Finding Peace
Mark 1:1-8
2 Peter 3:9-12a,14
Shut up. Some people’s hearts are all shut up. Closed tight. Something either happened in them or around them that’s caused them to be overwhelmed, so they withdraw, or give up functioning for a while. They may let no one “in” because they don’t want anyone to see how much they hurt. Or how scared they are....or how hopeless.
Have you known someone who’s felt that way? Have you ever felt that way? These days a good many people from all walks of life are feeling low - either for a short while, or a much longer period of time. There seems to be a sort of invisible weight on people or a flatness in their spirit. They may try to hide this at work, or from their family; or they may just keep pushing through each day on autopilot. They want to feel better, to feel alive and engaged again, like they remember from prior to COVID, or from their younger days or more carefree times. If you look around, you might notice lots of people you know who are in a diminished place. Life feels monotonous. Or they feel lonely, having no close connections with others. People need “more” but don’t know where or how to find the “more”.
I believe this: there is an innate longing in me and you and in everyone for “more“, more than what we alone can provide or produce. We are made to know God and live connected with God, and with others who also know God. God has a path and a plan for each of us and He gives us the power to live it and be deeply satisfied. Do you believe that’s true?
In our Scripture reading we heard about a man named John who definitely experienced “the more” that God intends for our lives. He was called by God to be a prophet, to announce the coming of the Messiah, the Son of God. For years he studied the Scriptures, prayed, and prepared. Finally, at the appointed time God directed John to go to the Jordan River and let loose all that was contained within him. He passionately shared his belief and trust in God, captivating the attention of immense crowds with his powerful sermons. (Have you ever sat and listened to someone speak about God with power and enthusiasm?) Word spread very quickly and soon people from “the whole Judean countryside and all of Jerusalem” walked long miles to hear John for themselves.
I believe that when John preached people with shut-up hearts began to feel alive again. Those feeling life was monotonous sensed a rekindling zest for life. The lonely returned home to seek out community and made new, dear friends. The hopeless ones felt lighter and freer, ready to consider the next chapter in their lives.
I think lots of people returned home feeling joy, freedom, purpose, and fresh hope even though nothing around them in their everyday lives would change. No one would have more money to help them through life; they wouldn’t be rid of chronic pain or suddenly have less-annoying relatives. Taxes would still come due and homes would need costly repairs. Kids would keep on outgrowing their clothes. All the same old realities would surround them, but what would be different was on the inside.
John invited those who were living at a distance from God to return. Some of the men and women in his audience may not have thought about their faith since they were children. Others may have become too busy or distracted and they fell away. We know some high-ranking religious leaders showed up, but they were just as far away from God as many others, though they refused to admit it. Finally, hidden in their midst were people who knew they had done wretched things, maybe too many to count.
John said that whoever honestly and humbly named their sins before God would receive forgiveness. On the spot, no need to wait several more months until there was a feast day and an animal could be burned by a priest on the altar as an atonement for their sins. That day and hour, they could be unburdened of their sins and re-connected, in a right relationship with God. Plenty of people heard that Good News and stepped down into the flowing river to repent of their sins and be baptized. I wonder how quickly people moved toward the muddy banks of the Jordan, forming lines as people waited their turn?
What can’t be forgotten in this scene is that John was also loudly announcing the advent, or arrival, of the promised Messiah in the very near future. In their lifetimes they would behold the very Son of God with their own eyes. Hearing that, being convinced it was true, would certainly fill me with some adrenaline - I’d be alert and want my sins forgiven, my soul prepared.
In recent weeks I have shared Scripture lessons and sermons on the second coming of Jesus, and the day is surely much closer than most in our world might think. Today there are equally large masses of people who remain at a distance from God. Every single one matters to God. Jesus told us He expects us to be sent out as modern-day messengers. We are to spread the word that God is real, we are all sinners, and if we confess our sins Jesus will forgive us and we can be in a right relationship with God. Then God’s own Holy Spirit fills us, empowering us to live an abundant life.
There is so much “more” God wants each one of us to have and experience in our lives. He doesn’t want any of us shut up or shut down. Without hope, or a sense of peace. Lonely or scared. Hiding and hanging back because of past sins. John’s invitation is for us this morning.
