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He Promised!

During the season of Advent, the Church turns again and again to the Book of Isaiah. Considered the greatest of the Old Testament prophets, Isaiah was called by God in a vision that opened his eyes to the glory and majesty of the Lord. He humbly accepted his mission, saying, “Here I am… send me” (Is 6:8). Inspired to speak out boldly, Isaiah’s powerful voice resounded throughout Judah: “They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God” (Is 35:2c). “Here comes with power the Lord GOD, who rules by his strong arm” (Is 40:10a). Centuries have passed, and yet these words are still joyful and exhilarating. 

 There is excitement in Isaiah’s vivid account of God’s eternal plan and His promise to raise up a New Jerusalem: “Every valley shall be lifted up, every mountain and hill made low…. Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Is 40:4-5a). “For the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea” (Is 11:9).

Of all the writings that have come down to us from Isaiah, those that most inspire the hopeful longings of Advent are the ones that foretell the coming of the Messiah. They are full of poetry and images of the glorious kingdom that God has promised. Isaiah spoke with such vigor and conviction that the words almost jump off the page. “On that day the deaf shall hear…and out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see” (Is 29:18).

(FYI…I love that phrase, “On that day.” There is something thrilling about it. It’s like when you tell little kids that Christmas is almost here. Isaiah used it 43 times. Sometimes it precedes a warning and sometimes a promise, but always it proclaims the coming of the Kingdom of God. And what could be more exciting than that?)

Isaiah reveals to us the Messiah who will come to set His people free. “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace” (Is 9:5). “The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD” (Is 11:2).

Perhaps the most encouraging and uplifting promise of all is in Isaiah 25:8. “He will destroy death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces.”

When we really listen to the Old Testament readings during Advent, we can hear Israel’s greatest prophet inspiring our longing hearts and encouraging us. Take hold of the hope he offers, and listen closely to the promises. After all, they are God’s promises; and they are meant for us. All we have to do this Advent is trust in God, take His promises to heart, and claim them for ourselves, our loved ones, and our world. Listen with an open heart, and claim the promises.

“They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God” (Is 35:2c).

KEEP READING and LISTENING

1 thought on “He Promised!

  1. While reading parts of this, Handel’s Messiah suddenly burst into my head! I also liked the idea of God wiping away my tears.

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