Tag: Advent

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Peace – A Prayer for Peace

His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor and decide with equity for the meek of the earth.

– Isaiah 11:3-4 (NRSV)

If someone asked you for a definition of ‘peace,’ what would you say? Perhaps you would talk about the inner calm you get from prayer. Maybe you would use words like “tranquility” or “harmony.” You might talk about meditation or circles of hippies singing kumbaya and everyone getting along. This verse from Isaiah does not talk about peace in that way.

Isaiah describes the ministry of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, as one of judgement. This passage throws around words like righteousness, equity, and ‘meek of the earth.’ This is the sort of turn-the-world-upside-down sort of peace in which the winners become losers and the losers become winners.

As Jesus puts it in his own words “the first shall be last, and the last shall be first.” Moreover, Jesus isn’t the sort of judge who hears testimony or can be corrupted. It says that he doesn’t need his ears or his eyes to know what’s right. Jesus already knows how to righteously judge.

There certainly hasn’t been a lot of peace this year. There have been protests and counter protest, riots and prayer walks. More than wearing their emotions on their sleeve, people have started printing up t-shirts broadcasting their frustrations everywhere they go.

Maybe you’ve even posted or protested too, possibly using some mantra like Back the Blue, Black Lives Matter, Pro-Life, Love Wins. In our world, everyone has got a slogan, and no one is at peace.

We live in a broken, mixed-up world, and, on the other side of Christmas that will still be true. We are all sinful people trying our best to do what we think is best.

During Advent, we are awaiting the arrival of Jesus the Righteous King. When he sits down to judge the people of this world he will do so with perfect justice. Until that day, we are called to seek justice and equity as best as we can.

Today, take time to consider someone else’s point of view. How can you lovingly pray for those who are not at peace?

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Peace – A Prayer for Peace

His delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. He shall not judge by what his eyes see or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness he shall judge the poor and decide with equity for the meek of the earth.

– Isaiah 11:3-4 (NRSV)

If someone asked you for a definition of ‘peace,’ what would you say? Perhaps you would talk about the inner calm you get from prayer. Maybe you would use words like “tranquility” or “harmony.” You might talk about meditation or circles of hippies singing kumbaya and everyone getting along. This verse from Isaiah does not talk about peace in that way.

Isaiah describes the ministry of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, as one of judgement. This passage throws around words like righteousness, equity, and ‘meek of the earth.’ This is the sort of turn-the-world-upside-down sort of peace in which the winners become losers and the losers become winners.

As Jesus puts it in his own words “the first shall be last, and the last shall be first.” Moreover, Jesus isn’t the sort of judge who hears testimony or can be corrupted. It says that he doesn’t need his ears or his eyes to know what’s right. Jesus already knows how to righteously judge.

There certainly hasn’t been a lot of peace this year. There have been protests and counter protest, riots and prayer walks. More than wearing their emotions on their sleeve, people have started printing up t-shirts broadcasting their frustrations everywhere they go.

Maybe you’ve even posted or protested too, possibly using some mantra like Back the Blue, Black Lives Matter, Pro-Life, Love Wins. In our world, everyone has got a slogan, and no one is at peace.

We live in a broken, mixed-up world, and, on the other side of Christmas that will still be true. We are all sinful people trying our best to do what we think is best.

During Advent, we are awaiting the arrival of Jesus the Righteous King. When he sits down to judge the people of this world he will do so with perfect justice. Until that day, we are called to seek justice and equity as best as we can.

Today, take time to consider someone else’s point of view. How can you lovingly pray for those who are not at peace?

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Peace – The Gift of the Spirit

The spirit of the Lord shall rest on him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. – Isaiah 11:2 (NRSV)

This verse from Isaiah throws out a lot of words we don’t typically associate with peace – words like ‘wisdom’ and ‘understanding,’ ‘counsel’ and ‘knowledge.’ These are all words associated with thinking and decision-making. And, of course, Isaiah keeps repeating the same word over-and-over again – spirit.

Isaiah is not just giving us a general description of Jesus’s character traits; he is pointing to a very specific element of who he is. Jesus is anointed with the Holy Spirit of God.

In John Chapter 14, Jesus sits down with the twelve disciples and talks with them about the Holy Spirit. He says that the Holy Spirit will be given to them as a gift, and the Spirit will teach them, remind them, and guide them. He even calls the Holy Spirit the counselor. He goes on to say that he will send this Spirit to them after he has gone away.

