Lectionary for Advent 3
Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart: ‘Be strong, do not fear!’ Isaiah 35:3-4
Collect. Sustain us, Father, wih the power of your love on our journey to meet the One who is coming; strengthen our weak hands, make firm our feeble knees, and open blind eyes to the dawning of your kingdom; that our hearts may rejoice with joy and singing as we behold the majesty of our God. We ask this through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Reading. Isaiah 35:1-10. Isaiah tells us that his vision of God was awe inspiring. In his vision he saw God as so great that only the hem of his garment filled the temple. When we remember that the temple was bigger than a modern day shopping centre then we get a glimpse of how great was Isaiah’s vision of God. With that in mind it is easier to understand that from Isaiah’s perspective nothing was impossible for God. It is with that in mind that we need to read the reading for today.
Though the kingdom of Judah was surrounded by enemies great and small, all were more powerful than them. Even to a casual observer it was clear that conquest by an enemy was imminent and would be disastrous. Along with that the Northern kingdom of Israel had been taken into captivity long before and so for the People of God as a whole it looked like God had abandoned them.
Into that setting Isaiah announced his prophecy that there would be a return, not just a return but a glorious return in which the whole of nature would rejoice. It would be in this glorious return that the glory of the Lord would be revealed. This is an announcement with which to encourage all the people, giving them a vision of hope for the future. It would be a time of great celebration; a time when each one would live in contentment and peace.
As a reading to reflect on during Advent it reminds us that one of the key elements of our faith is the hope of the future return of Jesus as Lord and Saviour to once and for all to establish the finished Kingdom of God. Thus while we look back to what God has accomplished through Jesus Christ we more importantly look forward with longing and expectant hearts to what is still to come. Verse 10 of our reading sums it up perfectly, “And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with singing; everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. (Is 35:10.) It is not only Isaiah’s vision; it is also a vision of the final victory of the finished work of Jesus the Lord.
Prayer. O Lord Jesus Christ, as we faithfully recall your finished work for the redemption of the world, may we also be aware of the unfinished task which you have committed to your church; that empowered by your love and victory we may share in the labour of sharing your gospel with all humanity. And so Lord we pray that your church may be bold to lift high your name and ever be confident in the salvation that you have won and presented to all who would receive. Grant that we may serve daily, filled with the expectant hope of the victorious return of our Lord. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Reading. Matthew 11:2-11. Jesus and John are linked in many ways. John was the one who announced his arrival in prophetic manner and also prepared the people to be ready to receive the ministry of Jesus. Also, in a relational way they were cousins and given the bond between Mary and Elizabeth they would have grown up together. At some point in their development the plan and purpose of God came to be fully understood and they both in different ways began their ministry: each following the path that God had chosen for them.
John had been placed in prison for speaking out against Herod and though Herod respected John, maybe even feared him, John’s incarceration would have been extremely hard to bear. John was a man more suited to the desert and the open spaces so confinement in a dark and inhospitable prison cell would have been demoralising. In such a situation it is not hard to understand why John would have asked the question of Jesus, “Are you the One?” Jesus responds by reminding John’s disciples of the things that he is doing. As we read his words we are reminded of the words from Isaiah of the blind, deaf and the infirm being healed and a sense of “good news’ being preached.
The answer to John’s question reminds us that Jesus did not come to bring a philosophy for life but to touch and change people by his actions. This is a reminder that it is what Jesus did as well as what he said that is important. Despite John’s questioning of Jesus, Jesus takes no offence but reaffirms John’s importance in preparing the people for Jesus’ coming.
In the reading Matthew reminds us of several important points. He links the ministry of Jesus firmly with the prophetic announcements of God’s promised fulfilment to rescue his people, bringing them a time for Good News. The ministry of Jesus is not a one off event but is the action of God prophesied by the Hebrew prophets throughout the history of Israel.
Matthew also gives us permission to face the question ourselves, “Are you the One?” This question really has to be answered by each believer. If Jesus is Lord then he is not one among many but is the Way and we can fully trust in him. As someone once said, “Either Jesus is Lord of all or he is not lord at all”
Finally Matthew’s emphasis is on the actions of Jesus; reminding us clearly that it was the actions of Jesus that changed the world and ushered in the new era of the Kingdom of God. Jesus shows us that God has acted and is still acting in this world and we can place our hopes fully in him.
Prayer. Be with us Holy God in the cut and thrust of today’s journey through life. Teach us to rely on you in all situations, keep us in your will, with our eyes fixed on you. Empower us by the action of the Holy Spirit that we will be ready to face each trial and temptation, and with confidence grasp each opportunity that the day brings for fruitful service in your name. May we be ready to accept success or adversity when that is your will for us. And above all Lord, teach us to know the difference between your will and our own. Give us each a servant’s heart, with which to serve you alone. Amen.
Collect. Jesus, you are the Christ of God; your reign of justice will surely arrive. Strengthen your people that we may wait in confident patience, and look for the signs of your coming; for you reign now and for ever. Amen.
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