Job has made several lectionary appearances in October. His is an epic story of many layers…with an epic message.
All Knowing,
All Mighty God,
This is my take on Job…
Am I off the rails?
He loses children, health and wealth.
The tragedy is never adequately explained. It’s the classic “why do bad things happen to good people?” It’s further complicated by a Divine foreknowledge. And the wounding continues as Job’s (supposed) friends offer gratuitous, misguided consolation.
In lament, in despair, Job finds himself in Your presence.
God is not distant.
God is available.
And that Holy presence is enough.
In Your presence, Job is restored.
It’s not about understanding God’s plans or God’s ways. That’s beyond our comprehension.
It’s about knowing Your presence. That is within our reach.
For some it comes like lightning. For me, much cultivation has been necessary.
And like Job, Your loving presence heals and restores, guides and empowers. Your presence saves. Amen.
Micah is my favorite prophet. That owes entirely to his venerated admonition on the Lord's behalf:
Do justice,
Love kindness,
Walk humbly with your God.
(from Micah 6:8)
It is a challenging and powerful mission statement!
So, I was thinking...
Public health officials (appropriately) and politicians (often inappropriately) dominate the pandemic discussion. What might a prophet have to say?
Woe to you!
Kingdom of America,
Nation of Contagion.
Fealty to your vaunted economy
tramples a withered humanity.
You abuse liberty.
You pervert the
“pursuit of happiness.”
550,000 pandemic dead.
Still, you resist masks,
even vaccinations.
You applaud reckless re-openings.
The common good takes a back seat
to red/blue politics
and your culture war.
You invite Divine cancelation!
Infectious
Communicable
Transmissible
...describe your grievances,
and your behavior,
but not your tepid faith.
Sick and selfish souls
are the real pandemic.
Are you so dull, so dim?
What part of this command
eludes your comprehension?
Love your neighbor as yourself.
(Mark 12:31)
This scolding
brings no pleasure.
Let my harsh tone convict.
Mend your ways!
Our God stands ready
to forgive, heal and restore.
Amen.
The prophet, for whom negativity is an occupational hazard, asked me to acknowledge the “love your neighbor” care and concern of essential workers, from nurses to grocery store cashiers. And for the mask wearers, the social distancers and the vaccinated.
I found myself making notes during Holy Week about the basics of Easter. Given the the layers of meaning and the resurrection miracle itself, it might be a misguided effort. There is no “Easter for Dummies.” It’s too grand and complex. Still, denominations, theologians, politicians, you and I are inclined to mold Jesus to suit our tastes, biases and needs. Therefore, I do believe that it’s a useful exercise to extract the essence of Easter.
God sends his Word
in the flesh
a life and lessons
of forgiveness, healing
humility, service
love
World counters Word
with rebuke, mocking
betrayal, torture
murder
Word answers
with obedience
with sacrificial love
God replies
with restoration
with covenant, Spirit
with resurrection power
We respond
with belief, repentance
“salt and light”
with love
Amen
o lord, i lament
pundits chatter about division
red states, blue states
red counties, blue cities
it’s a political phenomenon
dominating the news
but not our lives
most of us are center-red
or center-blue
in the middle
we aren’t ranting
on social media
we’re sharing pix
of pets and grandkids
In the neighborhood, workplace
in civic and faith pursuits
there’s respect, mutual concern
even solidarity
we are so weary
of chaos and turmoil
in politics and government
we seek order
in a disorderly world
we long for community
with humility and forgiveness
with love of neighbor
Jesus is the way
Whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:4
Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times! Matthew 18:21-22
Love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:39
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Matthew 25:35-36
amen
Gracious God!
I’m rethinking Noah’s Ark,
and meaning in the myth.
False prophets, grumpy Christians
can’t resist an angry God.
They savor Noah’s parable,
where wayward humanity
is engulfed by floodwaters.
But they miss the point.
God selects a family to carry on.
God cares about each animal.
God provides detailed survival instructions.
God proffers a covenant with all creation.
This isn’t a tale of God’s wrath.
It’s a love story,
of personal care and mercy,
of God’s grace.
God of the restart, the do-over, the reboot!
And the story ends with a rainbow,
with hope!
Thanks be to God, Amen.