False Messiahs

Matthew 24:23-35 (NRSV)

Then if anyone says to you, 'Look! Here is the Messiah!' or 'There he is!' do not believe it. For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and produce great signs and omens, to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Take note, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, 'Look! He is in the wilderness,' do not go out. If they say, 'Look! He is in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather. 

We are looking for saviors all the time aren’t we?  Maybe not the kind of false prophets who give great signs and omens that Jesus is referring to…

…but then again, maybe so.

Martin Luther was quoted as saying “whatever your heart clings to and confides in, that is really your god.”  Others have said that you can look at your checkbook to see what your god is, a take on Jesus’ “where your treasure is, there your heart will be as well.”

For me, how I spend my time often is an indicator of things I am using as my savior.  There are times when an online game goes a little too long because I’m feeling stressed or the TV channels get too many passes through on the remote because it’s been a long day.

This country spends an inordinate amount of time and money on our security and our safety.  We use all kinds of methods to numb the pain and save us from the busyness and stress of every day life: drugs, alcohol, video games, shopping sprees, televisions, self-help books, etc.

But this Advent we also wait for a real savior.  One born in the quiet of a Bethlehem night, with the sounds of animals greeting his entry to the world.  One born without power or might, yet one destined to provide us, as one Christmas song goes, "a strange way to save the world."

Advent reminds us to turn back to that real savior.  To wait with wonder and hope not for numbing to slow the drone of daily life, but instead for entry into real living.  A savior who teaches us what life is truly about and yet also loves us and forgives us when that video game calls our name and momentarily we forget.

Jesus meek and mild, we yearn for saving.  Some days we miss the joy of this life and forget the abundant life you offer.  We turn to other saviors to help get us through the day.  Pull us back to you.  Provide us patience this Advent to wait for your incarnational presence that truly saves us.  Amen.