Approaching Days

Sometimes the weathermen act as prophets from the Old Testament, warning us of impending affliction and rough days ahead. But when the weather reaches 75 degrees in January for an entire week, it’s easier to follow the rule of Ecclesiastes, “A man hath no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and be merry." (Ecc. 8:15) And don’t think I wasn’t muttering that under my breath when the temperatures reached 80 on Friday and I was working instead of using some planned leave. But the day passed pretty quickly and the evening was still pleasant and the approaching cold front was still as a distant warning from Isaiah:

Danger ahead!
God's about to ravish the earth and leave it in ruins,
Rip everything out by the roots and send everyone scurrying:
priests and laypeople alike,
owners and workers alike,
celebrities and nobodies alike,
buyers and sellers alike,
bankers and beggars alike,
the haves and have-nots alike.
The landscape will be a moonscape, totally wasted.
And why? Because God says so.
He's issued the orders. Isaiah 24: 1-3

When we woke up in the morning, we found:

Isaiah 24:4The earth turns gaunt and gray,
the world silent and sad, sky and land lifeless, colorless.

The lifestyle of leisurely walks, shorts, talking to neighbors, and joining in sports turned into blankets unfolding, clothes being layered, drapes being drawn, and people scurrying from car to store with accelerated speed. Even with the warnings, and the expected return to winter temperatures, the abruptness always comes as a shock.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, You are the judge of the nations. You do not rule capriciously, instead providing just guidelines, constant supervision, fair limitations, and righteous counsel. Your dominion is over all people, the young and the old, the rich and the poor, the strong and the weak. Let us be mindful of your ways, seeking to follow a virtuous life at all times, instead of being jolted into submission by cold reminders of your power. It is right to celebrate your world and your works and to dance and participate in the splendor of the day, but let us bear in mind that the day is yours and not ours. Amen

And here on this mountain,
God will banish the pall of doom hanging over all peoples,
The shadow of doom darkening all nations.
Yes, he'll banish death forever.
And God will wipe the tears from every face.
He'll remove every sign of disgrace
From his people, wherever they are.
Yes! God says so! Isaiah 25: 7-8 (The Message)