Third Wednesday of Advent

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 9:8-17

Key Verse: For those who guide this people have been leading them astray, and those who are guided by them are swallowed up. ~Isaiah 9:16

These verses from Isaiah again speak of God’s judgment for disobedience, a recurring theme in Isaiah’s writing up to this point. Hopefully we are beginning to understand how seriously God takes the issue of faithfulness to him. In his covenant he has sworn himself to Israel, to be there God and to protect, bless and direct them. But this covenant requires faithfulness on the part of Israel and they have frequently failed to uphold their end of the covenant. In Jesus God has fulfilled the covenant and renewed and extended its reach to include all who place their trust in Jesus. But we, like Israel, are summoned to faithfulness, humbly walking with the Lord. These words from Isaiah then serve as a warning against pride and arrogance for us as well. God still requires obedience and will accept no substitute. Isaiah has a particularly harsh word to say about the leaders of Israel – that they were leading the people astray and that as a result many people were swallowed up (Isa 9:16). If you are in a position of leadership then this should serve as a check. For others this is a call to examine those whom you are following – are they leading you closer to faithful obedience to God or farther away? We must seriously consider our earthly allegiances and the way they affect our posture before God. As we move on in our Advent journey, take a few minutes to consider your posture before God – is there pride or arrogance you need to repent of? Are you coming before the Lord humbly, seeking to be faithful to him?

Dear God, I am sorry for the times I have pridefully rejected your Lordship and not taken seriously your desire for faithful obedience. May I not be found to be far from you when you come again in glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

For Further Reading: 2 Peter 1:1-10a Mark 1:1-8 Psalm 119:49-72