Saturday, December 6

The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to Israel and Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David, and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. Jeremiah 33: 14-15

This is the lesson from the Prophets which accompanies Luke 21: 25-36. It, too, looks at "the days that are coming," but sees them as the fulfillment of God's promise. It is appropriately an Advent lesson for it speaks of the Branch from the line of David who will initiate a reign of justice and righteousness in the land.

Glimpses of this reign of God have appeared throughout the Gospel lesson: "Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." (21: 27) "Your redemption is drawing nigh." (21:28b) "You know that the reign of God is near." (21: 31b) The reign of God is there as promise amidst the predictions of a chaos regained. Indeed it is there as more than promise. It has its own reality.

When we look around us and see earthquakes and upheavals of both natural and human origin, when we understand ourselves to be living in a strange land contrary to our hopes and values, why not look as well for the reign of God among us? It is near enough to see. It is here enough to live. So why not sing one of the Lord's many songs?

I had just sung the Shaker Song "Simple Gifts" at a church anniversary service which ends, "And when we find ourselves in the place just right, 'twill be in the valley of Love and Delight." I then sat down next to a young man who had entered the ordained ministry from that congregation. He leaned over and quietly told me he now really understood the words. You see, he was no longer under ministerial appointment ­ not because he lacked the gifts and graces for ministry. The United Methodist Church had denied him the opportunity to serve when its officials learned he was gay. What a strange land for those who profess the accepting love of Jesus Christ. Here's a song affirming the gifts and graces of life are there for all. In the midst of a strange land we find our valley of love and delight by simply living in the reign of God.

I don't know what to make of predictions of cataclysmic last days. Did Jesus believe in an Apocalypse now? In our Gospel lesson he seems to be passing on the rumor. Yet earlier in Luke 21 he warns against following those who proclaim the Last Day and the second coming (21:8). "The Sky Is Falling" is a description which carries existential meaning at some times more than others. However, it is no excuse not to sing. So here's one more verse from one more song, a favorite of Pete Seeger:

Through all the tumult and the strife I hear that music ringing.
Since love is Lord of heaven and earth, How can I keep from singing?

A Prayer/Hymn: #707 "Hymn of Promise" (Natalie Sleeth's affirmation of renewed life)

John Kruse

All contents copyright 2003 by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action. Permission is granted to United Methodist congregations, individuals and groups to reproduce and distribute this devotional without charge. All other use requires the advance permission of the editor.