James 5:7-8

“Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains.” vs. 7

Early believers had a strong conviction that the Lord Jesus would be coming again, and many thought that his return was imminent. James and Paul, not necessarily always on the same track theologically, but recognized leaders in the Church, did their best to encourage people to be patient. They never said, “Forget about it, he’s not coming,” but they did tell their congregations to be patient. James here describes the patience of farmers in waiting for the rains, and says plainly that this is what believers needed to do. It’s not likely that many of us are looking for Jesus’ imminent return in the same way as in the first century, but we are still finding that patience is a virtue for believers. There are times that we would like very much for something to happen, and sometimes we’re even confident that it will happen, but waiting is agonizing. Occasionally we might even feel like we’ll be dead before God acts and our prayers are answered. Paul and James each advised believers to just get on with their lives, and not worry about what was coming next. There is some wisdom in those words! Often we discover that those things we’ve been yearning for come when we least expect it, and at the very time that we need them most!

Thought for the Day: What am I waiting for?

Psalm 146:5-10

“Happy are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God, who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps faith forever;” vss. 5-6

It is certainly good that the future of our world does not depend on the faithfulness of humans. If it did depend on us we’d be in sorry shape. We continue to neglect the environment and the rate of extinctions is increasing at a rapid pace. We’ve decided to put aside caring for the hungry, and instead of giving poor nations food, we give them guns and encourage further bloodshed. We cut back on assistance for the needy and turn our backs on refugees. And there’s no sign that these recent trends will come to an end–because most of us don’t care! What a blessing it is that the future does not lie in our hands–if it did we would be doomed! But it is as the psalmist says. Our hope is in the Lord God who brought all things into existence and who has ordered things in such a magnificent fashion. The One who has breathed life into us and all living things keeps faith forever. And because it’s not our faith or lack of faith that makes the difference, we have a sliver of hope for the future. The One who gave us life is not going to pull the plug! And one day all brokenness will be restored!

Thought for the Day: What are some signs of God’s faithfulness?

Isaiah 35:8-10

“A highway shall be there, and it shall be called the Holy Way; the unclean shall not travel on it, but it shall be for God’s people; no traveller, not even fools, shall go astray.” vs, 8

Isaiah imagined that there would be a highway from the land of exile through the wilderness and back to Zion. He said that it would be called the Holy Way and that it would be solely for God’s people. That kind of language is familiar to those who seek to walk in the Way of Jesus, though we don’t often think of the Way of Jesus as actually leading anywhere. But in reality it too often begins in exile, in whatever brokenness we might happen to find ourselves. We feel trapped in loneliness and sadness, and life seems aimless and pointless. But then we get the invitation to join the people of God and start walking the Holy Way…and we get the sense that we aren’t on a merry-go-round anymore, we’re actually going somewhere. We’re on the road to the Peaceable Kingdom; we see the billboards all along the way. And as we journey we notice our fellow travelers, people of every folk and nation, all living by grace…and we have the sense that we’re never going to go astray again. Even the fools among us are able to find the Way! Sometimes we even catch a glimpse of Jesus–he’s gone this way before us, and he often drops back to give a smile of encouragement. It’s a good Way; it’s the Way home!

Thought for the Day: What brokenness am I escaping?

Isaiah 35:1-7

“Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, ‘Be strong, do not fear!’” vss. 3-4

Those who have a golf addiction will recognize that the instructions given here are very similar to what an instructor might say to a beginning golfer struggling with the correct set-up in addressing the ball. Everything in the swing is dependent on the grip and the posture. Of course Isaiah had no such thing in mind when these verses were written, and it’s doubtful that anyone can get good golf instruction from either the bible or YouTube videos. It seems much more likely that Isaiah is describing the importance of prayer in dealing with the terrors that strike fear in our hearts in the course of our daily walk. He’s writing in the context of Israel’s return from exile and he knows the people are going to need loads of encouragement. At every step of the way they’ll need reminders to stay strong and not be afraid. It’s wonderful to have such affirming words as we try new things and walk a different path. It’s what we hear from the best teaching pros and from our spiritual advisors. It’s hard to figure out things on our own in life, and it’s a huge blessing to have trusted folks who will show us the way. Sometimes all we need to hear from a friend or a teacher is, “Be strong, do not fear!”

