Author: astherainandsnow

“And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth.  And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. And they sang a new song, saying,

‘Worthy are you to take the scroll
    and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
    from every tribe and language and people and nation,
and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
    and they shall reign on the earth.’

“Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, 

‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!’

“And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, 

‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!’

“And the four living creatures said, ‘Amen!’ and the elders fell down and worshiped.” Revelation 5:6-14

“And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel.” Revelation 8:3-4

This mysterious and glorious picture of the throne of the Lamb shines forth in a unison of praise. Elders, living creatures and myriads of angels surround the Worthy One, with new and ongoing songs of honor and blessing to the divine and majestic Regent. Bowls full of prayers- the hopes and fears and longings and praises of numerable saints through the ages- are offered at the altar. Their pleasing aroma satisfies the One who satisfied our redemption and satisfies the human heart and personality. He who sits on the throne victorious is rightful owner of honor and power.

Filling moments with praise gives days of vision and joy. Yielding to Christ’s rightful place in and over us enriches the meaning of every pursuit.

Would we approach the throne? Would we set aside the sideways glance at differences to gaze at the Holy One, slain for us and all our pettiness, and lift high His might and worth? Would we bring a new song of gratitude and trust, awakened insight and fresh praises for all He is and has done? Would we join the worship of thousands times ten thousands in exalting the only true King of kings and Lord of lords? (Revelation 19:16)

Lord, may I boldly set aside lesser occupations to worship You as the only Sovereign, whose honor and eternal dominion are worthy of my praise, and life. (1 Timothy 5:15-16)

“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered…  And Joseph went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

‘Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!'” Luke 2:1,4-14

When asked a favorite thing that made Christmas special, a friend said, “I awaken every day so thankful for Jesus, and His grace and gift of salvation, that He would come for me… that I celebrate Christmas every day.” In other words, everything about Jesus makes Christmas not only Christmas, but special, and daily. Journeying to Bethlehem, bowing over the Christ child, standing in awe at the heavenly hosts, marveling at their shout of Glory, hushing at the Savior’s peace, all keep Christmas in our hearts. When we contemplate Christ-mas, mas from the Latin missa– ‘dismissal,’ we celebrate Christ’s giving of Himself for us and sending us out to be His body in the world. Indeed, Christmas every day!

Christmas is pregnant with wonder and joy, yet Jesus came for so much more than His earthly birth. We marvel at Christmas every day when we see God in the manger of daily doldrums; the Carpenter calling fishermen and discipling a chosen few, including our ordinary selves; the Divine touching and healing untouchables and our hurts, and with those same hands washing His disciples’ feet and our heinous hearts; Jesus praying for His own, and in Gethsemane agony, and over us; and the Savior of the world giving up His spirit on a cross for sinners across time. He lives in and for us, pours out eternal life, and is coming again. Christ is worthy of every day merry. Lift high our voice! (Matthew 4:18-22; 26:36-42; Mark 1:40-45; John 13:4-5; 14:16-18; 17:6-18; 19:28-30; Romans 8:27,34; Revelation 22:20)

How can we celebrate Christmas anew? With what fresh wonder will we walk the road to Bethlehem, hover at the manger, or stand in reverent fear in the God-lit fields? With what new melody will we praise the Highest, and how with that same voice spread His peace in our homes and circles of influence?

Lord Jesus, instill in me the wonder and joy of Your coming and giving, and be exalted in Christmas glory every day.

“Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha… So the sisters sent to him, saying, ‘Lord, he whom you love is ill.’ But when Jesus heard it he said, ‘This illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.’

“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was… Then Jesus told them plainly, ‘Lazarus has died, and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.’

“Jesus said to [Martha], ‘Your brother will rise again… I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?’ She said, ‘Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world…’ Jesus wept. So the Jews said, ‘See how he loved him!’

