The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 42:1-12

Key Verse: Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. ~Isaiah 42:1

For three weeks we have heard the recurring warning against disobedience and injustice. We have looked within our hearts to see ourselves rightly – to see the ways in which we have rebelled against God and failed to love and serve those around us. Perhaps it has been a difficult three weeks for you, and perhaps you are weary of messages of judgment and punishment. This has been a necessary part of our Advent journey, because it is not until we see ourselves rightly and recognize our need that we are ready to welcome the Savior. Israel waited for hundreds of years until the “the appointed time” (Gal 4:4) and then Jesus came, born to Mary, as the Savior they had long been waiting for. These remaining days of preparation not point us to our hope in the midst of the reality of our brokenness. God promised through Isaiah that he would send his servant to “bring forth justice to the nations” (Isa 42:1). This servant will be compassionate and will bring light and freedom (Isa 42:6-7). This servant will usher in “new things” a new era, a time when God will be known by his people and they will worship him. Looking back we know that this prophecy was fulfilled with the birth of Jesus and his ensuring life, death and resurrection. But we know that we are in a state of “ongoing Advent” still waiting and preparing for the ultimate fulfillment when Jesus will return a second time and bring to completion the redemption and renewal of the entire universe. As we wait, let us continue to draw close to the Lord, seeking righteousness and justice, and singing to the Lord a new son.

Let the desert and its cities lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar inhabits; let the habitants of Sela sing for joy, let them shout from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory to the Lord and declare his praise in the coastlands. ~Isaiah 42:11-12

For Further Reading: Ephesians 6:10-20 John 3:16-21 Psalm 24