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Causes for Rejoicing
The ancient literary epic “Beowulf” (circa 1000 AD) is one of the most often translated work in Old English. For centuries, Christians were said to have imported Christian themes to it, with the titled name and lead character assigned to be a “Christ figure”, one who allows his own sacrifice. Beowulf stands up to the monster Grendel whose powerfully destructive strength is finally defeated, although costing the hero Beowulf’s own life.
The third Sunday of Advent has the word “rejoice” as its theme. The selected Psalm reading (85) mentions rejoicing. Some commentators believe Psalm 85 is of an unknown victory for King David, while others suggest that it deals with a rededication of the people of God—such as the remnant offspring of Judah, as they returned to Jerusalem from Babylon to rebuild the city and temple around 460 BC. They were not independent of other nation’s rule (this time, under Mede/Persian control), but could rebuild Jerusalem and its temple and were free to ignore the rest of the world, something many here today might celebrate. The psalmist sang/prayed “LORD, you were favorable to your land; you restored the fortunes of Jacob. You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin.” And God in Christ forgives and has forgiven our sins which will continue as we continue to sin. (John 8:34-36)
That same Sunday will also read the rarely-cited prophet Zephaniah who, just as his contemporary prophet Jeremiah, warned the impenitent people during the final years of Judah, some forty years after the Babylonians possessed them and took them to Babylon. But if they would repent and believe, Zephaniah assuredly pronounced from God, “Behold, at that time I will deal with all your oppressors. And I will save the lame and gather the outcast, and I will change their shame into praise and renown in all the earth.” God, through Zephaniah, added, “I [will] restore your fortunes before your eyes,” says the LORD.” God’s promises were fulfilled, giving the Judeans much for which to rejoice. (Zephaniah 3:14-20)
At the time of his letter to the Church at Philippi, Paul likely had little for which to rejoice, as he was in prison when he wrote his letter to the Philippians. He was growing older and weaker and probably looking ahead to an untimely, violent, and painful death. Yet still he wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4) How could Paul rejoice? How could the Philippians rejoice while living in an anti-Christian environment? Jesus answered that question when John the Baptist sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” The reason for John’s disparaging (which some commentators question) is that John likely knew that his death was imminent, perhaps weakening his once-bold ministry. But Jesus praised John and telling his own disciples to look at the recent healings, the resurrections, etc. Zephaniah’s prophecy came true, and Paul died for his faith. Jesus (not Beowulf) was resurrected, testifying to the truth of the Scriptures found at Qumran, and other places. All are testimonies to His kingdom, giving us believers many reasons for rejoicing in Christ. Human kingdoms always fail, but His never will. Rejoice always, fellow believers. Gloria Deo—Glory to God