Remarkably, everyone who is in Christ has been promised the Spirit of the Lord as well. Though this verse points to Jesus, it could easily be rewritten to apply to you or me. It might sound something like: The Spirit of the LORD rested on Riley, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding. James received the Spirit of counsel and might. Marcus was covered in the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.

Although Jesus was originally filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, he has already offered it to you. If you accept God’s Spirit, then it promises to change the way you think. It will teach you and remind you of God’s instruction. The Spirit will bring you an inner peace grounded in wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. If you accept the Spirit of God, then you will be transformed.

When was the last time you heard the voice of the Holy Spirit’s voice? In the middle of this busy Advent season, you might take some time to listen for its council. Find a quiet space today to sit and listen to the Spirit of God.

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Peace – Tree of Jesse

A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots. – Isaiah 11:1 (NRSV)

What a crazy verse to start out week two of advent. If you haven’t heard this verse before it’s commonly read in churches in the weeks leading up to Christmas. Though it’s meaning might be hidden from us, the Jewish people of Jesus time considered this a prophecy about their future king.

The key to understanding this verse is to know who in the world this Jesse guy is! If you remember your Old Testament, Jesse is King David’s father. David was the best king Israel ever had, and his family ruled Judah for hundreds of years before the kingdom was destroyed by Babylon. When the text talks about the “stump of Jesse,” it’s referring to David’s family tree, the royal family of God’s people.

Now, if you remember your New Testament, you’ll know that Jesus comes from the house and line of David. He is born in David’s hometown of Bethlehem and is called the King of the Jews. Jesus is Jesse’s great-great-great-great-great grandson, or something like that. The people of Judea had waited for generations for God to regrow the royal family tree, and Jesus is that shoot growing up from Jesse’s stump. In fact, there’s a lot of kingly language in this passage.

The Hebrew word for “shoot” can also mean “scepter.” It’s a play on words connecting the symbols of kingship with an image of new growth. Jesus is the shoot rising up to claim the throne of David, ready and eager to extend new life for us.

There’s a tradition in some churches to take bare branches and cover them with ornaments representing Jesus. They call these decorations ‘Jesse trees,’ after this passage. Trees are a big part of the Christmas celebration. Maybe you have one in your home right now. We use evergreen trees to remind us of God’s ever-present love for us, even in times of darkness and uncertainty.

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Peace – Prince of Peace

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:7 (NRSV)

Long ago, when kings and queens were being introduced, they would collect many titles or nicknames for themselves to sound impressive. You might be familiar with names like Catherine the Great or Ivan the Terrible of Russia. But rulers had more exciting names too. Edward I of England was known by the name The Hammer of the Scots, which sounds kind of cool.

Today, these sorts of nicknames are typically reserved for professional athletes like football players or basketball players. The best nicknames are found among pro wrestlers. Think ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, or ‘Macho Man’ Randy Savage.

These names are supposed to mesmerize fans and intimidate opponents. The nicknames given to our rulers in the past, did the same thing. Titles like “the Great” or “the Terrible” or “The Hammer of the Scots” were supposed to sound mighty and unapproachable. We are supposed to be captivated and frightened by them.

This verse from Isaiah lists a bunch of nicknames for Jesus, and they seem very different from the nicknames of our worldly rulers and wrestlers. The title “Wonderful Counselor” does not sound scary; it sounds inspiring and personal. What if we were to rewrite Jesus’s name with the phrase ‘Mighty God.’ It might sound something like Jesus Christ, the Mighty God. Now, that does sound awe-inspiring.

Perhaps the most confusing of these titles is ‘Prince of Peace.’ I cannot think of any worldly ruler or even modern athlete who wishes to be called ‘Prince of Peace.’ It tends to be against the human instinct to advocate for peace, even when it is the thing we need most.

Jesus comes into this world sporting the title ‘Prince of Peace.’ Jesus turns the earthly model of leadership on its head. He does not rule by force and terror but through faith and love. He preaches “blessed are the peacemakers,” and through his death and resurrection, he brings peace between humanity and God.

Take time today to reflect on the nicknames of Jesus. Which one means the most to you?

