December 8 - Advent

Isaiah 24:14-25:12 - In this text both the greatness and goodness of God are eloquently proclaimed. God is pictured as receiving praise from all lands (west, east, coastlands etc.). God is sovereign over all - punishing the host of heaven in heaven and the kings of earth on earth (v. 21). He rules over the moon and the sun and reigns on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem (v. 23). There is nothing outside of His sovereign power and care. The text goes on in Chapter 25 to clearly illustrate the goodness of God revealed as He exercises His sovereignty. He has done wonderful things and formed faithful and sure plans. He is a stronghold to the poor and needy in distress (v.4). He will prepare a rich feast for us with the best food and wine (v.6). And best of all - He will swallow up death forever and wipe away tears from all faces (v.8).
Often times, God's word simply reminds us of who He is and what He has done (and what He will do). What a refreshingly simple message we find in this passage. We so often get caught up in the details of our theology, or our ministry, or of God's specific will for our lives that we begin to lose sight of God's providence and goodness. The beginning of all wisdom is realizing that God is not like us. He is infinitely greater and better than we are. I am thankful for constant reminders of His true character scattered in His word.

1 John 2:15-29 - Here we receive some stern words of warning exhorting us to reject worldliness and to abide in the truth in the face of antichrist. I am struck by the confidence in the author's tone as he issues his warnings. In verses 20-21: "20But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge. 21I write to you, not because you do not know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth." He offers a word of serious word of warning but without any hint of despair. How often do we, in the church, hear impassioned pleas regarding the impending dangers of theological drift and moral decay? There is a certainly a place for godly wisdom and exhortation delivered with passion. But we must be watchful that we don't drift in to the type of despair that loses sight of the victory Christ won through the cross and resurrection. The dangers posed by the world and antichrist are real but the ultimate outcome of the war is secure. Furthermore - our standing is secure as well if we simply cling to the truth we were taught in the beginning. Verse 24b-25: "If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25And this is the promise that he made to us—eternal life."