12-08-19

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS

December 8, 2019

Scripture: Isaiah 2:4

God will judge between the nations, and settle disputes of mighty nations. Then they will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation; they will no longer learn how to make war.

Thought for the Day: In my sermon today, I will reference the late Rev. Dr. William Sloane Coffin. He was known for his ability to turn a phrase, and one of my favorites was:

It is one thing to say with the prophet,

“Let justice roll down like mighty waters,”

and quite another

to work out the irrigation system.

Some of the best known and most powerful passages of scripture are metaphor or allegory, and they cast a vision that is breath-taking and energizing. We are quick to create a post on Facebook or announcement on Twitter of our new found mantra, but do we understand that the prophets’ very creative and challenging phrases did not spell out the logistics. There was no diagram, plan for implementation or suggested fundraiser to create the necessary budget. The casting of the vision is absolutely necessary, but for those who catch the vision, the next step requires getting our hands dirty. In this season when we hear Mary sing her song, she references the poor and hungry, the marginalized and forgotten. She begins to point us in the direction of where we might get our hands dirty as we help create the irrigation system that truly will bring justice rolling down like mighty waters, or maybe simply in bringing non-contaminated water to those who thirst.

Prayer: Let me first hear your vision cast, O Lord, and then let me ask the challenging question of where I need to be working to see your vision become reality. Amen.

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