Joy in His Coming
December 14, 1997
Luke 3:18 (John) preached good news unto the people
Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18
Everybody ought to have at least one friend like John the Baptist. I know this is the man who wore strange clothing, and who ate locusts and wild honey. This is the man who shouted at people, and strode through the desert regions crying, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord!" But when I say we could use a friend like John, it isn't his appearance or his diet, or even the fact that he was a great prophet or preacher that I'm thinking about. Just what kind of friend do I think that John the Baptist might be?
That friend would have the courage to be real. He would accept me as I was, but at the same time, he would have enough respect for me to tell me where he thought I might be headed for trouble. A friend like John the Baptist would lay it on the line: "This is how it is!" But the best thing about a friend like John the Baptist, if we ever had one, would be a confidence that God wanted to make a difference in my life! With a friend like that there would always be room for HOPE! Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a friend like that?
Today's Theme for Advent is JOY! The scripture readings are all about casting away fears, and rejoicing because the King of Kings has promised to come to be with his people.
Zephaniah (3:14) says "Sing aloud! Be glad, rejoice- the King is here and we won't see evil any more!" Isaiah (12:2) shouts: "God is my salvation! I will trust and not be afraid! With JOY we draw water from the wells of salvation!" And from his jail cell where he wrote the letter to the Philippians, (4), Paul tells us all: "Rejoice! Rejoice!! The LORD is near! Don't be care-full and troubled, but instead cast your worry on the Lord!"(par.) The theme for the day is joy!
So when we first read it, then, John's words in the wilderness, calling people "snakes" and threatening God's judgment seems not to fit at all with "Rejoice in the Lord always," and "Rejoice and exult with all your heart," and "Shout aloud and sing for joy," these other readings for this Sunday, the Sunday of Joy, (or "Gaudete" Sunday, from the Latin term for "rejoice.") So, is John the Baptist and his rugged message out of place here? Not at all!!
Like a true friend, John is preparing us to meet God with JOY instead of shame. John is telling us that true repentance is not just saying you're sorry! Gospel repentance involves a change in the way you live your life.
If we are resisting God's love, and don't want to change our ways to walk with Him, John's message will seem harsh and mean spirited. If we realize our friend is telling us that God is coming, calling for us, and this is how we get ready to meet Him, then John's call to repentance really GOOD NEWS! It is an invitation to a permanent relationship with the King of Kings.
Everybody ought to have at least one friend like John the Baptist.
John did not try to impress people or 'make points' for himself— a friend like him would be a HUMBLE friend! ("He must increase— I must decrease") John was not afraid to tell the truth wherever he was— he would be an HONEST friend. (It got him into big trouble; but not with God!)
But John was also SENSITIVE and even GENTLE. He did not expect all the people to be like he was— pacing through the desert. His message was SIMPLE: Let LOVE change your life! Share your wealth! Give clothing— give food!
John said: Start where you are and live out your repentance! The people said, "What does that mean?" John said, "Loving is giving and sharing!" Then the (reviled) tax collectors said, "What about us?" John did NOT tell them to enter a monastery. He did not even tell them to quit their hated jobs. He just said, "Bring God's fairness into where you work!" Then even soldiers— armed and trained warriors— said, "What about us?" John said, "You don't have to wear camel hair clothes and eat bugs like me— just be good, honest, just soldiers!"
No wonder the people came! Just getting ready for Messiah— even before he comes— gets to be exciting! God is pleased!! and this is JOY: THIS IS GOOD NEWS!
Everybody ought to have at least one friend like John the Baptist.
John was the Introducer— the Announcer— the one who says, "Heeerrre's JESUS!" He told the people: Behold! The Lamb of God! He introduced people to Jesus, and Jesus brought them life and light and joy!
There is a sense in which we do have a friend like John the Baptist! We have the Holy Spirit, the Bible, and the church to tell us that God comes calling "Adam! Where are you?" Comes calling out your name and mine. All the graces of the Body of Christ combine to bring Jesus near to you and me. We have heard the word: Repent! Turn! Lay aside lesser loves! Share what you are! Share what you have! Behold! The Lamb of God! We hear it again in the scripture today. Everybody ought to have at least one friend like John the Baptist.
I have had people who have been for me my John the Baptist! I have had a friend or two that could look me in the eye and say, "You need to change your direction!" Have you had a John the Baptist in your life? If you have, you are blessed!
By the grace of God it may be that you and I can grow to be someone's John the Baptist! Maybe we could, by the help of the Holy Spirit, be real— and loving— and honest— and caring— until we could introduce people to Jesus.
If we can ourselves prepare, and draw near, and seek God's face during these days of Advent, and if our repentance filters out into sharing and caring— then we just might find as we try to help others that we, ourselves, will find a deeper blessing this Christmas than we have known before! And that just might be why we can call this Sunday a time for rejoicing.
Prayer
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we have no power or strength of ourselves, let your bountiful grace and mercy lead us in your will and way, and deliver us from evil; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen. Hymn: Open My Eyes #461 Silently now I wait for Thee
