When we read Exodus, we are hearing a memory of ancient oppression, told by a community living under later empires, trying to learn how God’s people survive, resist, and stay human inside
someone else’s system.
This story is still around in our modern day – money, assets and land centralized for the rich and their enablers.
Joseph’s story is much more than a Disney production.
How often are we told we don’t listen! The disciples didn’t question anything when Jesus said ‘Come follow me”. They dropped everything and listened.
Then they knew they belonged in this group, they were needed to support Jesus.
Their task was changing other people’s lives through the power of Jesus who shared the the love of God.
Do we obediently answer God’s calls? It could drastically change our future?
People in Lake Macquarie, NSW, who experienced something wonderful when the water lit up with a bright luminescence, wanted everyone to come and see it.
When John baptised Jesus, he realised the spirit had come and that Jesus was the one to bring healing and wholeness to people and wanted others to come and see.
We are called to share excitedly, (just like the phosphorescence people did) God’s divine peace and love to those around us and invite them to come and see.
A new era has begun. John is uncomfortable in baptising Jesus – someone whom he feels inferior to and should not need repentance.
In this act Jesus becomes one with us – it is more about God’s solidarity with us than it is about our repentance of sins.
Can we be confident in such a God who is with us and for us?
God comes close not in power but in human life. He took on flesh and blood in Jesus and is close by.
In our busy, noisy lives it is easy to miss seeing this astonishing truth, that we see what God is like by seeing who Jesus is.
God makes a home for everyone. Those who trust in Jesus are children of God by grace.
The challenge is to expect the breathe of God in unexpected places.
Love and truth always begin in smallness and vulnerability, openness and trust.
The need to have courage and let go and to be changed, is how survival happens even in great danger.
The way of God does not mirror the powers and “Herod’s” of this world. God’s love transforms.
Joseph was a carpenter of Nazareth. No words he spoke were ever recorded, but his life showed his characteristics.
He was an ordinary man, a spiritual man and a very obedient servant. Loving and wise and accepting of his role.
Even though his role as an earthly father was misunderstood and people were suspicious.
God continues to entrust Jesus to each of us in all situations.
John and Jesus knew changes were to come. However it seems they were not thinking along the same pathways to achieve an end.
Jesus was healing people and doing things to renew people’s lives, so they could do the same for others.
When change happens you become partners with God which may take you on a different path.
Back at the beginning, John said ” prepare for the kingdom of Heaven, is at hand.
In other words be ready for heaven’s kingdom is on the way!
People were asked to repent – change your mind and turn to God.
Here we have the first Sunday of Advent – the beginning of the New Christian Year, which leads us to Christmas.
How are we to respond – for many people it is a complex time? But even long before Jesus was born, Isaiah encouraged us to draw away from all the flurry and take time to listen, pray and long for the vision of the Kingdom of God, for each of us.
