1 November 2010
Psalm 56, 57; Ecclus 38.24-34; Rev 14.1-13; Luke 12.49-59

This passage is an interesting look at the notion of calling. The argument is that only those who are set on one thing, the study of the law, are actually equipped to expound on it and provide wisdom. All others are double-minded at best, occupied as they are with other work. That other work is not condemned in any way, their work makes life worth the while and the conveniences of life possible. The reality is, however, that in Judaism it made no sense to have those people sit in judgment as only those who were devoted to the law were capable of wisely leading the people. In our churches today too often we are more interested in our leaders being successful business people than those who are deeply immersed in the study of the Word. We need people who have been successful but our greater need is for those who are most interested in God’s Word and God’s Way.

It is important that we learn to interpret the times. Jesus says that we can do that in the natural order of things (not sure how much meteorology has advanced in 2 millenia) but what is more important is that we develop our abilities to interpret the time that we live in. As Christians we have the Holy Spirit and we have the Word as our guides and what we need is to interpret the times in order that we might know and understand how to communicate the Gospel to our contemporaries. Where does the Gospel answer the big questions in life? What are the questions the world is asking, whether overtly in words or more discreetly in attitudes? What is the question that consumerism attempts to answer? What is the question that spirituality attempts to answer? If we would see people accept Jesus we need to understand the questions they are asking first.

In the passage from the Revelation we see the angels speaking into a broken world and telling it to turn to God. They point out that the city that had become the center of idolatry, herself an idol to the nations, has been ruined, she is not eternal. Their message is to see reality clearly and then turn to the one who has brought this destruction and who is coming in greater judgment but is now offering what the world cannot offer, salvation from this judgment. The angel speaks truth, what will come if they persist in worshipping the beast, but the blessedness of those who do not, and that blessing is eternal.

When I am afraid,
I put my trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.
What can flesh do to me?
In God, whose word I praise,
in the LORD, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.