DOING JUSTICE: Chapter 2 - Preparing the Way

WEDNESDAY, January 15
HOW DO I MAKE IT RIGHT? Doing Justice in a Broken World by Tracy Young
Chapter 2 Preparing the Way - Mary's Song

Luke 1:52-53 MSG
He knocked tyrants off their high horses,
    pulled victims out of the mud.
The starving poor sat down to a banquet;
    the callous rich were left out in the cold.

     Mary.  Ordinary.  Humble.  Young and overwhelmed.  What in the world was happening?  God in her?  Yet Mary didn't let all this go to her head.  She didn't get an inflated ego or think SHE was God.  And we can tell from her song of rejoicing, she realized early that her offspring would be a different kind of king:  a leader of justice and mercy, a champion of the downtrodden and the forgotten.  She is an unexpected agent of change - change that will come in unexpected ways.  Because that's how God works!

God uses a young, unmarried woman - probably a teen - to help change the course of history....Mary has no great significance in the eyes of [her] world.  But through her servanthood and her joyful obedience to God, she ushers in the One who brings healing and salvation.  She rejoices in the God who turns the tables of power and influence to lift up the weakest, the poorest, and the least.  (TY)

     Is there a 'Mary' inside each of us?  One who can be an unexpected agent of change?  One who can turn the tables of injustice and champion those on the edge?  If we open ourselves to the power of God working through us, what are the possibilities? 

Lord, today may I live the Light, may I walk the words, may I BE what I write.  Amen.  


THURSDAY, January 16
HOW DO I MAKE IT RIGHT? Doing Justice in a Broken World 
by Tracy Young
Chapter 2 Preparing the Way -Joseph

Matthew 1:18-21  GNT
This was how the birth of Jesus Christ took place. His mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they were married, she found out that she was going to have a baby by the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph was a man who always did what was right, but he did not want to disgrace Mary publicly; so he made plans to break the engagement privately. 20 While he was thinking about this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, descendant of David, do not be afraid to take Mary to be your wife. For it is by the Holy Spirit that she has conceived. 21 She will have a son, and you will name him Jesus—because he will save his people from their sins.”

     Joseph.  Righteous.  Honorable.  One who 'does right'.  Yet Joseph is

Gaulli's painting: Joseph & the Infant
Christ
Is this what obeying God looks like?

caught in a situation not of his making.  An uncomfortable situation that will bring shame to his family.  A situation he can quietly avoid.  

     Yet Joseph doesn't do the expected.  He does what God asks.  He obeys.  Despite what his culture says is right.  He takes the infant on as his own to nurture and love.  So much is written about Mary carrying God's child, I wonder if we fail to acknowledge Joseph for his sacrifices. 

      God often calls us to make such sacrifices to honor his call for justice.  He asks us to obey and sometimes go against the grain of culture and expectations.  Is there a Joseph inside of me, willing to buck the comfortable and easy, willing to obey?  

"Joseph claimed this child as father to son because that was what the Lord expected of him.  The path of Jesus often cuts right through cultural expectations and societal norms, calling us to cast aside our own notion of what is right and good in favor of what God calls right and good."  (TY)

Lord, today may I live the Light, may I walk the words, may I BE what I write.  Amen.  


FRIDAY, January 17
HOW DO I MAKE IT RIGHT? Doing Justice in a Broken World 
by Tracy Young
Chapter 2 Preparing the Way -Zechariah and Elizabeth

Luke 1:13-14 GNT
But the angel said to him, “Don't be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son. You are to name him John.14 How glad and happy you will be, and how happy many others will be when he is born!

      God can make incredible things happen.  No doubt about it.  Zechariah, while of an affluent and priestly nature, was in the dumps because he was childless.  God said it would happen.  Zechariah's initial response?  'No way, God!  Not possible!'   But he obeyed.  And John happened.  

     Our initial response to our individual power to do justice?  Our belief that we can make a difference in a very troubled world?  'No way, God!  The mess is too big!'  Not gonna happen!   But that is the big picture that we cannot see.  God simply needs our faith and obedience.  God simply needs our hands and voices in which to work.  

     Am I a bit of a Zechariah at times?  Do I doubt my ability to be an agent of change through God?  Do I doubt God's ability to make it happen?  How 'happy the world will be' when we obey and let God go to work!  

Lord, today may I live the Light, may I walk the words, may I BE what I write.  Amen. 
     
SATURDAY, January 18
HOW DO I MAKE IT RIGHT? Doing Justice in a Broken World 
by Tracy Young
Chapter 2 Preparing the Way -The Announcement

Matthew 2:1-3 CEB

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the territory of Judea during the rule of King Herod, magi came from the east to Jerusalem. 2 They asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We’ve seen his star in the east, and we’ve come to honor him.”

