Live in Harmony
From the very beginning of Paul’s letter to the Romans one cannot but notice that it is different from his other letters. That may be, in part, because Paul had not visited the church in Rome and did not personally know them or their leaders. There is also some small evidence that Paul’s letter to the Romans might be the melding of two letters. Although we will leave that to speculation. One of the main themes of the letter is what we heard stated today: that the Christians of Rome, both Jew and Gentile, are to live in harmony. It seems that after emperor Claudius of Rome expelled the Jews around 49 AD, many eventually returned to their lives in Rome. Those who were Christians found that Gentiles were in leadership positions and the church was run in Gentile fashion. This caused tension between the two groups and it was to both groups that this letter was written.
It is not difficult to see how this could happen. I cannot tell you how many fights I have seen in the churches I have been involved in. You can probably remember some too. Paul is not telling us that we will not (or cannot) have disagreements. He is telling us that we handle the disagreements differently than the world does because we handle them with love. He also is not saying that we are not to get angry. He certainly got angry. So did Jesus. But, again, he is telling us that we are called to use our anger for positive things.
That is the message in Isaiah. Reading that passage, knowing much about natural history, it seems to be calling for the impossible. Lions and snakes will always be lions and snakes. The point is not that all will live in harmony (although Isaiah may have believed that). The point is that God will make a new thing when he raises a shoot out of the stump of Jesse.
You are that new thing – the Body of Christ. For Jesus has baptized you by the Holy Spirit and fire. Made to be Jesus’ hands, feet, and mouth in the world today. Because you have been made new in Christ Jesus Paul is reminding you that you live your life so that the world – those around you – will see God’s love through you.
During this season of Advent as you wait for Jesus to come, remember what your life is about and what you would be without the love of God. Then pray that you do not get caught up in the commercial hustle and bustle of this time. Instead pray that all that you do this season will reflect God’s love. A love so great that he gave his only Son to die for you so that you may live in peace and harmony in a troubled world. Be Jesus’ servant and share God’s love, peace, and joy.