A word from Randy

Throughout history, God has called forth the offices of prophet, priest and king. Prophets represent God to the people and "forth-tell" what God has to say. Priests represent the people of God to God and beg for their salvation and healing. Kings are leaders who bring order and vitality to God's people through numerous structures. Jesus Christ, who comes to us anew this Advent - by the way, the 10th Advent of the 21st Century - is the ultimate embodiment of all three offices of Prophet, Priest and King. He was compete and perfect in each function.

Jesus lived, died and rose again and in doing so, call upon us "Advent People" to embody as best as possible these offices of prophet, priest and king among ourselves and for the sake of the renewal of all Creation. Isn't that exciting. You, Sanctuary, bear these holy and needed offices to a hungry, hurting and longing world. And, you are doing a great job!

In the midst of a terrible economy and a series of arsons, committed by someone many of us know, you have prophetically proclaimed God's love and good favor to one and all here in Greenwood and beyond. Last Monday, the 30 of November, elder Tom Beavers and I visited the Green Bean's confessed arsonist, Kevin Swalwell in the King County Jail. We were delighted that he received us. We express concern for him, and at one point, I was able to say, "Kevin, on behalf of myself and all the folks at the Green Bean and Sanctuary Church, and on behalf of Jesus Christ, we FORGIVE you. We are not mad. We want you to be well." These prophetic words of God's good favor did not come from me. I was simply the voice for all of us. Kevin wept, and later we prayed for him.

As priests, you have stood before God and begged for the salvation and fullness of life for people within the church and outside of the life of the church. You have been Jesus to those in mourning, distress and need. You have been Jesus to the children of Sanctuary and the Greenwood neighborhood (I think of Harvest Fest - and Kathy Gylland and family dressed as clowns ministering to kids on games). As priests you have cared for one another, and have literally set each other free from many fears, sources of guilt and shame, and liberated one another to hope and dream for great things in each other's lives. Wow. Way to go!

As kings, you have provided a spirit of loving and collaborative leadership in Greenwood that has caused our friends and neighbors to cheer us on as a temporarily located church and coffee house. We have been told again and again that our leadership in Greenwood is making a difference. Our kingship in not rooted in traditional power and authority, but in love, authenticity and a willingness to embrace those around us whether they are similar to or very dissimilar to us.

Jesus' reign which began when he helped form all of Creation, took human form at the first Advent. Jesus' reign became absolute Lordship at his Resurrection and Ascension to the right hand of God the Father. Jesus' reign is dispersed in the hearts, minds, lives and actions of you and me as we own his offices of Prophet, Priest and King. God is using each of us. As we enter this Advent, let's open more space for this God-man among us and see what faith, hope and love can be unleashed upon a languishing and open culture.

God bless you and keep you and may the light of Christ himself shine upon you - you dear lot of prophets, priests and kings!

posted by Steve-Dave @ 4:06 PM 0 Comments