3 When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, and everyone in Jerusalem was troubled with him.

     Herod.  Rich and mighty.  Powerful.  He has been challenged and threatened by the news of a royal birth.  Poor Herod.  He has no idea of just how challenged he is!  He has no concept of the scope of this birth.  God is at work through the usual God channels: unexpected and lowly, foreigners. Shepherds and magi.  The magi/kings traveled by star light.  They traveled on hope and a vision of something new.  They did not expect a tiny baby of humble birth any more than Herod.  

     What are my expectations?  God announced the coming Messiah to peasant farmers and shepherds; foreigners and immigrants.  The Messiah of justice and change.  Am I ready to listen?  Am I ready to act?  Am I ready to obey?

Chapter 2 Preparing the Way - John the Baptist
Matthew 3:1-3 MSG

1-2 While Jesus was living in the Galilean hills, John, called “the Baptizer,” was preaching in the desert country of Judea. His message was simple and austere, like his desert surroundings: “Change your life. God’s kingdom is here.”

3 John and his message were authorized by Isaiah’s prophecy:

Thunder in the desert!
Prepare for God’s arrival!
Make the road smooth and straight!

     And finally....John the Baptist.  Eccentric with strange clothing.  Eater of bugs! A hermit! One who shouted 'Repent'!! Picture the corner homeless man in a big city with his signs of doomsday.  Yet people flocked to hear John, while we avoid the peculiar and odd behavior of street folk. Why??

     While John preached repentance, he also preached action.  God didn't want just the words.  God wanted DOING.  And God still wants this today.  Our words aren't enough, we must live them.  

Lord, today may I live the Light, may I walk the words, may I BE what I write.  Amen. 

SUNDAY, January 19

HOW DO I MAKE IT RIGHT? Doing Justice in a Broken World 

by Tracy Young

Chapter 2 Preparing the Way: Contemplation and Questions

Isaiah 11:1-5 (portions)  MSG

A green Shoot will sprout from Jesse’s stump,
    from his roots a budding Branch.......
He won’t judge by appearances,
    won’t decide on the basis of hearsay.
He’ll judge the needy by what is right,
    render decisions on earth’s poor with justice.......
Each morning he’ll pull on sturdy work clothes and boots,
    and build righteousness and faithfulness in the land.

     This was one of the suggested discussion scriptures for today.  My favorite line is the way Eugene Peterson translates verse 5: 'He'll pull on sturdy work clothes and boots, and build righteousness...."  Justice can be a full time job.  It isn't pretty or easy.  It doesn't 'just happen' - it is constructed piece by piece.  Sounds like a Habitat build.

     How often do I cynically voice the "No way, can't be done." philosophy in regard to what appears to be an impossible task?  How often do I avoid the uncomfortable or unconventional because I don't want to hear it?  Or perhaps most frequently, how often do I talk the talk and let it stop there?  

PREPARING FOR JUSTICE:  Heart, Head, and Hands....
Heart:  Scripture study, meditation and prayer 
Head:  Educating myself on justice issues and their causes
Hands: Volunteer!  Write letters!  Physically get involved.  

OPTIONS FOR PERSONAL ACTION
1.  Go through the newspaper or listen to the news attuned to stories that focus on a person or group who may be struggling for justice.  PRAY for them.  ASK if there is a way to advocate on their behalf....a letter?  Phone call?  

2.  Learn more about The Micah Challenge, a global Christian movement to overcome extreme poverty.  Something to join and support?  Find out!  I have pasted one clip from the website below.
www.micahchallenge.org

8 MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS (MDGS)

In 2000, 189 nations made a promise to free people from extreme poverty by 2015. This promise turned into the 8 Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). We're the international hub of Micah Challenge representing a global coalition of Christians holding governments accountable for these promises to the poor. We seek to empower Christians to speak out for justice and to turn compassion into action.

eradicate extreme poverty
AND HUNGER

ACHIEVE 
UNIVERSAL PRIMARY 
EDUCATION

PROMOTE GENDER 
EQUALITY AND 
EMPOWER WOMEN

REDUCE 
CHILD 
MORTALITY

IMPROVE MATERNAL 
HEALTH

COMBAT HIV, 
MALARIA AND 
OTHER DISEASES

ENSURE
ENVIRONMENTAL 
SUSTAINABILITY

DEVELOP A GLOBAL 
PARTNERSHIP FOR 
DEVELOPMENT

ADDENDUM from Sunday Worship

The text for this morning’s sermon was Matthew 3:13-17, the rest of the Baptism story of Jesus.  When John protests that he shouldn't be the one to baptize Jesus (but rather the other way around!) Jesus replies,  “Let it be so for now. For in this way we shall do all that God requires.”  (GNT) The key word that Pastor Katy emphasized was the WE.  Jesus is including all humanity into the call for righteousness.  WE are all part of the charge to do justice.  In light of the rest of my studies this morning, that slant on the text jumped out at me.
Lord, today may I live the Light, may I walk the words, may I BE what I write.  Amen. 

