James 5:7-10

“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

In our instant gratification world patience has become a vanishing virtue. We are less and less inclined to endure any amount of waiting…and companies are catching on. We now can get same day delivery of any number of items, and internet connections are virtually instantaneous. And now that the bar for immediacy has been set, any kind of delay is intolerable. Who waits for marriage anymore? We don’t even like to wait for Christmas. Most people jump on the holiday bandwagon the day after Thanksgiving…and many can’t even wait until then. Shopping gets done, decorations go up, Christmas songs hit the airwaves…and poor little old Advent gets squeezed without pity. Who can even imagine a season devoted to waiting patiently? James says we can learn a lesson from farmers, ones who knew that crops can’t be rushed. Some things, maybe even the most worthwhile things, just take time. When we slow down life stops being a blur and we can see and appreciate the beauty and the gifts God provides in everyday living. Don’t worry, time will pass…what we’re waiting for will come…and in the meantime why not just enjoy the present?

Thought for the Day: When am I most likely to be impatient?

Psalm 146:7b-10

“The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.” vs. 9

We live in an era of “stranger danger.” It’s one of the first lessons we teach our children…if they don’t know someone, they should regard that person with deep suspicion. Once that message has been drilled into us, it can become standard operating procedure, and affect our general attitude toward any outsiders. The current admonitions to report suspicious behavior in our neighborhoods, thereby preventing terrorist attacks, only fuels our skittishness. Organizations like Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services are facing ever greater scrutiny amid the demand for more stringent vetting procedures. Some leaders are saying that those who have risked their lives in fleeing war and repression should be forbidden entrance to our country. Today’s message from the psalmist reminds us that we have a God who watches over strangers and who upholds widows and orphans. Obviously we care deeply about our children and want to limit their exposure to danger, but sometimes our protectionist instincts keep us from being God’s chosen instruments of relief in this turbulent world. How sad it is when those strangers, who are genuinely suffering and hurting, face closed doors when they turn to us for safety and security! Surely God has higher expectations of us!

Thought for the Day: What kind of people arouse suspicions in me?

Psalm 146:5-7a

“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

In the course of a political campaign it’s natural that millions of people would get caught up in the rhetoric and become enamored of one candidate or another. And then when the election comes and winners are announced there is always exultation and despair. One group is convinced that the messiah has been chosen, the one who will lead the country to prosperity and establish justice. The other side is equally confident that a great injustice has been done and that stupidity reigns. Such is the nature of contemporary politics as we move through our election cycles. Today’s psalm gives perspective to the respective election reactions. Verse 3 reads “Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no help.” There’s great wisdom here…a reminder that ultimately those men and women in whom we have put our hope will not be able to satisfy our deepest desires. This isn’t to say that it doesn’t make any difference who is elected…decisions made by politicians do touch lives for better or for worse. But deep peace and serenity come from the Creator God who has brought all things into existence,and who sustains us from day to day. When God is our help, election results are put into perspective. Even when our candidate loses…we’re going to be okay!

Thought for the Day: How do I feel when my candidate wins or loses?

Isaiah 35:5-10

“And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” vs. 10

The captives in Babylon had been away from Jerusalem for years, but they never stopped dreaming of home. Isaiah fueled their dreams with his images of a great and glorious return. It would be a day of singing and gladness and hearts would be filled with joy. To some extent the faith of God’s people has always been shaped by our vision of the future…it’s like an extra chromosome in our DNA, and it gives us definition. Whenever there has been exile, suffering, persecution, alienation…we find strength in the sure and certain conviction that one day there will be a homecoming, and all the sorrow and sighing will be at an end. Often that certainty has been reflected in our songs and hymns even when there isn’t a hint that our return is at hand. The anticipation alone is enough to lift hearts and bring joyful smiles to our faces. We’ll be seeing that joy throughout Advent as we hear the carolers and join in congregational singing. Even when things are going poorly a song like “Joy to the World” can lift our mood and bring gladness to the gathered community.

Thought for the Day: What song always fills me with hope and joy?

Isaiah 35:1-4

“The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing.” vss. 1-2

Those who live in places where rain falls freely can’t imagine the beauty of the blossoming desert. For them deserts are barren and inhospitable places dominated by thorny plants and bushes. It isn’t where they would go to catch a glimpse of joy. They don’t know that after the winter rains every cactus and thorny bush blooms and the landscape is transformed. And the flowers are spectacular; their colors bright and vibrant, every one a delight to the eye! That’s what it will be like, Isaiah says, when God comes to rescue those living in exile and despair. Nature itself will get into the act and celebrate God’s coming with singing and joy. Sometimes we get so preoccupied with our human stuff that we miss the celebratory beauty of the surrounding natural world. There are so many neat things to see and enjoy: snow-bedecked pines in northern backyards; bouganvillas flaunting their carmine blooms; bright red poinsettias begging to be purchased. Such sights are soothing to our souls, a gentle reminder to slow down and smell the roses. No matter how isolated or alone we might feel, God has not forgotten us. God will strengthen us in our weakness and provide guidance on the way…and there will be ample opportunities to rejoice and give praise…and enjoy the beauty of life!

Thought for the Day: Where is the beauty in my life?

