4 November 2010
Psalm 71; Ecclus 44.1-15; Rev 16.12-21; Luke 13.18-30

We tend to single out those whose faith is known to us in the pages of Scripture and this passage reminds us that “famous” is not the standard for God. It is well to recall the lives of those who walked well the walk of faith and whose stories are knowable. In our tradition we remember those from the Bible and from our history who have walked well. We don’t venerate them or pray to them but we do well to have set before us their good examples as inspiration. This writer speaks of those who were great in the eyes of the world and then reminds us that there are countless others, who quietly and anonymously had great impact on their generations and who are no less worthy of praise. I know many of these quiet saints who have impacted my life and who continue to challenge me with their walk to keep the faith and press on towards the goal.

What is the “narrow door”? That door is Jesus Himself. In John 10 He speaks of being the gate of the sheepfold through which only the sheep may pass and that then leads to John 14, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life, no man comes to the Father but by Me.” He is the only way to eternal life, there are many paths but only one which leads to eternal life with God. We don’t get to choose our own way, we must follow the way of Christ and that is the path of faith, the way of the cross. It may not be popular but if we would receive the crown of glory we must receive it from Him.

There are many Biblical references in this reading from the Revelation. The word from the throne says “It is done.” Does that sound like Jesus from the cross proclaiming “It is finished.” This proclamation is accompanied by the signs Matthew gives us in his Gospel about the crucifixion, signs in the heavens and an earthquake. Babylon is required to drain the cup to the last connects with Psalm 75, a psalm of judgment on the nations. The hailstones are reminiscent of the plague of hail in Egypt. All these cause men not to turn to God here but to curse Him for the plague. They recognize Him as responsible but they will not turn to Him for salvation.

In you, O LORD, do I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame!
In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;
incline your ear to me, and save me!
Be to me a rock of refuge,
to which I may continually come;
you have given the command to save me,
for you are my rock and my fortress.