December 17 - Advent

Isaiah 33:1-24 - This is a powerful chapter of Scripture which repeatedly and beautifully points to the futility of human autonomy and the joyful rest that is found in only the Lord. From the very first verse - we are reminded that the way of wicked is unrelenting in its oppression. The moment you stop destroying others - you lay open to destruction. The moment you stop betraying others - you will be betrayed. And this is not only true in some big global capitalistic sense where you see "big evil corporations" cheating their way to the top. The pursuit of "the American Dream" is equally exhausting for those whom it holds captive. But those who wait on the Lord (v. 2) wait in peaceful confidence. Those who trust in the Lord have a place of defense from God's wrath communicated through the wicked (v.16). Those who wait on the Lord will have their bread given and their "water will be sure" all the while as we behold Jerusalem (in hope) where the Lord will be for us.

Revelation 5:1-14 - Chapter 5 in revelation continues the Christ-exalting worship we saw yesterday in chapter 4. But here the worship takes on even greater meaning and significance as God's might works are revealed. In Ch. 4, Christ is worshipped as Creator in the final verse: "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power,for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created." The power of God is admired and praised in Ch. 4 but in Ch.5 the same God who creates also redeems! And this proclamation of Christ as Redeemer leads to all creation (the elders, the living creatures, and the host of angels)singing "a new song" in verse 9.

There is an unbelievable amount of deep theological truth revealed in the worship scenes of Rev 4 & 5, but most significant, in my opinion, is the fact that God, in Christ, is the author of both creation and redemption. As we read from Ch.4 into Ch.5 - the excitement builds dramatically. And rightfully so as we hear the clear proclamation of all creation as it declares the work of Christ. But we would do well to keep these two chapters and these two songs of praise together in both our theology and in our worship. We ought to be faithful in singing both the "old song" worshipping Christ as creator, as well as the "new song" of Rev 5:9 as we lift our voices this Christmas season.