Thought for the Day: What’s the best advice I’ve ever gotten?

This morning Crown and Cactus was inadvertantly published on the Desert Meditation site. This was totally my error. You need not read it!

In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’^* This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,
‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
  make his paths straight.” ’
Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor”; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

‘I baptize you with^* water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with^* the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing-fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing-floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’ Matthew 3:1-12

It’s been a quiet week at Crown and Cactus Lutheran Church, that little congregation over between Mesa and Gilbert and Chandler. While it should not have been a surprise, folks were a bit startled to see the transformation wrought by the Creative Spaces group in the sanctuary when they arrived for worship. Jennie and her crew had removed all the pumpkins and fall colors and replaced them with an assortment of royal blue banners heralding the Advent season. This year, rather than putting up a Jesse tree, a good idea that had never really caught on with the congregation, the crew had focused on the Advent wreath, stylized and in a different location just to the left of the altar. The four candles, three blue and one pink, were larger than usual and stood on different levels around the large central Christ candle. Interwoven among them were fresh balsam boughs that Jennie had gotten from a local Christmas tree lot.

Attendance was down a bit at worship, as it typically is on the Sunday following Thanksgiving, and because more adults had opted to go to the youth service, there were even fewer to hear what Pastor Baldridge had to say about hope, the chosen theme for the First Sunday of Advent. When the two groups of worshippers were united for the prayers and Holy Communion and as the offering was taken he did call attention to the fact that the following Tuesday would be Giving Tuesday, and if people had any money left from Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this would be a good time to remember Lutheran Social Services of Arizona. The recent decrees singling out Afghan refugees for special scrutiny and possible deportation have presented a challenge for LSS, and he wants people to know they need help.

After the service, during the fellowship time, Susan Gruen sought him out. She’s been working with Afghan refugees through another agency and she was grateful that he had called attention to the crisis. There were tears in her eyes as she described the fear she was seeing in those she was helping. Others joined the conversation, with most thanking him for making a recommendation for their giving. Everyone has been getting Giving Tuesday requests and it’s hard to figure out which ones are most in need. 

On Monday at the staff meeting Pastor Baldridge mentioned how much he appreciated the work of Creative Spaces in transforming the sanctuary for Advent. He asked if anyone had said anything about the missing Jesse Tree. Jennie laughed and said, “Back when we started using the Jesse Tree, I really thought it would catch on,  but I guess the symbolism of a dry leafless tree wasn’t the best for the dawning of a new year. No one said a word.” She paused, “But a lot of people really like the new Advent Candle Stand.”

As they continued their meeting, moving on to upcoming events, Pastor Baldridge mentioned that Syd and Kateryna McCovey had asked that their baby be baptized on December 7. Some were surprised that nothing had been said before, but Pastor Baldridge said he’d only found out after church the day before. At that point he hadn’t been able to think of any reason that couldn’t happen, but he wanted to check. As it turned out Jennie and Janice had no objections. Baptisms don’t require a lot of preparation and the choir cantata wasn’t scheduled until the 21st when it would be done in conjunction with the children’s Sunday School Christmas program. So there wouldn’t be an issue with a baptism on the 7th–in fact the staff was excited about it. Pastor Baldridge was glad to hear that since he already said a pretty firm “yes” and would be visiting Syd and Kateryna that night to work out the details.

He got over to the McCovey’s home about 7:00 just as they were cleaning up from their supper. Olga was so excited to see him and had to give him a tour of the whole house. In her eyes his presence was like that of a royal visit, like having Jesus himself in their home. Pastor Baldridge rather enjoyed the attention and followed her through every room, including her parent’s bedroom, where Petro Francis, or Petey as she called him, was sound asleep in his crib. Olga whispered loudly, “This is where Petey sleeps for now, but pretty soon we’ll get a new house, and then he’ll have his own room.”

Ah yes, that was the plan. Pastor Baldridge wondered to himself how long that might take. He knew they wouldn’t be able to get a house, and apartments were very expensive. At least they had a place to live–and for now it would be just fine. 

He settled down in an overstuffed chair in their family room while Syd and Kateryna sat in a love seat with Olga perched between them. Kateryna had given him a cup of mint tea before they sat down and he did his best to balance it on the arm of the chair as they talked. 

