This week, the world mourn’s the passing of Madiba, Nelson Mandela. Sitting with my parents on Friday, my mother posed the question: “who is left?” Who is left, that the world will mourn?
In his speech at the memorial service for President Mandela, President Obama said that “We will never see the likes of Nelson Mandela again.” And, while that is likely true…that’s a sobering thought. It would be one thing to not need to see the likes of Nelson Mandela again. It’s another thing altogether to not see the likes of Madiba because no one remains on earth with the courage of Madiba.
Clearly, we have a need for a Mandela. And maybe Pope Francis will stand in the vacuum as one calling humanity to righteous heights, for the shitstorm is far from over. For beyond the cycle of violence that created the social giant, Mandela, we face the reality of despair across humanity. Brother still kills brother. Oppressor still victimizes the vulnerable. Injustice abounds.
Yet, the season of Advent presses on toward the Light of Christ. And as the great theologian, the Honorable Robert “Nesta” Marley said: “Someone will have to pay for the innocent blood, that they shed everyday…how we and them ah go work this out?”
The Incarnation is God’s answer to that question. Isaiah shows us that the chaos and confusion is brought into balance when the Word of God is made real in the lives of the people. Note: I’m not saying this happens when baby Jesus all cute and cuddly is born over 2000 years ago. Rather, I am intentional to say when the Word of God is made real in the lives of the people.
Find out why we must allow the Word to become real…relevant in our own lives and in the lives of others. Accept the Rod and receive the Flower. Then, let me know what you think?
