Dressed and Ready (3): For a Party 2014-1214

Message,
Isaiah 61.1-4, 8-11; John 1.6-8, 19-28

Opening
theme:

      Choir gown

Street
center worship service: Homeless woman in choir gown

Dressed
& ready … for a party – the kingdom of God

Children:

      Old driver’s licenses/photo IDs

Identity

      John the Baptizer: “I am NOT he”

Message
body:

Path
of negation

      Need a do-over – because it wasn’t right
the first time

            Intention versus execution

      Discomfort – the injustice at the heart of
the world

Ashes

Necessary
path, and continues

      John: “I am NOT he”

      Me to new pastor: “There’s only one
Savior, and it ain’t you”

      But we like to be the Savior, we have a
“Messianic complex”

            Team sport

            Plant management

            Success

            Easily becomes a “persecution
complex”

Ashes
to garland and the garment of salvation

      It is those who properly wear the ashes
who are ready for salvation

      Oppressed – good news preached to them

      Brokenhearted – bind up

      Captives – set free

      Prisoners – release

      Mourners – comforted

Isaiah
61:7 Because their shame was double, and dishonor was proclaimed as their
lot, therefore they shall possess a double portion

      Last week, Isa 40, “received from the
Lord’s hand double for their sin”

The
church as colony of heaven

      Practicing the truth that will outlast the
lie

      Practicing justice in a world that is
deeply broken and divided

      Practicing praise in a world that is bent
on hate speech, mudslinging, character assassination, rumor, and gossip

      Practicing witness in a world in which
witnesses need some protection

A
homeless woman can stand and give her witness, give her praise

      And NOT be totally disconnected from
reality

      Because Jesus came, and because Jesus is
coming

Church:
Are you ready for a party?