3rd Sunday in Advent

Gather the Outcast

The reading today comes from Zephaniah. Zephaniah was a contemporary of the prophet Jeremiah, in fact, Jeremiah at one point asks Zephaniah to take a message to the king. The book Zephaniah is written in response to raids by a group called the “Scythians” who were nomadic raiders originating out of the southwestern Russia. Zephaniah sees these raiders as a warning of more troubles to come if the people do not change their ways.

This by now has become a common theme of the prophets. Destruction is at hand, the people must change their ways, God will save.

Disparity of Wealth and caring for the poor is not only an ancient problem. Consider the following:
“average pay for corporate chief executive officers rose to 369 times that of the average worker last year, said finance professor Kevin Murphy of the University of Southern California; that compares with 131 times in 1993 and 36 times in 1976.”
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/business/295840_polleconomy14.html?source=mypi
In fact, the disparity of wealth between the richest 1% of our country and the rest of us is becoming as dramatic as it was in 1929 preceding the great depression. The best year was 1976 when the wealthiest 1% owned 20%, the wealthiest 1% today own about 38% of the nations wealth.
http://sociology.ucsc.edu/whorulesamerica/power/wealth.html

The “brood of vipers” become citizens of the kingdom of God when they begin to live in the recognition that all people are of worth and valued by God. They become citizens when they don’t make judgments about the poor but they begin to do something with the poor.

The people of LUMC have done much to live this vision. This past year through the “Pastor’s Love Fund” we have distributed nearly $1,000 to those in need. We have purchased food, gas and clothing. We have helped with rent, electric and water bills. We have purchased medications, and helped with doctor bills.

This year we will continue to live as people of the kingdom as we continue to name and do the work of helping our neighbors. We will continue to help those who ask for assistance and we will find more ways to bring help to those in need. As we help our neighbors, as we look for signs of the kingdom, we are making the way ready for the Messiah’s reign.

Devotions for the fourth week of Advent

Monday Read Zephaniah 1:7-13
The prophet describes God’s judgment as separating the rich from the objects of their wealth. How might it be a good thing to be separated from objects of wealth, what would the benefit be?

Pray for those holding on to possessions.

Tuesday Read Zephaniah 2:1-4
The people are called to gather together before God’s judgment comes and the people are scattered by God’s hand. How might we find strength in community? How can you participate in building community in your neighborhood, or your church?

Pray for those who are isolated and vulnerable.

Wednesday Read Zephaniah 3:14-20
This is a song of joy, for the community is restored as the outcast are gathered together. What prayers, time or money can you give for a mission of the church this next year?

Pray for the Mission opportunities of the church where we might feed, house, teach, build up the people of God.

Thursday Read Luke 3:1-6
John the Baptist quotes Isaiah, that to prepare for the Messiah we need to make straight paths, lift valleys, lower mountains, smooth over the rough places. How does this image fit your life today? Its December 21st, only a few days now until Christmas, what do you need to change so you can receive the Christ child?

Pray for your life with God, any rough places that you and God need to work on together?

Friday Read Luke 3:7-14
John seemingly turns on the people calling them a “brood of vipers.” Then addresses their questions about living a life with God, with answers like, tax collectors don’t take too much and soldiers respect the people. How might John the Baptist lead you in your work or life so you can live according to God’s kingdom?

Pray for those who are oppressing others and justify it by saying, “I’m only doing my job.”