December 16, 2007

Building Roots of Jesse Today

by Rev. Dr. Jim Carlson

Isaiah 11:1-10; Matthew 3:1-12
 

Illustration – Presidential primary in a few weeks. What do people look for in a candidate?

If we just elect the right candidate, his or her plan will effective solve the complicated problems which plague the country.

Incarnational reading. You may not understand why I’m doing this, but in a minute it will make sense. A candidate will arise who is rooted in the traditions of great from our past. He will bring an almost divine wisdom to the task of national policy. He will bring in the best advisors; he will be a strong leader; his policies will be rooted in his personal religious convictions. His decisions will not be swayed by the rich and the powerful; His administration will be fair to the poor of our country for the first time in a long time. He will do right by them. He will destroy our enemies with strong foreign policy and decisive military action. The earth will be so peaceful after he wipes out all of the evil people of the world that even natural predators will refrain from attacking their prey. Children will be able to play with wild animals and handle snakes because the peace he will institute will be so complete. His influence over the world will be so great that people from everywhere in the world will come to the US in search of godly wisdom. The whole earth will recognize Christianity as the one true religion.

People of Judah looked for similar qualities in their leaders, though leaders no elected.

Passage refers to crowning of new king. Sense of God’s anointing of king. God’s spirit transferred from old king to new one.

Seven traits – Qualities promised in new leader.

Most qualities related to knowledge: Wisdom, understanding, counsel.

Fear of the Lord – rule of new king rooted in awe of God.

King will not be swayed in decisions by rich or powerful. (Slide) Image of Lady Justice blindfolded.

King gives fairness to the poor; taken advantage of by the wealthy.

Kings usually clothed with royal clothes; this king clothed with righteousness.

Unnatural scene of predators cozying up to prey. Calves and lions, lambs and wolves.

Children in leadership; free to play with snakes.

Result of king’s leadership – God of Israel acknowledged by entire world.

Did this golden age ever occur? Never.

Hopes transferred to person of Jesus by his disciples. Jesus was described as stump of Jesse.

John the Baptist announces Jesus’ coming.

Evil of the world described as fruitless trees. Jesus will cut them down.

Jesus will test peoples’ lives – evil will be consumed; only good left over.

Matthew says Jesus started the process – taught and healed and advocated for the powerless.

His death was the beginning of God’s victory of evil.

Expectation was for his return to complete the process and bring the golden age for his followers.

Jesus tells his followers to prepare the world for his return by passing on Jesus’ teaching and baptizing people. He confers his power on them.

People today still looking for ideal world, golden age.

Politicians, businesses and even churches play on those dreams.

Most people dream, but don’t actually expect it to take place. Everyone’s dream is a little different, but most want the same things Isaiah talked about.

Some people isolate themselves in the country – get away from all the bad stuff. Live however you want to live. People will leave you alone.

Other people are the problem, and that they just need to leave you alone. Isolationist religious movements.

Advent approaches differently. People used to pin hopes on leader who would make everything right.

Jesus’ followers saw themselves as shoots from the stump of Jesse who participated with Jesus in bringing about the ideal world.

John the Baptist – clear out chaff from your life. Experience of Jesus purifies bad stuff from our lives.

Advent - Prepare yourself to help others become disciples. Teaching ministry of the church is so vital. My teaching at Marquette – ministry.

Final illustration

We’re not waiting for the divine leader. Advent reminds us of his coming. We participate in his administration.

Advent reminds us not of how the world ought to be, but of who God already is.

It challenges us to be like God by ridding ourselves of all the bad stuff we know God hates.

It challenges us to advocate for the poor and stand with the powerless.

It challenges us to do more than just celebrate our faith experiences. Both passages remind us that the entire world is our field of ministry.

All of those things are part of the Advent message of hope. And they begin right here, in our town, in our church, and in our hearts.