“Don’t Think about the Red Ring-Tailed Monkey”

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The Reverend Dr. Gary Brock died last Saturday.  It came as no surprise to us, his parishioners at Hickory Bend. For two years, we had watched as our strong, forceful minister used to giving his energy to meeting our spiritual needs turn some of that life force toward trying to heal his own wounded body. And as that effort became harder and harder, it evolved into showing his church how to live in the valley of the shadow of death without fear. more…

January 4 Epiphany Sunday

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12

January 11 “Who said that?”

Scripture: Revelation 1:1-12a

January 18 They did WHAT?

Scripture: Revelation 2:2-4, Revelation 9-10, Revelation 13-15, Revelation 19-25

January 25 “Oh, for crying out loud!”

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-4, Revelation 8-11, Revelation 15-20

Luke 2: 41-52

The discussion in the Temple:  a child of promise

• Others might not know who Jesus is, but He does.
• Only of Jesus is it said that God’s grace was on Him.
• Jesus says about Himself what the heavenly voice will say at His baptism.

The reader sees the chronological transition between infancy and ministry.  Also, we see a transition between revelations about Jesus by others and the revelation that Jesus Himself will proclaim.  Here, Jesus speaks for the first time.  What do we “hear” Him say?  And, how are we sure?

Luke 2:1-7, Luke 2:21, Luke 2:25-35

The birth: and his name shall be called Jesus, Son of God.  The Lord is with you.

The blessing in the Temple:  the Nunc Dimittis

• Christ is “the glory of Israel.”
• Christ is “the light for all people.”
• Christ is a Presence that will bring about human resistance and rejection.
• Christ offers a “future with hope.”

The birth and the blessing allow us to contemplate the person of the Savior Himself.  Here is found the Messianic hope at its highest.  Old Testament prophecy finds New Testament fulfillment.   The careful reader will discover all kinds of hints as to what the future holds for this One whose Presence cannot simply be ignored.  A response is demanded.