EPIPHANY

d365.org PRESENCE OF GOD

(based on Matt 2:1-12; from A Worship Sourcebook)

The Christ child is born!
All you who would find him, 
prepare for a journey, as determined as the Magi.
All you who would praise him, 
come with the faith to follow but a star.
All you who would worship him, 
come with humility to the child
who shows forth the immeasurable riches of God.

SATURDAY, January 12     "Wise Rule"
Psalm 72:1-8 (The Message)
Give the gift of wise rule to the king, O God,
    the gift of just rule to the crown prince.
May he judge your people rightly,
    be honorable to your meek and lowly.
Let the mountains give exuberant witness;
    shape the hills with the contours of right living.
Please stand up for the poor,
    help the children of the needy,
    come down hard on the cruel tyrants.
Outlast the sun, outlive the moon—
    age after age after age.
Be rainfall on cut grass,
    earth-refreshing rain showers.
Let righteousness burst into blossom
    and peace abound until the moon fades to nothing.
Rule from sea to sea,
    from the River to the Rim.
My comments today will be brief.  I want to simply send the scripture text to all leaders - from Presidents to Congress, to judges and magistrates.  Our CEO God manages the world with compassion and love, justice and righteousness.  The example is there, the bar is set high.  But if we focus on this kind of leadership, perhaps peace may someday "abound until the moon fades to nothing."  
What kind of leadership do I offer?  What is my part in all this?  

d365.org BENEDICTION (Joann Lee)

See the child, 

Gentle and kind,

Vision of God,

Image of the Divine.

Be the child,

Prepared to see

Images of God,

And all that will be.

All that will be.

Friday, January 11    "CEO God"
Ephesians 3:8 (The Message) 
When it came to presenting the Message to people who had no background in God’s way, I was the least qualified of any of the available Christians. God saw to it that I was equipped, but you can be sure that it had nothing to do with my natural abilities.
I'm not qualified. 
Can't do that, don't know how. 
I don't have the background or knowledge. 
Too young; too old. 
We say this all the time,
Usually because the task is daunting. 
Or inconvenient. 
Or dangerous.
And we don't WANT to do it.  
But God sends the unqualified. 
The 'least of these' Christians.  
Rather like a company that prefers to 'train its own', 
God WILL equip us with the tools we need, 
The knowledge to share, 
The depth of compassion
Step by step. 
Not all at once, 
But as we need it. 
What is our part, our job?
Faith.  Trust.  
Confidence that God is in control,
And knows what is best for us, 
And for His creation.  
Big jobs, small jobs,
Nearby or far away jobs. 
God is equipping his workers. 
God is a GREAT CEO of the world. 



THURSDAY, January 10    "Epiphany Mystery"
Ephesians 3:6 (The Message)
The mystery is that people who have never heard of God and those who have heard of him all their lives (what I’ve been calling outsiders and insiders) stand on the same ground before God. They get the same offer, same help, same promises in Christ Jesus. The Message is accessible and welcoming to everyone, across the board.

Mystery.  Secret or hidden plan.  Various translations use different terms.  But in all the reference is to God's plan for our world.  Through the 'mystery of Christ', ALL are welcome in the kingdom of God.  The arrival of the foreign, Gentile wise men signifies this EPIPHANY - this revelation of inclusiveness beyond the boundaries of the Hebrew nation.  How well have we gone beyond the boundaries of our comfortable lives and welcomed the newborn Christ as seen in the faces of our struggling neighbors, refugees, and hungry children.  
God has revealed his mystery - as he came among us, he brought us all together.  

WEDNESDAY, January 9
"Expectations"
Matthew 2:9-11 (The Message)
^" Instructed by the king, they set off. Then the star appeared again, the same star they had seen in the eastern skies. It led them on until it hovered over the place of the child. They could hardly contain themselves: They were in the right place! They had arrived at the right time!  They entered the house and saw the child in the arms of Mary, his mother. Overcome, they kneeled and worshiped him. Then they opened their luggage and presented gifts: gold, frankincense, myrrh."
     Picture this.  Important, busy, and wealthy scholars in a land distant and very strange from Israel see a sign in the sky.  They drop everything, gather their entourage of camels and servants, and set off for Jerusalem.  They are carrying gifts - gifts worthy of a royal king.  Expensive gifts.  They have high expectations for this journey.  They have put their life and work on hold in order to go on this pilgrimage. 
     They go straight to royalty in Jerusalem for answers.  The signal light reappears in the sky - they are on the right path!  And then it stops.  Not over a palace.  Not among the royalty.  It stops over a plain house with a lowly couple inside. And a baby.  What were the wise men thinking?  Did they feel like the trip was a bust?  Their gifts too extravagant?  Surely they were disappointed!  This wasn't what they expected at all!!  
     Yet...they believed.  They held the course.  They entered and worshiped   They presented their valuable gifts.  And in so doing, they were changed.  Worlds were changed.  
     What are we expecting?  Are we willing to drop everything to follow the Light of God?  Are we willing to find messages from God in lowly places?  And believe?  What journeys to new experiences or foreign cultures is God sending us on?   What gifts should be bring? Whatever our journey, we should never let our pre-conceived expectations prevent us from experiencing the glory of God! 

