Eastertide
May 31, 2019
Scripture Reading: Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21
The one who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming soon.’
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all the saints. Amen. –Revelation 22:20-21
The Greek word, tachu*, translated soon in the scripture above means without unnecessary delay; used of God’s promptness characterizing how He has ordered all physical scenes of life to happen on His perfect timetable without unnecessary “delay” (Rev 1:1, 22:6).
I think it is important to consider this broader definition because something that was classified as coming “soon” 2,000 years ago may have lost its immediacy resulting in its impact potency getting lost in the ennui of human nature. We are living in a technological/communication revolution that drives us to be impatient when we must wait for anything. We have people of faith trying to entice the second coming by supporting wars in the Middle East. We have other people of faith who see no relevance at all in the return of Christ.
What I discern from the gospels is that Jesus challenged his Disciples to convert the world into a place where loving God and loving one another is the driving force of all things. I interpret that to mean that while we are very diverse, we want the very best for all people in the space in which live. When that goal is met, God will be present with us in all aspects of our lives. We will be one. I love the imagery of the vine and the branches as a wonderful illustration of the oneness to which Jesus calls us.
‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine-grower. He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me as I abide in you. –John 15:1-4a
There is no wait time in our quest for the coming of this oneness, if we overcome our ennui, emptiness of spirit, and set about living in Christ’s oneness and love.
Prayer:
Dear Lord and Father of mankind,
Forgive our foolish ways;
Reclothe us in our rightful mind,
In purer lives Thy service find,
In deeper rev’rence, praise**. Amen.
*https://biblehub.com/greek/5035.htm
^^First verse of Dear Lord and Father of mankind by John G. Whittier see at https://library.timelesstruths.org/music/Dear_Lord_and_Father_of_Mankind/
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 America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.