The Sony hack…What are the consequences, intended and unintended of mocking Kim Jong Un in “The Interview?” Accusations of sexual misconduct against Bill Cosby…Mark Driscoll being removed as the pastor of Mars Hill and the entire Mars Hill movement shutdown…ISIS being called a “cult, and Kate Hudson splitting up with Muse singer Matt Bellamy. These are some of the news headlines that shape public discourse.
The headlines in today’s lectionary readings are God’s greatness is unsearchable…God is gracious and merciful…God is faithful, just, and near to all…The Church’s mission is the prepare the way of the Lord to intersect with real people who have real needs who live in a real world…God is the same and God’s years will never end…All things came into being through Jesus…God is Messiah, not human.
A different tone these headlines. Yet each of the latter addresses directly the former with their themes of loss, violence, injustice, brokenness, narcissism, pain, and fear.
Many are seeking a better way to live. God’s intent is to bring order, balance, harmony between darkness and light, and unity to/in human experience. Christians have an amazing message to live for those who are seeking a better way.
Relationships, not programs, bring the good news in the healthiest ways. It is through authentic and transparent relationships that we see God at work in the messes of our existence.
Ponder the mess which is most occupying your time. Look to the One who knows best and trust the Messiah to meet you in the mess and begin to sort it out with you.
Scripture readings are taken from the two-year daily lectionary cycle which follows the liturgical calendar and begins on the First Sunday of Advent.
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