Advent in Exile - Christmas Longing With IsaiahSample

In today’s reading, the prophet Isaiah tells us what the LORD our Creator and Helper says.

After leaving us in chapter 43 with God’s decree of the destruction of Israel, he begins with a love letter and assurances from on high with promises of provision and blessing upon Israel (invoking the name Jacob to remind them of Israel’s duplicity). God is very clear here, that some will accept their need of redemption (saving faith!), while some will believe they are saved by their Hebrew lineage.

Isaiah goes on to reveal what God declares about His sovereignty, His power, and unending love for His chosen people.

He goes on to illustrate the folly and foolishness of those who create their own gods out of wood that they just used to cook and warm their homes, using the scraps of wood to fashion human-like images to worship (do we do that in a way?) and forgetting completely to worship the One who made the wood in the first place. He uses no uncertain terms to describe such people...stupidity, ignorance, closed eyes and minds, poor deluded fools. Pretty harsh!

The Psalms side of today's reading continues where Isaiah 44 leaves off, expressing the joy of redemption and salvation; that He has swept away our sins like a cloud, that He alone has paid the price for our freedom, and that He alone has the power to do so.

"In Light of this Advent Season, what is your heart longing for?"

-Matt Harry