Advent devotions 2007

Thu, 6 Dec 2007

December 7 - Take heart for the kingdom of heaven is near
By John Yordy, provost

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
Too often we see evidence that the kingdom of heaven is not near at hand. For some, the bondage of addiction has never been broken. There are homeless and hungry in our towns. Children are orphaned by war. Communities, churches and schools are divided by racial, economic and cultural differences. The poor and disadvantaged may have limited health care and educational opportunities.

So we dream of a world characterized by the values of the kingdom of heaven where all seek the will and ways of God. No child is left behind, in education, health care or emotional development. The common good for all global citizens guides public policy and individual actions. Wars cease. All live in such a manner that the resources of the world will be enjoyed by our children and by their children.

This dream begins to come true when we confess our sins and are baptized by the Spirit of the Living God. As we join the community of Jesus, we open ourselves to the ways and will of God and participate in the acts of the kingdom: feeding the hungry, giving a drink to the thirsty, welcoming the stranger, caring for the sick, inviting others to join God’s people. The kingdom of heaven that is near at hand will come when together we "bear fruit worthy of repentance" in our town and in all lands.

Scripture: Matthew 3:1-12 (NRSV)
In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.' This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,


'The voice of one crying out in the wilderness:


"Prepare the way of the Lord,


make his paths straight." '


Now John wore clothing of camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, 'You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, "We have Abraham as our ancestor"; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

'I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing- fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing- floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.'


Posted at 22:39 #



Disclaimer:
The views and beliefs expressed in the devotional piece prepared by each individual reflect their own spiritual growth journey and thoughts, and while created in a campus environment that encourages thoughtful questions and reflection on biblical Scripture and contemporary Christian themes, do not necessarily represent the official institutional positions of Goshen College or Mennonite Church USA.