Prepare the way for the Lord, make a straight path. The Son of God, Jesus, is coming soon. Repent of your sins, be alert, filled with happy anticipation. “More” is coming.
Have you known someone who’s felt that way? Have you ever felt that way? These days a good many people from all walks of life are feeling low - either for a short while, or a much longer period of time. There seems to be a sort of invisible weight on people or a flatness in their spirit. They may try to hide this at work, or from their family; or they may just keep pushing through each day on autopilot. They want to feel better, to feel alive and engaged again, like they remember from prior to COVID, or from their younger days or more carefree times. If you look around, you might notice lots of people you know who are in a diminished place. Life feels monotonous. Or they feel lonely, having no close connections with others. People need “more” but don’t know where or how to find the “more”.
I believe this: there is an innate longing in me and you and in everyone for “more“, more than what we alone can provide or produce. We are made to know God and live connected with God, and with others who also know God. God has a path and a plan for each of us and He gives us the power to live it and be deeply satisfied. Do you believe that’s true?
In our Scripture reading we heard about a man named John who definitely experienced “the more” that God intends for our lives. He was called by God to be a prophet, to announce the coming of the Messiah, the Son of God. For years he studied the Scriptures, prayed, and prepared. Finally, at the appointed time God directed John to go to the Jordan River and let loose all that was contained within him. He passionately shared his belief and trust in God, captivating the attention of immense crowds with his powerful sermons. (Have you ever sat and listened to someone speak about God with power and enthusiasm?) Word spread very quickly and soon people from “the whole Judean countryside and all of Jerusalem” walked long miles to hear John for themselves.
I believe that when John preached people with shut-up hearts began to feel alive again. Those feeling life was monotonous sensed a rekindling zest for life. The lonely returned home to seek out community and made new, dear friends. The hopeless ones felt lighter and freer, ready to consider the next chapter in their lives.
I think lots of people returned home feeling joy, freedom, purpose, and fresh hope even though nothing around them in their everyday lives would change. No one would have more money to help them through life; they wouldn’t be rid of chronic pain or suddenly have less-annoying relatives. Taxes would still come due and homes would need costly repairs. Kids would keep on outgrowing their clothes. All the same old realities would surround them, but what would be different was on the inside.
John invited those who were living at a distance from God to return. Some of the men and women in his audience may not have thought about their faith since they were children. Others may have become too busy or distracted and they fell away. We know some high-ranking religious leaders showed up, but they were just as far away from God as many others, though they refused to admit it. Finally, hidden in their midst were people who knew they had done wretched things, maybe too many to count.
John said that whoever honestly and humbly named their sins before God would receive forgiveness. On the spot, no need to wait several more months until there was a feast day and an animal could be burned by a priest on the altar as an atonement for their sins. That day and hour, they could be unburdened of their sins and re-connected, in a right relationship with God. Plenty of people heard that Good News and stepped down into the flowing river to repent of their sins and be baptized. I wonder how quickly people moved toward the muddy banks of the Jordan, forming lines as people waited their turn?
What can’t be forgotten in this scene is that John was also loudly announcing the advent, or arrival, of the promised Messiah in the very near future. In their lifetimes they would behold the very Son of God with their own eyes. Hearing that, being convinced it was true, would certainly fill me with some adrenaline - I’d be alert and want my sins forgiven, my soul prepared.
In recent weeks I have shared Scripture lessons and sermons on the second coming of Jesus, and the day is surely much closer than most in our world might think. Today there are equally large masses of people who remain at a distance from God. Every single one matters to God. Jesus told us He expects us to be sent out as modern-day messengers. We are to spread the word that God is real, we are all sinners, and if we confess our sins Jesus will forgive us and we can be in a right relationship with God. Then God’s own Holy Spirit fills us, empowering us to live an abundant life.
There is so much “more” God wants each one of us to have and experience in our lives. He doesn’t want any of us shut up or shut down. Without hope, or a sense of peace. Lonely or scared. Hiding and hanging back because of past sins. John’s invitation is for us this morning.
Prepare the way for the Lord, make a straight path. The Son of God, Jesus, is coming soon. Repent of your sins, be alert, filled with happy anticipation. “More” is coming.