Advent, Day 14

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ISAIAH 8:1-15
Gordon L. Isaac

A Time of Judgment
Advent is the season of reflection, a time to ponder God’s work in the world. It is a time to prepare for his deeds of judgment and redemption.

Isaiah is keen to warn Israel of impending doom. The king of Assyria is coming like the rush of mighty waters, carrying everything in its path. There is no turning back the floods that have overflowed their channels. The only word that can be spoken is:

Strap on your armor and be shattered;

Strap on your armor and be shattered. (vs. 9)

Destruction two times over is hardly a word that is easy to hear. No doubt we would rather contemplate the birth of the Christ Child. But there is a word before that last word to which we must listen, for what we fear is as important as what we embrace.

This Bible passage is quite clear in saying that God alone is worthy of our fear. The prophet serves up this word in a powerful way for this Advent season:

But the Lord of Hosts,
him you shall regard as holy.
Let him be your fear,
let him be your dread. (vs. 13)

Living in the cleansing fear of God is an act of faith. It is enough for us in this moment to hear this strong word. Letting the Lord be our fear and our dread will make room for the song of the angels.

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