God's Last Words

Waiting In Line

Luke 3: 7-18 NRSV

Did you know that in the major metropolitan areas in the United States you can purchase something called “Rent-a-friend” to wait in line for you? The service is available for everything but the dentist!

Urban mythology says that lines can be created by gossip, rumor, or sometimes wishful thinking. They seem to spring up out of thin air and the hope of getting an edge on somebody else, be the first person to try something new, or just having the satisfaction of being first.

What kind of lines have you waited on (or in) during your lives? Obviously if you have military experience you’re an expect at waiting, while some people have little idea of the theory and use of lines.

Did you know that the studying of lines is quite big business and more than a few people have earned Ph.D.’s in their study? In my psych study days lines were merely objects of curiosity but now they're big bucks.

Line functions vary depending on what the product, cost, and need for the services are. Some lines occur (DMV, Social Security, and other government regulated products) because laws demand access while others vary because of time of day (Wal-mart and/or grocery stores). But there is always one common theme – why is the person motivated to be in that line, at that time, for what reason.

People’s reasons and motivations vary in any group of people: some are needy, some are curious, some are bored, some are nosey, and some don’t want to be left out of any deals being handed out. I laugh because I hear stories where people say they’ve driven so many miles to save a few dollars without realizing their vehicle expenses caused them to actually lose money.

But form a crowd and a line will develop somewhere (and not just to use the restroom!). It’s inevitable.

Our Gospel lesson returns to John the Baptist again this week. He is preaching and baptizing folks in the Jordan River. His message meant different things to different people but all shared a common theme of repentance and how to avoid abusing others. People lined up to hear and receive John's message. Listen to John’s message from Luke’s Gospel:

John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, "You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance.

Do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our ancestor'; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax 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."

And the crowds asked him, "What then should we do?"  In reply he said to them, "Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise."

Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, "Teacher, what should we do?" He said to them, "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you."

Soldiers also asked him, "And we, what should we do?" He said to them, "Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages."

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, "I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming;

 I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.

John was able to answer the questions and needs of a diverse group of people waiting in line to see him and receive his blessing of baptism without changing that message to words that tickled their ears. We see that even as they were baptized they continued to have questions about John, as to whether he was the one whom prophecy said was coming.

John’s answer pointed them to another crowd, another line, another preacher; Jesus of Nazareth, who John says will use the Holy Spirit and fire in His ministry.

People came to see John because they were needy, curious, bored, nosey, and even some that didn’t want to be left out of any deals being handed out. They come to Jesus for the same reasons. And some, like those going to John, will just be left with questions that will lead them to go to other lines, teachers, and ideas as well. They will never find the truth or fill the holes in their lives.

Jesus will go on to teach and prove that He was the messiah long sought by the Jews. 

The line for Jesus becomes a path and journey to eternity. 

Are you coming?

The line forms at the foot of the cross. Amen.