Speaker: Rev. Doug de Graffenried

Scripture: Mark 12:28-34

 

There are stories in the gospel about people who are “almost there.” They are very close to the wood, but they don’t understand the cross. We would characterize this person as a “good Methodist” but Jesus is always in the mode of challenging us to “go deeper” or to take “one step up.”

Angels are messengers. However, angels are Jewish messengers with that kind of sense of humor.  When an angel says, “Do not be afraid,” you might consider running in terror. Don’t be afraid Mary, but your life is about to dramatically change. How do you face dramatic change and actually live up to the angelic standards of “Do not be afraid?”

Already we are impatient. It is the sign that Christmas has made it into our thoughts. What does it mean that God doesn’t count days like we do? How do we align with God time when it seems we don’t have enough of “our time” “me time” or “family time?”

2020 was a rotten great year. We are nearly through it. In church life, we are officially turning the page. How do we process the beginning of the church year starting with a text about the end? We Christians live with the paradox that the end is the beginning.

Many of us are undergoing end of the year evaluations. How do we measure up? How have we preformed? This parable of Jesus sounds so anti-grace, but it is filled with grace, even for the guy who buried his. What are you doing with what you have been given? How are you making it grow?

We are called to wait and to watch. We are much more comfortable at worrying. As the church year winds down, the scripture calls us to look up and look beyond for a hope that is enduring and eternal.