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THE BIBLE – LUKE’S GOSPEL STORY

COMMENT FOR ADVENT 2 – 6.12.09

Malachi 3: 1-4

The book of Ezra tells of building the Second Temple around the middle of the 5^th century BC. But life in the Persian province of Yehud after the exile was very different from the way it was before in the Kingdom of Judah. Malachi – the Hebrew word means my “messenger” – accepts that there are a whole lot of claims on the people’s resources, but they should imagine an Elijah-type visitation with a spiritual power like a lightning strike. That would wake up, enliven and purify their worship. Therefore they should raise their expectation of the worship time, and be ready to meet this life changing messenger.

Luke 1: 68-79

Over the centuries we have this picture of Zechariah fulfilling his rostered service in the temple when he was suddenly struck dumb by what he was seeing and hearing. Then after nine months of listening he speaks and everyone else listens. The promises and covenants are still there with the knowledge of salvation and the forgiveness of sins. But the world must now be prepared so that the Christ Child can be recognised. That is the plan for the whole and every smallest part of each community of faith – to find that spiritual beauty among the loads of blessings that come with this special time of grace.

Philippians 1: 3-11

Paul was especially fond of the congregation in this Greek city and Roman colony. There were dramatic events when he first visited. (Acts 16: 10-40) This was Paul’s first encounter in a truly Greek world. There is a new emphasis on the work of Jesus who dominates his thinking and will bring all things to a conclusion in “the day of the Lord Jesus Christ”. So the people work together with him, and words like “knowledge” and “full insight” become part of the understanding of the message. Paul’s writing is becoming more important as he spends these years in Rome awaiting trial.

Luke 3: 1-6

Of the four Gospels, Mark’s came first, and began the story of Jesus with the baptism by John. But Luke began his Gospel with four verses 1: 1-4, and then continued with our reading (3: 1-6). In the meantime he has been fascinated with the birth and boyhood stories. They are included in the Gospel as saying something beautiful which lifts the imagination, and tells something more of the love of God. But with our reading it is the adult Man from Nazareth who takes his place in history. The powers of Rome and local authority with religious authorities will be challenged. Finally it is “ all flesh” which means the whole human race will come within the scope of God’s salvation.