| For the week of November 30 - December 07, 2008 |
| Raise your children in a stable environment! |
Readings: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 16-18 (Psalm 80: 1-7, 17-19 [NRSV]);
1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37
Grace to you and peace from God our Father, from Our King and Son of God, Jesus, and from God’s
Holy Spirit. Amen.
Our lessons for this week are filled with graphic images that are rich and exciting. These passages
are like reading fine poetry, or the words of a magnificent story teller. These images jump out at you
and paint pictures that bring you right into each of the settings.
Let me give you an example: In our first lesson from Isaiah, we read, “O that you would tear open
the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence-- 2as when fire kindles
brushwood and the fire causes water to boil…” It is obvious here that Isaiah is speaking in terms that
will impress the hearer with the incredible power of an almighty God. “O that you would tear open the
heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence…” This is an image of a
powerful, purposeful, God who will come with a vengeance; there is no question here.
But let’s have some fun with that imagery as well: In our neck of Wisconsin, we are familiar with a
tradition in Door County, Wisconsin that is known as a “fish boil.” This a communal event with many
people gathered around a giant kettle (think of a witch’s cauldron) that is filled with water, chunks of
whitefish, potatoes, onions, and lots of salt and butter, and under which a wood fire is lit. There are
always variations of this recipe, but they all have these ingredients. What happens with a fish boil, is
that when the water really begins to boil, the oils from the fish and the butter boil over and flame up and
smoke heavily.
Now, use that image in your head as you read those words from Isaiah: “as when fire kindles
brushwood and the fire causes water to boil…” Now, we imagine this great God coming down through
earthquakes and rolling clouds accented by thunder and lightning, and a rolling fire in a forest like a fish
boil kettle over a wood fire. Powerful image, huh?
How about further on in the passage, where Isaiah says, “8Yet, O LORD, you are our Father; we are
the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.” This might be a familiar image, as
we have perhaps heard this before, but what does this mean?
Downstairs in the church, there hangs a poster that says something to the effect of, “You and I are
wonderful, because God doesn’t make junk.” Now we can imagine God as a master potter who takes
clay in His hands, works that clay and molds it into a special shape of a unique individual person.
Have you ever seen a young child’s creation of a person made with clay or play-doh? You might
look at their creation and wonder what it is, or needed some extra help in identifying certain pieces of
the work. But despite that, a parent will be excited and proud of this wonderful creative expression, and
will proudly give it a place of prominence to show it off to all who visit.
I think of God like that. We are all molded differently, and we are all quite unique in our own
way. Though we are all different, we are all perfect as well. God doesn’t make junk.
Imagine this potter molding each and every one of us. Even though all of the pieces make look
similar, there will inevitably be differences. Have you ever tried to make two of exactly the same thing
out of clay? It may not be much, but there’s bound to be one ear larger on this one, or a nose that’s
smaller on that one; the eyes may just a little different here, or the mouth bigger there… No one piece is
exactly like another, but they are all loved and made with care and compassion.
In our Psalm for this week we read, “4O LORD God of hosts, how long will you be angered despite
the prayers of your people? 5You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have given them bowls of
tears to drink.” Can’t you just picture the sadness of these people? Just reading this can bring tears to
our eyes.
But let’s not forget our Gospel lesson – the one which brings us the Good News for this day. Jesus
said, “24In those days, after that suffering, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light,
25and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26Then they
will see 'the Son of Man coming in clouds' with great power and glory.” Combining the images of our Old
Testament lesson, and the lamenting people of the Psalm, we come to this great lesson of hope. The
people are saddened beyond belief and waiting not-so-patiently for the Son of Man to return. It will be
dark – if not in fact, then in spirit, and the light of the moon or the stars won’t even be noticed. Yet, the
earth shall quake, and the mountains will tremble, and the fires will erupt. But, in spite of this, Jesus will
return in all of his glory to complete what he had begun. How joyful it will be, and the air will be filled
with rejoicing! The words, “Keep awake” take on a new feeling as here it might be interpreted as “Keep
the faith!” The words which may have been misunderstood as threatening now can be seen to be
hopeful and positive. Yes, the event will be tumultuous, but it will only be threatening to those who do
not want to see the Lord’s return.
This Advent season, rejoice in the rich grandeur of our God’s Creation. Notice the intricacies of
everyday surroundings and the feelings of living your life in our Lord’s care. And don’t forget to express
those feelings of appreciation to God.
Let us pray: Holy Lord and almighty King, we pray this Advent Season that you will awaken us to
the richness and beauty that surround us. Fill us with a sense of hope and expectation, that we may be
ready for your return. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Peace!
Pastor Barry
Yes We Can!