Addendum:  As today finishes the scripture passage from Matthew concerning the visit of the wisemen, I will include here the scribble from Sunday's sermon on the same text by Pastor Katy. 

TUESDAY, January 8
"Stars"
Matthew 2:1-6  (The Message)
They asked around, “Where can we find and pay homage to the newborn King of the Jews? We observed a star in the eastern sky that signaled his birth. We’re on pilgrimage to worship him.”

     I just read two more in-depth internet explanations of the "Bethlehem Star" and the magi.  Fascinating!  STARS!  In brief: No where in the Bible does it say the magi FOLLOWED the star  OR that it led to BETHLEHEM!  A brilliant light (star) in the region EAST of Israel (home to the magi!) signaled the birth.  The magi, knowing Hebrew prophecy up to a point, went to Jerusalem to investigate.  From there, a moving light led them to the PLACE where Jesus was.  Almost like a spotlight!  The Gospel of Luke indicates Jesus might have been back in Nazareth by then.  Did the wise guys go there? Did anyone else sees this light?  Could the star have been more like the pillar of fire that led the Israelites out of Egypt?  Hmmmm.....
      Regardless of the star's science, the star is God created, the presence of God's guidance.  It is all wrapped up in the glory and light of God.  And THAT is a star we can still follow today: God-light, reflected in the people who surround us and guide us.  God-Light that we can be to others.  Who are the 'stars' in my life?  For whom can I BE star-light?   
PS.  Guess the nativity scenes that don't have any wisemen are probably the most accurate!  They did not arrive with the shepherds!  Perhaps creches are more a merger of time and place - the juxtapostion of God-among-us in the birth of Christ.   Whoa!  Deep thinking this early in the morning!  
http://www.creationtoday.org/the-wise-men-and-the-star/
http://www.christmaspirit.com/christmasstar.htm

MONDAY, January 7
"Wise Guys"
Isaiah 60:4-6 (Good News Translation)

Look around you and see what is happening:
Your people are gathering to come home!
Your sons will come from far away;
Your daughters will be carried like children.

You will see this and be filled with joy;You will tremble with excitement.
The wealth of the nations will be brought to you;
From across the sea their riches will come.

Great caravans of camels will come, from Midian and Ephah.

They will come from Sheba, bringing gold and incense.

People will tell the good news of what the Lord has done!

    Perhaps it is from my morning devotions, the lectionary Bible Study, or from two sermons on Epiphany, but I have thought about the "Wise Guys" far more in the past week than ever before.  Who WERE these foreigners who traveled to find the Light?  The concept that they were of various religions from more than one country - a very diverse lot seeking the Messiah of the Jews - indicates to me we truly are talking about learned and well-read scholars.  The books of the Old Testament were known beyond the borders of Israel!  Perhaps they KNEW that this child was to be more than just Israel, more than just a Jew, but a child for the world.  Jewish prophets knew the Messiah was foretold - why didn't THEY see the star for what is was?  Or...maybe they didn't even see it!  Sometimes it takes an outsider to help us see what is right before our eyes. Maybe we should listen to them! 
    Do we come together today as the wisemen?  Our families sometimes gather from far places to celebrate Christmas.  They bring gifts - not just material gifts, but individual gifts of talents and abilities.  Can we gather as denominations, nations, as a world, with a common purpose: to celebrate the coming of Light for the World?   How can we share the Light? What gifts will we bring?  

SUNDAY, January 6

"Arise, Shine!

Isaiah 60:1 (Good News Translation)

Arise, Jerusalem, and shine like the sun;
The glory of the Lord is shining on you!

Wake up! 

Arise!

Acknowledge!

God is present!

God is among us!

A new Light is shining!

Darkness is no more!

A Christ-child star blazes brightly

To pave our way

To new experiences

To new opportunities

To a new relationship with God Almighty. 
Be filled with the Light. 

Follow the Light. 

Learn from the Light. 

The glory of the Lord!

A new day!