Advent
December 1, 2018
Scripture Reading: Luke 21:25-36
Then he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. –Luke 21:29-33
The coming of the Son of Man, the one to shepherd people into God’s world vision is the subject of this parable. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection ushered in a new phase of the development of the Kingdom of God. In it, all Christ’s followers are called to serve as conduits to the realization of that Kingdom. What are the sprouting leaves we are nurturing toward that goal? Are we seeing progress some 2,000 years later? The overwhelming evil in the world can sometimes make us lose heart and miss the sprouts of love springing up in small ways and in great.
My church just welcomed its first refugee family. It is hard to imagine such a life-changing experience. Hard to leave everything one has ever known behind. Working with this family truly offers our members the opportunity to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. While we are trying to comprehend the magnitude of need in the world, we make a small difference addressed one family at a time.
Faith friends of mind from the UCC church just returned from a pilgrimage to the Mexican border to witness the situation there and directly to love like Jesus loves. The stories they brought back with them will encourage others to get involved.
Years ago, an experienced justice advocate told me it takes about ten years to change laws. I though she was overstating reality. She was not. Dedicated, knowledgeable people working hard for several years began to update our states criminal justice system and bit by bit it has improved. There is great hope that even more progress will be made this legislative session. Christ calls us to care about the prisoner. Implementing restorative justice is a good start.
Isaiah described a world where wolves and lambs, calves and lions, lie down together in harmony and a little child leads them. (Isaiah 11:6) They are not little children, but I am impressed with what groups of dedicated youth have done working toward ending the scourge of violence in our land.
One of my favorite scriptures is John 16:33, I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!’ We need to remember often who we follow.
Prayer: Lord, give us the courage to grow your Kingdom in both small and great ways. Amen.