Has anybody ever tried to set you straight? How did that work for them? How did it work for you?
Our Bluebook Devotional (below) readings this week include some pretty loud and even bossy admonitions from John the Baptizer to “get ready for the coming of Christ.” What we’ve noticed is that pride keeps people from listening to people who are shouting out things to set them straight. Sometimes we tune right out when people speak in tones that are clearly calling us to change our direction or way of thinking. We will say things like “who are you to tell me?” “I wasn’t born yesterday” “This ain’t my first rodeo.”
As we ponder the style of John we realize his style would not go over very big in 2014. We might even think John should be hospitalized with his strange look, diet and non-gracious public relations skills. We want acceptance not confrontation, tolerance not challenge. Why did God choose someone like John? Wouldn’t Jesus have had more fans if John would have just sat down, had a beer and a conversation? Not such an outwardly edgy, in your face prophet but a friendly, guy next door type?
What we know about ourselves is that when Jesus said “no greater man than John has ever been born” we want to take notice. We ask ourselves, would we have listened to John? Will we listen to him now? How about you? Is anyone allowed to disturb your direction, your thinking?
What we know about us is that we intentionally stay surrounded by peers who accept us as people, challenge our thinking,and ask us about our tolerance. We remind each other that Jesus is coming again and we want to be listening to the voice of the Creator and not the voice of creature comforts. What we have come to understand is that when people are choosing to stay comfortable they may cut off the grace to change that which could be theirs
So as you prepare for Christmas, ask yourself, whose voice helps you stay straight, to stay awake, to stay ready for the day?
Getting it straight,
scott and clare
Advent Resources
Breath Prayer-
Keep me open
To your voice
Blue Book Devotional
3rd Sunday of Advent: The Coming of Christ