Matthew 3:7-12

“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.” vs. 11

John didn’t mince words in his sermons to those who gathered to hear his message. He told them clearly that remorse and good intentions were not enough. “Bear fruit worthy of repentance,” he shouted, and the crowds lined up to be baptized. Even with that visible response, we sense that John sensed the ultimate futility of what he preached, that the people wouldn’t be able to produce the fruit they craved. Real change would continue to elude them no matter how hard they tried. We know the feeling well. We’re aware of our need for repentance…we hear the voice of the law from every direction, “Get thin, stop drinking, start loving, be kind, exercise, practice….” And no matter how sincere our resolve, the changes just don’t seem to happen. John knew that, perhaps he had experienced it in his own life, so he offers a word of hope. He tells the people clearly that what they’re doing in the Jordan is only a start, that one with more power than he is on the way. And that’s what happened. In Jesus the chaff of sin is burned away and the power of the Holy Spirit changes lives. Love, joy, kindness, gentleness, patience…all the fruits abound, and we know peace.

Thought for the Day: Why do some say that they have no need of repentance?

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. 1-2

Out in the culture kids are waiting for Santa to show up in the malls and shopping centers…it’s not really Christmas in their estimation until his arrival. We wonder how they would react if they got John the Baptist instead. No fat elf here, with red coat trimmed in white, and a big wide black belt. This wild-eyed prophet would be dressed in the skin of a camel with a leather belt around his waist…and his message would be jolting. “Repent, change your ways!” Of course the kids would be scared…and their parents angry. “How dare John show up just before Christmas with such upsetting words!” Actually John comes every year about this time…he’s an Advent kind of guy and wants us to remember that the key to kingdom living is repentance. For those who think that message is a downer, think again! What would life be like if we never took time to change the way we’re living, particularly when we’ve wandered far from the way of righteousness? No one of us is living as we ought to live. All of us are easy prey for the cares of this world. We love the sweet comforts of luxurious living…no matter what the cost. We need the jolt that John delivers. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Thought for the Day: What will happen if I refuse to repent?

Romans 15:7-13

“Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” vs. 7

As congregations advertise their presence to the public it’s become common to see the phrase “All Are Welcome” attached to their signage or included in their worship folders. In some congregations it’s everywhere. Seemingly no event or activity can be announced without those three words being included, “All Are Welcome.” Since the church has long had a reputation for being exclusive we should probably be glad to see this turn toward inclusivity. Certainly this is what Paul had in mind when he told the Jews and Gentiles in the Roman congregation to welcome one another as Christ had welcomed them all. But still we wonder and some are suspicious. It’s easy to adopt slogans, especially the ones that have become politically correct, and still maintain barriers. Could it be that some congregations are using the language of inclusion while still marginalizing newcomers and subtly excluding people who are different? Can folks sit in the pews yet not have a place at the table? Genuinely welcoming those who are different is one of the hardest things we can do as followers of Jesus. It’s not that long ago that we were killing each other. It’s good that our language is headed in the right direction. It may even be that some day our hearts and practices will follow.

Thought for the Day: Who might not feel welcome in my congregation?

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

Paul knew the Hebrew scriptures well and they provided solid guidance as he tried to make sense of the cross in his communication with early followers of Jesus. As we read his letters we find frequent quotations from the psalms and prophets, passages carefully chosen to encourage his readers and give them hope. The scriptures we have adopted as a community of faith are more extensive than those available to Paul and even include many of his letters. These writings are like a family history for us and should be cherished and used for meditation. Without them we probably would know nothing of Jesus or his teachings. As Martin Luther put it, “The scriptures are the cradle in which we find the Christ.” As will be obvious to anyone who reads it, the bible is not easy to understand and has many parts that are obscure and even contradictory. It’s been abused and misused time and again, and has even been used to create divisions in the Body of Christ. Verses are taken out of context and used like weapons against opponents. Often it’s seen as a book of rules rather than a book of grace. Paul’s words remind us that the bible is intended for our encouragement that we might have hope. As we meditate on its verses in this season of waiting that’s exactly what we will receive.

Thought for the Day: What has the bible meant in my life?

Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

“May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy, and crush the oppressor.” vs. 4

The coronation of a new king was a big deal in ancient Israel. We don’t know the exact rituals but today’s psalm was likely part of the liturgy. It’s almost like a job description and lays out clearly the deepest expectations of the people. Quite naturally we read that they were hoping that the king’s reign would bring prosperity and that his life would be full and rich. In that sense they are not much different from us as we await the inauguration of our new president. But in this particular verse the psalmist adds a petition on behalf of the poor and the needy, that the king would defend their cause and crush their oppressors. From passages like this and from the writings of the prophets we learn that this was God’s bottom line for any ruler. If they cared for the needs of the poor the nation would prosper. If not, doom was on the horizon! Obviously this is not an easy assignment for any leader. There are a multitude of causes for poverty and solutions are difficult. This season provides a variety of ways for us us to reach out to the poor and the hungry…and we should gladly participate in the angel tree giving and the food drives. But the larger problem is systemic and remains near the top of any leader’s job description.

Thought for the Day: How will I give deliverance to the needy?