Are You The One?

December 15, 2018

DAILY READING

Luke 7:18-30
This weekend’s reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20

FIELD NOTES

“John the Baptist sent us to you to ask, ‘Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?’”

At that very time, Jesus cured many who had diseases, sicknesses, and evil spirits, and gave sight to many who were blind. So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor.  Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.”

I cannot read this part of our text today without hearing Kathy Mattea sing “Mary Did You Know?”  The first time I heard this ‘new hymn’ I was sitting on the front row at the Ryman Auditorium at a Sunday evening Gospel olio entitled ‘Sam’s Place’.   I am a fan of the ‘old carols’, but was immediately struck by the questions asked of an ordinary, young woman…and ever so poignantly, of a mother.

QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Did you know
That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered
Will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Did you know
That your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know
That your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby
You’ve kissed the face of god

Mary, did you know?
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
And the dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the lamb

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy is lord of all creation?
Did you know
That your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy is heavens perfect lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding
Is the great I am