It may seem somewhat repetitive to hear about John the Baptist again when we have already done and dusted John last Sunday. Everything about this Sunday has its arising in the preparation that John takes to prepare for God. Bearing this in mind and the words from last Sunday there is nothing strange in hearing of John once more as a reminder of our preparation. Joy comes when we begin to do what God asks of us in the world. The passage from Isaiah (61.1-4) is quoted by Christ at the beginning of his ministry and is the start of our ministry in the world for this is what it means to bring joy into the world, for joy is not a fleeting feeling but a long lasting change in our outlook and lives.
At the depth of human depression we have no feeling for those around us and only look to our own needs and requirements. There is no joy in our outlook or in our needs for we are desperate for life and only life at the present time. Everything else when we are in the midst of despair is naught and not something to be sought after. It is only that which will get us to the end of the day that is foremost in our thoughts and anything beyond that is peripheral to that. It therefore does not matter as much as our own needs. In order to lift those who are in this situation out of their circumstances one has to bring joy into their lives. Not the ephemeral feeling but a deep rooted joy that changes their lives. In Isaiah mourning turns around into a very different scenario which suggests a total change in heart and lifestyle. The ruins of a previous life are repaired (Is. 61.4) to give way to something new that brings joy. It is this fundamental change that John calls for us to prepare for; a change that moves us beyond the ruins of our own lives into a new beginning and a new way of doing.
The Thessalonians passage directs us to the way in which this is achieved (1 Thess. 5.13-15). It is a way that is at present totally at odds with our day to day lives. There are many "instant karma" videos available on Facebook and other sites, whilst funny and sometimes hilarious, we need to ponder what is the point in the instant karma. It teaches nothing other than the fact that it is appropriate to do something nasty for what nastiness has been done to you or a fellow citizen. The more difficult thing to do is to attempt to change the attitude of those around us towards peace and harmony. It is more difficult because the modern world has not been brought up to respond to this type and style of admonishment. We are taught that it is appropriate to payback rather than to teach. We have become lazy in our response to those that look to do harm or abuse their authority. We are also guilty of doing that which the writer of 2 Thessalonians encourages us not to do (5:19). The normal translation of "do not quench the spirit" does not perhaps capture the tone as well as "Do not stifle inspiration".
These are the things that are harbingers of joy. If we stifle people's aspirations we stifle their joy in the world but this is what we tend to do. We very rarely encourage others to express their spirit and their aspirations. There are too many stories of people being put down because this is the way we do not do it or else it is too much of a threat to my position, my power, etc. Joy comes with the expression of the Spirit that is deep within us and comes with Christ. Only when we follow the path that Christ opens for us do we fully understand the joy that is present in allowing others to succeed. To often we retain that we have been taught over time by the society around us. We allow ourselves to abuse others because what we see in social media tells us that this is the way to act. We stifle those around us because we are told what is classed as beauty, or intelligence or in fashion. We do not allow the bright sparks of God's presence to burgeon forth and be as they have been formed by God. To often we down play others because they do not conform to what the "pub test" tells us. But what if the "pub test" is incorrect what if we need to actually test to God's standards not ours? Are we able to prepare to change so much that we no longer judge by others standards and put down the Spirit that is contained in God's creation? In accepting the incarnation in our lives we also accept the fact that others are created in God's image not ours and celebrate their joy and their achievements. Allowing that joy to echo around the world and fill us with joy and love.
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