strange is his deed... alien is his work

Not long ago I wrote to you all concerning a new label for my posts. I call it "rambling" and use it when it is clear, even to me, that my reflection for the day is the result of too little or too much caffeine. I would like to propose that such a label be allowed on Lectionary texts as well. What is the deal with Sundays readings?

Psalm 46 is a schizophrenic hop-scotch game through fear and joy.

Hebrews seems to have a footnote smashed into it.

The narrow door has always been a toughy.

And then there's the Isaiah reading. Wow. A prophecy of destruction if I've ever read one (Eliz F can tell us for sure). But as hard as it is to read, as "strange" and "alien" the word and works of God are, it is clear that this word is not just for the rulers of a corrupt Israel.

"For we have made lies our refuge, and in falsehood we have taken shelter." Ouch. How many lies have I take shelter in. "Buy this and you'll be cool." "Drink this and the ladies will love you." "Eat this, it's healthy." On and on. Our society is built on a delicate series of lies that lift us to the point of (pseudo-)self-sufficiency. We have been duped into believing that with the help of McDonald's, Coke, Budweiser, and General Motors we can have life abundantly.

"For the LORD will rise up as on Mount Perazim, he will rage as in the valley of Gibeon; to do his deed-- strange is his deed! and to work his work-- alien is his work!" The call of God, however, is very different. It isn't a call to "your best life now," but a call to service for the Lord. It is a call to the judgment seat where are sins are first shown and then wiped clean. It is a call back into the world where we can tell people the good news that the Kingdom of God is near. It is a call to lift up the downtrodden, to show redemption to the sinner, and to love the unlovable.

The work of God is strange. It is alien. But it is perfect; and will bring perfection to earth in due time. Even in the midst of what seems like a rambling angry message from God, it is clear what he desires, that we join him in his work.