Tuesday, December 23, 2014

ADVENT: Reclaiming Christmas -- Day 24

Advent:  Day 24:  "Christmas Moves us to Share GOD's Glory"

Scripture:  Isaiah 6

The context of this scripture is clearly the death of King Uzziah and Isaiah’s prophesy of the coming destruction of Israel at the hands of the Assyrians (722 B.C.) and the political maneuvering of the Syrians, and Jeremiah’s prophesy and the eventual Babylonian deportation of Judah prophesied by Jeremiah (586 B.C.).

As you read the brief contextual description below think about our current situation in this world, in our nation, and in the community around us:
 
GOD was calling Isaiah to prophesy loudly to the people to call them to repent from their wickedness.  Isaiah saw the glory of GOD Himself (vv. 1-4).  In the presence of holy GOD Isaiah saw his own depravity (v. 5).  The LORD heard his cry and took away his iniquity (vv. 6-7).  At this point Isaiah could not remain silent (v. 8).

The people were deaf and blind to GOD’s truth (vv. 9-10).  There would be devastation, desolation, and judgment (v. 11-12).  In the midst of this judgment there would be a faithful few, a remnant who would remain . . . “a stump whose holy seed is its stump” (v. 13).

It is important that we see the wickedness of our lives and the evil within the lives of everyone around us and the resulting confusion, despair, and suffering.  A very important part of the Christmas season is that the LORD has found favor upon those of us who are followers of JESUS.  Rather than hoarding GOD’s love and GOD’s grace for ourselves, it is imperative that we answer GOD’s call, just as Isaiah did. 

Part of the joy of Christmas is to share the Good News of Christmas with those around us.  A major way for us to do that is to focus on the real message of Christmas and submit to HOLY SPIRIT’s stirring within our soul with the glory of GOD.  As we are overwhelmed by GOD’s glory we will rise up and answer GOD’s call with gladness . . . “Here am I.  Send me!”

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Richard

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