Syd was excited too, and anxious to tell Pastor Baldridge why they had chosen this Sunday. He said, “Not only will Petro be exactly 3 months old, the gospel text is all about the ministry of John the Baptist.” Pastor Baldridge didn’t quite get the connection but he didn’t say anything. He assumed that Syd would ultimately give him all the information he needed–and likely even more.

Syd continued by talking about his own baptism, which had taken place in a little stream just west of Tempe Town Lake in a riparian area that is a favorite haunt of the homeless. “It was just like I had imagined Jesus’ baptism to have been like.” Pastor Baldridge remembered. It had been a cold January day and he had caught a cold. Lacey had actually performed the baptism and it had been by immersion, Syd’s idea and not hers. He shivered now as he remembered the scene.

Syd said, “I don’t want Petro’s baptism to be like that, but I do want to ask a favor.” Pastor Baldridge nodded, and Syd continued. “I wonder if it would be possible for Lacey to do the baptism? I haven’t said anything to her yet, and wanted to talk to you first.”

Pastor Baldridge took a moment to answer. After so many years he’s gotten used to playing second fiddle to Lacey, but there is still a nagging voice that speaks up out of the darkness of his soul that encourages him to be hurt. Firmly stomping on that dark whisper he said, “Of course that would be possible, and it doesn’t surprise me a bit. Do you want to contact her?”

Kateryna spoke up, looking at Syd, “Oh, we think it would probably be better if you asked her. That way she’d be sure to know we weren’t trying to go around you.”

Pastor Baldridge nodded. He did appreciate their thoughtfulness. He said, “I’ll text Lacey tonight and we can talk about it tomorrow. I know she’s going to be at worship. I don’t think it’ll be a problem.”

Syd smiled and said, “Good. This means a lot to me. Lacey was really like John the Baptist for me. It was through her that I came to know the gospel of grace that comes through Jesus. And now she can do the same for Petey! It won’t be quite the same…”

Olga interrupted, “Yeah, Petey will only know that water got poured on his head, and that’s about it.”

Pastor Baldridge said, “That’s exactly right, Olga. Petey is getting baptized into the Body of Christ, and it’s through that community of faith that he’ll come to know Jesus. He’s going to have a whole boatload of John the Baptists in his life. You too, Olga, you’re going to be John the Baptist for him. And I know you’ll do a wonderful job!’

Olga beamed, “And maybe I can get started now…I could help Lacey do the baptism. All I would need to do is dip my hand in the water and pour it over his head. I already do that every night during his bath to rinse the shampoo from his hair.”

Syd laughed and said, “Well, that’ll be up to Lacey, Olga. I don’t know if she’ll need any help. What do you think, Pastor?”

Pastor Baldridge just smiled and shrugged. He’d learned quite a while ago not to speak for Lacey. She definitely had her own ideas, but he imagined she would be open to this suggestion. He said, “You can ask her. I’m sure she’ll be calling you tomorrow.”

Conversation then turned to some of the other things that had to be settled before Sunday. Kateryna brought out the beautiful baptismal gown that Leticia Brown had given her. It had served well for their two children but she and Marcus have decided that Johnny will be their last child and she wanted Petro to have it as his gown. Olga said, “I think it looks like a dress, but Mama says that’s what they use for all baptisms in Ukraine. I wish we hadn’t lost mine  when we came here…then Petey could have used it too.”

Pastor Baldridge talked about sponsors, and Kateryna and Syd just looked at each other. Neither had family members who could be chosen, but there were so many other possibilities. And of course Olga volunteered…she’d be glad to do that too. Wiping a tear from her eye, Kateryna said, “I think Lacey and Brad would be perfect, but could she do the baptism and be a sponsor too?”

“Of course,” Pastor Baldridge said with a smile, “but I won’t ask her. You can do that….but it’s fine with me. They’d be the perfect couple.

At that point all conversation came to an end. Petey was done with sleeping and had let them know with a loud cry. Olga ran to get him, and brought him out still crying and deposited him in Pastor Baldridge’s lap, where he amazed everyone by falling back asleep. Pastor Baldridge chuckled, “My special gift. It happens all over the congregation every Sunday.”  And with a smile he handed Petey back to Syd. It had been a wonderful evening–the kind that made him happy to be a pastor.

That’s the word from Crown and Cactus Lutheran Church, where all the women are committed, the men are faithful, and the children are all growing in grace.

