Advent
December 6, 2014
Scripture Reading: Mark 1:1-8
John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. — Mark 1:4
I don’t think we deal very much with sin anymore or we deal too much with it. We seem to have shuffled sin to the back of the deck and hope that it is never dealt. In the 1960’s situational ethics* took its turn in explaining sin as being related to agape love and thus sin was describe as not being ridge, set in stone, but somewhat flexible based on the circumstances. Situational ethics was of course translated by some as “If it feels good, do it”, which wasn’t what it was about at all. The other side did define sin in specifics usually related to human moral behaviors often behaviors that related to others not themselves.
Such is the case today, just as it was the case in the first century when one of those radical prophets of old came forth with the message that sin was a problem and once we repent of our own sins and are cleansed through baptism we can return to a right relationship with God. Of course, John, the Baptist wasn’t saying anything new either. He knew the Psalms and the prophets of antiquity. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. (Psalm 51:2) In the final analysis, sin separates us from right relationship with God. When individuals are not right with God it is impossible for them fully to be right with one another.
John is telling the people that being right with the God who is love is the only way to be right with self and with each other and all others. We were wonderfully made by the God of love and God wants nothing less than the very best for each of us and all of us. I call it wholeness, oneness, and justice, but it cannot be attained until we turnaround and grab hold of it with all our hearts, minds, and souls.
Prayer: Lord forgive me when I settle for lesser gods and turn away from you. Cleanse me and make me whole. Amen.
* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Situational ethics
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of American. Used by permission. All rights reserved.