Monday, January 16, 2006

Good Morning!

 

Some of you have the day off today, some of you have to work.  Hope you all have a good day.

 

Today's Reading:  Revelation 1:7

 

-- Quick one verse section today.

 

-- As Barclay says, John sets up the tone of the whole book of Revelation here -- the second coming of Christ - a triumphant and victorious arrival.

 

-- Barclay points out an interesting note about the second coming -- while it is a promise of hope to all Christians, it is also a threat to Christ's enemies.  Barclay makes a point to say that it not just the Roman and Jews that crucified him, but all that sin and refuse to repent or believe who oppose Christ.

 

-- Remember that John is also writing in a very, very difficult time for Christians, so images of a triumphant Christ and the promise of ultimate victory were great encouragement to the Christians of John's day.  But they also should be encouraging to us as well.  However, my sense is that we aren't as encouraged by this kind of language in Revelation, because we really have been "trained" in a way to believe that the book of Revelation is something we should be scared up.  I think that the truth of the matter is that for Christians who are being persecuted, they see this as a book of hope.  For us, who worship as we wish and have no persecution to speak of, this is a scary book. Why is that?

 

-- My guess is that it has something to do with change.  If nothing else, Revelation is a book about change and accountability.  For Christians who have been faithful during difficult times, change and accountability have no fear for them -- it is what they want and need.  I don't think we really want change and accountability. I think we appreciate it in the abstract, but it would be pretty inconvenient for us if the second coming happened during our life time.

Today's Scripture

 

But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream

Amos 5:24

Today's prayer request:      For justice

 

MLK day is one where we are supposed to reflect on those values of equality and justice for all.  We need to pray for those in our communities who are not treated equally, not just those treated badly because of the color of their skin, but also those who are denied justice because they are poor.

 

Today's class member prayer:

Krystle Hatton

 

Have a great day.

Jay