“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”
Isaiah 43:18-19, ESV
We are not bound to the Law of Moses with strict rules and sacrifices, for the perfect sacrifice was made. In Christ, we now seek to love God who indwells us by His Holy Spirit and helps us.
No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
John 3:13-15, ESV
At Advent, we look back at why Jesus had to come, that He came, and then that He will come again.
Jesus came to live amongst us, teaching the truths of God and proving them with miracles, signs, and wonders.
Even the religious elite could see it, but they could not understand without help.
And Jesus was that help to Nicodemus and others willing to listen, but we tend to be an obstinate lot.
Yet, God came to us, showing us how we are to be saved.
What does Jesus tell us about salvation?
He tells us that only Jesus has made the trip from heaven and back, that only those who believe in Him can ascend.
He tells us we must believe He is the only source of salvation, and it is in His death on the cross we find forgiveness and are saved.
God came to us as a man to save us by taking our punishment on Himself, and we must believe this to be saved.
Maybe people who lived in Old Testament times did not understand this in detail, but they knew where salvation was found: in God alone.
Christ has come and given us the Holy Spirit who leads us to Christ’s cross and forgiveness of sins and hope for eternal life.
May we seek the Lord who has saved us and shown us the path to eternal life.
Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord, or what man shows him his counsel? Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding?
Isaiah 40:13-14, ESV
At Advent, we look back at why Jesus had to come, that He came, and then that He will come again.
Our sins have stacked up to heaven, deeper and more vile than we could know.
Sin is rebellion against the character of God.
And we think we can tell God what is good? What justice and goodness are? That we know better what God’s character and will are?
Who do we think we are? Why do we think we understand God’s creation and character better than He does when He has revealed it through HisbWord by His prophets and apostles?
And this is what the prophets, including John the Baptist, were telling us.
“Repent! Stop your foolish thinking, and turn from your sin! The kingdom of God is at hand, and you think you can judge your Creator? Prepare for His coming, now!”
But we still try to justify our sin, correct God on His justice, and fix His revelation.
Yet, God came to us, showing us the depth of our misunderstanding of sin, revealing His character in person, and taking on Himself the justice we deserved.
We therefore prepare ourselves by admitting we don’t understand as much as we think we do, turning to the Word and trusting the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth of Christ to us.
May we seek the Lord who took on the just punishment we deserved, preparing ourselves by seeking His revelation.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
Psalm 100:4, ESV
God has called us into community with Him and with His Chosen people. May we come together and thank God for this brotherhood: the Church filled with the Holy Spirit.
Do we truly love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths? Maybe I can help with the mind part, at least! This is Daniel M. Klem, apparent poet, reluctant yet passionate Disciple (Peter?), and foolish man attempting to understand theology!