Dissipation and Drunkeness

        The early Christian church was certain that the end times were within their own lifespan. They fully expected Jesus' return before this 'generation passes away'. That clearly has not been the case. Over 2000 years have passed since His death and resurrection. What is a person to think?

         But there is one thing of which we can be certain, death. Add in taxes if you like. I am more concerned with the fact that we will all die. No one will escape that fate or that moment of transformation, promise and elevation to our heavenly inheritance. The question is always - when? If you read today's passage with the lens of our own mortality, it makes a great deal of sense. If we take this passage to heart it is a reminder of how to live our lives and to not get caught in the trap of complacency. We should not 'forget' God and fall into dissipation and drunkenness. 

       This is not a new message either. Some people will rant and rave about the gays and what happened in Sodom and Gomorrah. That is the sin of which we dare not speak.  It is a horribly warped mistranslation of scripture to suit their own warped views of sexuality. Early Rabbinical scholars had it right long before the Roman church co opted and bastardized the intended meaning of the passage of Sodom and Gomorrah. Those early Rabbinical scholars knew that the sin was one of selfishness, power, greed and a lack of hospitality.  If anyone really wants to refute those scholars, you point them to Ezekiel 16:48–50 where the sin is outlined clearly.

          The first reminder for humanity not to be selfish, to welcome 'the stranger' and be good hosts to foreigners, is right there in scripture numerous times and again today in Luke's passage.

         We are reminded that we should all act like today may be our last. We should all act as if Jesus will return today, or at least we may be going to meet him! Do not become complacent in your love, your generosity or your hospitality. Do not fall into dissipation and drunkenness and allow worldly things to replace God in your heart.

          For right focus, love, hospitality and generosity we pray this day.

Luke 21:29-36

Then he told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

‘Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.’