Speaking truth down by the river – December 17

Today’s Readings:  AM Psalm 50; PM Psalm [59, 60] or 33; Isa. 9:18-10:4; 2 Pet. 2:10b-16; Matt. 3:1-12

 The first audio CD I had was Jimmy Buffett’s “Fruitcakes”. It came out in 1994 and was a mixture of original songs and re-recordings of others’ work. Most Buffett fans I knew at the time were not impressed with this album, and the two songs released to the radio did not chart well. I, however, listened to this CD at least 100 times. Not only was it my first CD, but I loved the playful, bright, and catchy music. (I left for college not long after, so my poor roommate suffered the most, enduring those 13 tracks on repeat, every day!)

The title song, “Fruitcakes”, explores how human beings are flawed individuals to the core, asserting that the “cosmic bakers took us out of the oven a little too early”, and that is why we are all so “crazy”. Buffett provides examples from the world around him, from as mundane as upselling the big cups of carbonated beverages, to a critique of governmental spending…and then he moves on to religion and relationships. A lot of ground is covered in 7 minutes. Two lines from Jimmy Buffett’s stanza relationship dynamics keep running through my head this morning as I read about John the Baptist:

She said you gotta do your fair share // Now cough up half the rent

I treat my body like a temple // You treat yours like a tent

I can almost imagine John the Baptist, such a holy and austere man, who clearly did not shy away from conflict, taking a tone similar to these lyrics above, as he addressed the self-righteous and proud people (including the Sadducees and Pharisees) flocking to him at the river Jordan. If they were to take on the posture of humility and true repentance, there would be some serious changes required first. As Jimmy Buffett went point by point through a societal critique, so did John the wild baptizer, clothed in camel’s hair: He called them a brood (or family) of vipers. It was thought in antiquity that newborn snakes were so ruthless that they would bite through their mother’s stomach, killing her; John didn’t view the Pharisees and Sadducees much better. Addressing the inclination of the well-educated Pharisees to speak smoothly of faith without actions to follow, John stated that a repentant heart was evident in the fruit borne, not the words said. He continued: just because they claimed Abraham as their ancestor did not mean that they were more likely to be forgiven or more worthy in God’s eyes.

John punctuated his criticism of the proud by this: “Even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” What a haunting reminder he hurled at them, for they knew the significance of trees. Trees represented the natural world and the work of the Creator, and every major character in the Bible has some tree associated with them. As John the Baptist pointed out the metaphorical axe that could level their legacy, I imagine the temple leaders taking a step back, making room for those truly seeking to confess wrongdoing and be washed anew.

As we continue cleaning out spaces in our hearts and minds, preparing to celebrate the birth of Jesus, perhaps it will not take the sharp condemnation of John the Baptizer to get your attention. Maybe it is with your own prayerful reflection that you can name those sins or pains that need to be offloaded onto God’s loving hands. Take time today to reflect on what is weighing you down, and shed that burden – so that it doesn’t take a dressing down by a wild person in camel’s hair to open your eyes. Whatever form your awakening takes, know that we are together on this journey to make the path straight as we prepare the way of the Lord.

-- Katherine+

Questions for Reflection

When have you spoken sharp words to someone to get their attention? Did it work? When has someone done that for you? What would you change?

Daily Challenge

Is there a truth someone you love needs to hear? Are you able to impart that truth? Pray about it. John the Baptist's approach might (or might not) work for you. Listen for a way you might share that needed truth.