out the moth-eaten stuff we have here.
There are a lot of things in contemporary life to fear–some days we feel like hiding under the blankets. But our faith is in a triumphant God, who (when everything is said and done) wants to make all things right if only we hear what God says to us. And do something about it.
In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King
Every Tuesday we explore the scripture passages assigned by the Revised Common Lectionary to the upcoming weekend; come join us at horacebrownking.com
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