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Peace – The Comfort of God

Comfort, O Comfort my people, says your God. – Isaiah 40:1 (NRSV)

This passage is spoken over the people of Israel at the end of the Exile. Is read in God’s own voice, and he is calling out to Israel to give them comfort at the end of their trial. It’s an important verse in the book of Isaiah because it presents a huge shift in the message of the book. In fact, some people call the following few chapters the “Book of Comfort” because the tone is one of support and encouragement.

When you think of the word ‘comfort’ what images come into your mind. Maybe you think about a warm safe blanket on a cold rainy night. Maybe you imagine a good hug from a dear friend that you received just at the right moment.

There are lots of things we use to inspire comfort during this time of year. Hot cocoa in a good mug after a long day. Bright lights on our homes when the night lasts so long. Bells that spark music when we least expect it.

The Christmas season is definitely a time when we need comfort. Comfort food, comforting friends, and comfortable clothes on those cold winter nights. You, or those close to you, might need a little extra comfort during this season, especially when we remember all the people who cannot celebrate this season with us.

Today, take time to reflect on the images of comfort which surround you. Candles, hugs, and Christmas cards are full of warm wishes and messages of comfort. Resist the urge to get caught up in the stress and materialism of our world and embrace the Sabbath rest of God.

Find your favorite image of comfort and place it in a prominent place. Put a candle on your desk at home or a Christmas card on your bathroom mirror. God wants you to enjoy his comfort this season, and if you get the chance, offer someone else a little comfort too!

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Hope – How to be Good at Hope

From ages past no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who works for those who wait for him. – Isaiah 64:4 (NRSV)

What a mysterious passage! This verse sets up an interesting theological idea. The first half of the verse talks about how amazing and powerful God is. From generation to generation there has never been anyone more marvelous than our God. God is the creator of the world and savior of all humankind.

This week in advent, we are focusing on the spiritual discipline of hope. Being good at hope (and yes, you can be good at hope) means you must have two things: Patience and Imagination. Consider what it means to be patience. Nobody hopes for things they already have, rather we have to wait for the things we are hoping for. Verse four says that God only works for those who wait on him, not the people who rush to get things done their own way. But we shouldn’t just sit around waiting on God to work without any idea of what we are looking for.

Think about it this way: there was once a little girl who was participating in a scavenger hunt. As she wandered through the yard she got more and more upset because she couldn’t find any of the clues that her parents hid for her. Finally, she gives up and asks for help. When her brother comes over, he easily finds one of the clues and hands it to the little girl. She was shocked! The little girl had walked past the clue a dozen times, but she didn’t realize that’s what she was supposed to be looking for. She lacked the imagination to see what was right in front of her.

Today’s passage calls us to practice hope with patience and imagination. We are not supposed to wait around doing nothing and expecting God to act. We must remember what our God is like and then live into the expectation of what God will do. Take time today to ask God for the right combination of patience and imagination.

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Hope – God on Stage

Oh, that you would tear open the heavens and come down, so that the mountains would quake at your presence. – Isaiah 64:1 (NRSV)

This verse is a passionate prayer that God would interrupt the whole world. The imagery is violent and startling. If God were to act like this, then there would be no denying who was in charge. The speaker is asking God to storm on to the stage in the middle of the play. God is the director. God is in charge. If things are going awry then it is God who should jump in and make things right.

But, if any director were to jump onstage in the middle of the play, then the play would be over. The only time you see the director is at the curtain call. Instead, God chose to enter the play as an actor. He came to us as a little child. A helpless baby born in a barn to a poor family.

Why might God have chosen this particular method? Why would God hold off on the big flashy entrance and come to earth as a humble child? Well, one reason might be that if God came with thunder and lightning, there would be no need for faith. Everyone would be forced to acknowledge God as King, and God would not be sure who really wanted an authentic relationship with him.

God might also be trying to teach us something about who Jesus is and who we are supposed to be. We are not supposed to go through the world throwing our weight around and lording over people. As Jesus followers, we are to be humble like Jesus, treating everyone as our neighbor.

Now, this prayer from Isaiah is still really helpful. It is a hopeful cry for God to act. Whenever you see terrible things on the news or you’ve experienced some evil, we should pray asking God to intervene in a big way. The amazing thing about God is that He is planning on coming back in a big way to right all wrongs and save His people. God has promised to someday jump on stage and make things right. When we reach the curtain call of this life God will make a big appearance and things will be made right.