The Third Thursday In Advent

THE THIRD THURSDAY IN ADVENT

Thursday, December 16, 2010

MATTHEW 13:2-When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples and said to him, "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?"

Yesterday I noted that this was a strange question for John to be asking.  The first part of John’s ministry was preparing for Jesus.  When Jesus was baptized John greeted him at the River Jordan with that words that have become part of our communion liturgy, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”  Now John is questioning if Jesus is the real deal.  Why?

Remember where John was – in prison.  He was awaiting execution.  Having visited in jails and prisons, they are never pleasant places today.  I can only imagine the dismal circumstances of a First Century prison.  John’s life was unraveling.  He must have felt abandoned, frightened, and despondent.  His heart was so heavy that his eyes of faith were clouded.  We are not told but no doubt John’s disciples returned to encourage John and assure him that Jesus was who he said he was. 

I will always remember the young woman, widowed for the second time and left with three small children, asking me, “Why has God abandoned me?  What have I done to deserve this?”  Her heart was so heavy that she could not see God at work in her life through friends, family and her church working to support her and help her through.  God had not abandoned her but was more present that ever.  But like John the Baptist she could not see it at the time.

SO WHEN have you been called upon to be like John’s disciples to encourage and support someone in a difficult time?  Or when have your eyes been so clouded that you needed someone to remind you that Jesus was still there even though you could not see or feel him?

Stir up your power, O Lord and come.  Come to us and empower us to be your presence in the lives of people who cannot see you.  AMEN