Yahweh had, indeed, returned in Christ, and with him the
fulfillment of God’s mercy and justice. Jesus’ ministry was just beginning with
John the Baptist’s announcement. His end would be much the same as John the
Baptist’s, death by execution. However, with Jesus’ execution came the great
intersection of God’s justice and mercy as his love was poured out on the cross
for the liberation of God’s people from their enslavement to sin.
As we reflect on John’s announcement of the coming of Christ
during this advent season, the church today has an opportunity to walk
alongside John the Baptist in heralding Christ’s return!
But how is this
message to be proclaimed?
I am sure we are all familiar with the street corner
preachers, “prophets,” and televangelists of our time. This is what always came
to my mind as a child when I read of John the Baptist. While they often speak
the words of a coming judgment, I’m not certain this is what John the Baptist
had in mind. One problem is that there is often a lot of talk of “fear the
Lord” and “impending doom,” with little to no mention of gospel and the coming
of God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven! With televangelists, this is, of
course, followed not with the message of giving to the poor but rather the
health and wealth message, “Give to me and God will give to you!”
Instead, if the church is to walk with John the Baptist
today, we must take up the cross. The church must speak the gospel with both a
word of judgment and a word of grace. In the face of inevitable suffering, the
church must, in boldness, name evil and, in love, overcome it with good. It is
time for the message to be proclaimed. It is time to take up John’s message of
looking after the poor, hungry, and oppressed, giving voice to the voiceless.
It is time to live in the intersection of justice and mercy by participating in
the love of God. This love was displayed in no greater way than in Christ
giving his life on the cross, and so it will be for his followers, those who
will dare to take up his ministry.
More on taking up the work of Christ next week.
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