Advent Devotions
All are invited as we Make Room this Advent season.
Echo
Today’s author is Prince of Peace’s Intentional Interim, Pastor Steve Sylvester.
Who doesn’t love an echo? There’s nothing like being a kid, shouting into a void and having your words come back to you.
At the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry, would be followers asked him “where [he was] staying.” It’s a simple question, but a loaded one. The Greek word for stay, μένω (méno̱), can straightforwardly refer to the place where one lives. But it also has a deeper meaning having to do with abiding, union and fellowship, divine indwelling. It’s the word Jesus used several times while talking to the disciples on the night he was arrested, most prominently when he said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who abide (μένω) in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5) So, perhaps the disciples were simply asking, “What’s your address?” But they might also have been wondering what it was that Jesus was deeply connected to. Jesus’ response was not to give them a map or directions. He invited them to “Come and see.”
After Jesus knocked the sandals off the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, she ran to her neighbors and said, ““Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done! He cannot be the Messiah, can he?” At the time, Jesus was immersed in conversation with his disciples who worried he was being dekoshered by the Samaritans, and a woman at that. I bet, however, that he heard the echo of the “Come and see” invitation that he delivered earlier to his disciples. Because that was his plan all along, to have that invitation echo throughout the world and to ages of ages.
As we protect, preserve and protest here in Minnesota, we continue to be the echo of Jesus original invitation to his disciples. Saying that we are believers in Jesus is giving people an address. But by loving our neighbors and standing up to Rome, we are bearing fruit and telling the world in whom we abide. We are telling the world that the Spirit within us is calling us out. Through our neighbor love we are telling the world to “Come and see.” And the world is watching. The world is watching closely and listening. The world is listening to the echo of Jesus’ invitation.
Previously…
Thistle
In the bustling Greek city of Thessalonica, amidst the tumultuous winds of opposition, Paul and Silas planted the seeds of faith. The Book of Acts and Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians recounts their journey, marked by fervent preaching and fierce opposition. Like the resilient thistle that thrives in harsh conditions, their mission faced adversity, yet it bore the fruit of perseverance.
Springtime Courage
The irises in my flower beds started growing this week. In just a few days, the shoots have extended almost a foot out of the ground. Has spring really sprung or will another cold snap steal away the joy that is emerging at my front step? It’s a question that resonates deeply with the life of faith. Just as the irises tentatively push through the soil, we too may feel hesitant in our own faith journeys, uncertain of whether the promise of new life will truly be fulfilled.
Embracing Needs in the Community with Grace
The first time listening through, it sounded as though we are supposed to give up all of our belongings and possessions to then share them with everyone. How does that sit with us as a society living in 2024? Most people I know are very materialistic, including myself.
Coming to Faith
As Christians, we are in the belief business. Doubting Thomas seeks proof for the belief that this man facing him really is the person who hung and died on the cross just days ago. Thomas receives a loving reprimand from Jesus.