Matthew 3:7-12

“Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor.’” vss. 8-9a

Complacency is perhaps the greatest enemy for people of faith. John the Baptist accused the Sadducees and Pharisees of presuming that their proper heritage was all that mattered to God. He tells them in no uncertain terms that God doesn’t care about their ancestral connection to Abraham. All that matters in the eyes of God is fruit. John would likely have the same thing to say about our national or denominational pride. We can gloat about our proper Lutheran theology and bask in our relationship to Catholicism and it doesn’t mean a thing! We can even fall back on our personal relationship to Jesus, hoping to get some credit there, but it’s only rubbish to God, something worthy only of a garbage heap. John does hold out some hope though, when he indicates that he’s not the last word from God–that honor belongs to Jesus, and even though Jesus too emphasizes the importance of fruits, he also empowers us through the Holy Spirit to lead fruitful lives. When the fire of the Spirit burns away our complacency we are reborn and equipped to live as God intends. The hungry are fed, the naked are clothed, and the poor hear the good news. And it’s all grace, both for us and for them!

Thought for the Day: When has complacency been an issue for me?

Matthew 3:1-6

“In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’” vss. 1-

Matthew doesn’t give us much of a backstory on John the Baptist, but some believe that John was connected to the Essenes who had taken up residence at Qumran, a monastic community located near the Dead Sea. The Essenes were known for celibacy, ritual bathing practices and simplicity in daily living. While we can never know for sure, it is conceivable that John left the community at Qumran to proclaim a message of baptism and repentance along the Jordan River. What Matthew does tell us is that John’s message was powerful and well-received. People came to him from all around Judea and the Jordan Valley. Matthew says that he was the “voice in the wilderness” written about in the book of Isaiah. His purpose was to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. It’s not a glamorous job to be a forerunner, but it appears that John did his job well. He was instrumental in connecting Jesus with his call–so influential that Jesus adopted his basic message “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near,” as his initial mission statement, and of course some of John’s disciples later switched their allegiance to Jesus. John’s ministry reminds us that the gospel doesn’t arrive in a vacuum–there will always those who prepare the way. And sometimes that’s even the job we get to do!

Thought for the Day: Who or what prepared me to receive the gospel?

Romans 15:7-13

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” vs. 13

Hope is what keeps us going in the face of adversity or difficulties, and hope is perhaps the most precious gift of God. Because we are broken, God plants in us the seed of hope so that we might have the expectation of restoration and healing. The very presence of hope in our lives is a sign of God’s presence, and a reminder that the way things are is not the way they will always be. And as we learn to trust that God-inspired hope we are bound to receive joy and peace, the ultimate gifts of God in this broken world. Those of us who have had hope dashed in the course of our journey know how very precious it is. Without it, expectations are crushed and it’s easy to get lost in depression and malaise. But because hope is God generated and Spirit inspired, it often bubbles to the surface almost in spite of ourselves, and when it again appears, joy and peace are not far behind. It’s fun to be in the company of hopeful saints in our congregations. Their effervescent smiles and genuine caring are contagious and in their presence we often find our faith strengthened and our hope regenerated. And none of this is our doing. It’s all the gift of God through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thought for the Day: How have I experienced the power of hope?

Romans 15:4-6

“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.” vs. 4

As Paul came to the end of his sometimes cumbersome and long letter to the Romans he wanted to leave his reader with hope. They’d had a rough time absorbing this radical message of inclusion. His Jewish readers had never dreamed that one day they would have table fellowship with Gentiles. It was likely beyond their imagination. Yet so Paul had proclaimed, and so they had come to believe, and now he wants them to know that he hadn’t just been making this stuff up. He tells them that the Hebrew scriptures had been written for this purpose. Everything that he had told them had come from their holy writings, and because that was the gospel’s source,  they all might have hope. That gospel of grace now belongs to us, and it is such a blessing to see the threads of that message running through all the scriptures. Oh, sometimes it’s hard to see how all things fit together, and sometimes we wish the writers could have been more clear and direct. But as we use that precious library of books for instruction and for insight we see that this is what Paul said it was, a grace-filled message of inclusion and hope. As we study and read it our understanding grows and we are bound to give thanks for our long-lived family of faith.

Thought for the Day: What do I do when scripture baffles me?