As followers of Christ, as people who desire for him to be made much of in everything that we do, we need to hear John’s testimony this morning. For as he speaks you’ll realize he doesn’t say, “Look at me.” but “Look at the Light.”
Sometime, silence is the best way to get someone’s attention. It had been more than 400 years since God had spoken to his people through his prophets.
“Gather round,” he said, “that I may tell you what will happen in the days to come.” Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, the one who wrestled with God, the father of the twelve tribes, Israel himself, was dying.
I don’t know if it’s a product of laziness or rebellion or a fierce desire to be independent or simply a longing just to get things done as quickly as possible. Whatever the case, we have a tendency not to follow directions.
Why aren’t we as thankful during the good times? How does our extra wealth and security get in the way of our thankfulness? This Thanksgiving Moses gives us the answer.
There’s a new swear word in American English and it starts with an E. It’s those big red letters on the advertisement urging us to buy impulsively; it’s the snooty nose of a prideful country club member; it’s the reason for the teen’s tears who finds herself on the outside of the clique.
If you were to ask someone, “How do you feel about sleep?” what kind of answer do you think you’d get? Depends on who you ask right?
John asks you to see, through Christ, what you really are, and to look forward to that day when you will see him as he really is. Because if you see his reality, you see things as they really are.
What does this mean? That’s a familiar question, isn’t it, question that’s near and dear to many of us.
“Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” In that one, single sentence, as simple as it is profound, Jesus gives us the key to distinguishing church and state, to living as a citizen of two kingdoms.
Eastside Evangelical Lutheran Church and School
2310 Independence Lane
Madison, WI 53704
