Advent

December 1, 2022

Scripture Reading:

Romans 15:4-13

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. –Romans 15:4-6

Paul was a dedicated student of scripture, and what he knew of scripture was the Hebrew Bible. He probably was also well acquainted with the Apocrypha. The gospels we are familiar with were all written after his death. Perhaps that is why his writing is always looking forward to something better. His letters are full of preparation for the return of Christ in his fulness.

I wonder if we today view the gospels as the end of the story, not the continuation of God’s creative longing for a world ruled by love. Do we stir together the laws of the Hebrew Bible and the grace of the Gospels and call our work done? If we live a good life following the rules and accepting God’s gracious gift of sending God’s son to redeem us from our sins, do we think we can rest on our laurels?

The gospels mark the progression of God’s mission. If anything. it increases our responsibility:

And he said to them, ‘Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation. Mark 16:15

And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ Matthew 28:18-20

The Kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is! ‘ or ‘There it is! ‘ For, in fact, the Kingdom of God is among you” (Luke 17:20-21

Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.’ When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. John 20:21-22

Prayer: Lord, empower us to live your love as we progress toward a world ruled by your love. Amen.

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.