Rejoice
Third Sunday in Advent December 16, 2018
Zephaniah 3: 14-20 Isaiah 12: 2-6 Philippians 4: 4-7 Luke 3: 7-1
“You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?“ (Luke 3:7)
This is not the recommended way to begin a speech in which you hope to win over your listeners. No self-deprecating humor. No opening joke to calm and unify the audience.
This is also not an auspicious way to put the congregation in the mood for Gaudete (i. e. REJOICE) Sunday---the third Sunday in Advent when we light the pink candle and celebrate JOY.
But, this, of course, is what John requires. He could do no other. He was convinced of the singularity of his message.
With John there was only one imperative: REPENT! And he wouldn‘t let up: Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, “We have Abraham as our ancestor,“ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children of Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. (Luke 3: 8,9)
When asked, John was very specific about what those who repent must do.
For those with two coats and plenty of food: share with those in need. For tax collectors: collect no more than the amount prescribed for you. For soldiers: do not extort (Luke 3: 10-14).
This is all to prepare his listeners for baptism by “... one who is more powerful than I...(who) will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire“ (Luke 3: 16).
According to Luke, John thusly “...proclaimed the good news to the people“ and was shut up in prison by his enemy Herod. (Luke 3: 18-20)
And this is where John‘s experience of joy surely kicked in. Ask yourself: What makes you more joyful than giving of yourself – even at great personal cost – for a cause that will outlive you? What could make for a more significant and joyous life than “accepting the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves“ (United Methodist baptismal vow).
Leah Tutu said of her husband Desmond when he was arrested for protesting apartheid that she‘d rather see him happy in jail than moping around outside.
John called people to live lives of economic justice in the corrupt Roman Empire. He baptized so people would be ready for the renegade Reign-of-God rabbi Jesus who promised to overturn that empire by bringing good news to the poor and releasing every captive (Luke 4:18). John knew what was coming, and he and Jesus were jailed and executed.
Jesus‘ beatitude was for them—and us: Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness‘ sake...REJOICE and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5: 11, 12)
The Rev. Bill Steward is a retired clergy member of the Iowa Annual Conference. Together with the Rev. Bill Cotton he produces "MEMO for Those Who Preach," which is distributed by email. Click here to subscribe.