Ferguson and its aftermath of destruction, protests, everyone convinced of their opinion…
“Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down.” Many of us heard those words from Isaiah 64 yesterday in church. Oh, yes! Part of me is so tired with so much in this life.
The President issues an executive order on immigration. The House sues the President on his implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Pick a network to feed you what you want to hear.
“Oh, that You would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at Your presence.”
ISIS, terror cells in America, dirty bombs, feckless Europe…
“From of old no one has heard or perceived by the ear, no eye has seen a God besides You, who acts for those who wait for him.” O Lord, we’re waiting. How long before You come down and establish righteousness?
I say that because I want to be vindicated for my beliefs and life. I presume that you do too. We want Him to show up publicly and say, “Well done” (Matthew 25:21, 23). But Isaiah goes on – this is important – “Behold, You were angry, and we sinned; in our sins we have been a long time, and shall we be saved?” (Isaiah 64:5) It’s fine to yearn for vindication but it carries the temptation of self-righteousness. Truth is, we’re all in this broken humanity together. “We are the clay, and You are our potter; we are all the work of Your hand. Be not so terribly angry, O Lord, and remember not iniquity forever. Behold, please look, we are all Your people” (Isaiah 64:8-9).
Let’s welcome one another to Advent, and each pray that He come down and get into my heart and yours.
Comments