“Then Jesus, deeply moved again, came to the tomb… [and] said, ‘Take away the stone.’ Martha said, ‘Lord, by this time there will be an odor, for he has been dead four days.’ Jesus said, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed you would see the glory of God?’ So they took away the stone…. He cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out.’ The man who had died came out… Many of the Jews therefore believed in him.” John 11:1,3-6,14-15,17,21,23,25-27,35-36,38-41,43-45

This is a love story between Jesus and His friends, us included. As is true with much of life, intense love means intense pain, and sadness. But from the start, Jesus saw (and procured) the glory in it. He saw the lessons, He saw the important picture they needed in their minds to prepare them for what was ahead. So in His love, He stayed, and waited. That’s what He does with and for His friends. (John 15:15)

Jesus had His disciples wait so they observed His serenity in a larger purpose. He stayed to give everyone time to contemplate deeper things, to agonize over Lazarus’s death and to long for life, restoration, and heaven. He allowed suffering that identifies us with Him as we share in His succor. He allowed time to relinquish the ability to do anything, to cast themselves helpless on Him, to turn their eyes from the present situation to the Lord, from whom comes all help. Salvation’s meaning shines and faith flourishes as they rise from death and decay. (Psalm 121:1-2; Philippians 3:10-11)

What is our undefinable place of pain and waiting and uncertain future? Our current urgency? Our present grief? Do we believe Jesus is interceding for us and actively working? He hears our spoken and unspoken, and orders the clock and circumstances as long as it takes to set up and unfold His glory. Will we trust His timing and mysterious ways, knowing He loves us to death, and back? (Romans 8:28,34)

“He comes to make his blessings flow
far as the curse is found.” ~Isaac Watts (1719)

Lord, teach me learn the lessons You teach while I long for Your coming. May I see and promote Your glory in every circumstance.

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
    Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;
    righteous and having salvation is he,
humble and mounted on a donkey,
    on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim
    and the war horse from Jerusalem;
and the battle bow shall be cut off,
    and he shall speak peace to the nations;
his rule shall be from sea to sea,
    and from the River to the ends of the earth.
As for you also, because of the blood of my covenant with you,
    I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit.
Return to your stronghold, O prisoners of hope;
    today I declare that I will restore to you double…

Then the Lord will appear over them,
    and his arrow will go forth like lightning;
the Lord God will sound the trumpet
    and will march forth in the whirlwinds of the south.
The Lord of hosts will protect them…

On that day the Lord their God will save them,
    as the flock of his people;
for like the jewels of a crown
    they shall shine on his land.
For how great is his goodness, and how great his beauty!” Zechariah 9:9-12,14-15a,16-17a

Rejoice! Shout aloud! Behold the coming Christmas King and be glad! He comes bearing gifts to His children that are ours to enjoy now and forever!

See Him? He is humble, and comes not in pomp and tinsel and loud festivities, but in the quiet- slowly and humble, gaze-able, with loving eyes on our level. What flurry of do-lists and frenzy block Him from sight? What urgent tasks stress and distract as though more important?

And see what He brings, right into our busyness and mess? Righteousness. Salvation. PEACE. Because of His atoning blood we are free from all that binds and worries and weighs on us. Free indeed! He is the covenant- keeping King, regent over every circumstance and detail and concern. He comes with the key to release us from imprisonment to bitterness, discord, and lies. He fills our waterless places with springs of living water. He replaces our angst with hope of restoration, of becoming all He made us to be. (John 7:38; 8:36)

See Him appearing in the whirlwind? He’s right here with us in our suffering, gentle, calm, controlled, strong. He marches forth into our uncertainties. He protects His own in every new snip of dissension, sting of criticism, and pull of temptation.

See His beauty in the grace He extends, the love and saving He pours out over His wandering sheep? Feel His delight, hear His song, relish the grace and affection of His sanctifying hand? (Zephaniah 3:17)

What rearranging need we do in our minds and schedules to behold our Savior? What can we turn off, put aside, or say no to in order to see Jesus? He is coming, and He is nigh. If we would look, we will not be able to stifle the glad praising shout. Our King appears, and rules, and abides. His resplendent beauty should bear in our praises and on our every expression.

My King, keep me beholding You with a still heart, and rejoicing with a full one. May I ever proclaim and shine Your beauties and peace in all my world.

“And the word of the Lord came to me:  ‘Take from the exiles Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who have arrived from Babylon, and go the same day to the house of Josiah, the son of Zephaniah. Take from them silver and gold, and make a crown, and set it on the head of Joshua, the son of Jehozadak, the high priest. And say to him, “Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: for he shall branch out from his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord. It is he who shall build the temple of the Lord and shall bear royal honor, and shall sit and rule on his throne. And there shall be a priest on his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.’” And the crown shall be in the temple of the Lord.” Zechariah 6:9,11-14a

“For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Branches come from trunks come from roots, bearing their sap and strength as they reach skyward, growing stable enough to hold weight yet always stretching higher. Temples are sanctuaries of worship, yet in God’s divine ordinance, also the seat of His government. These apparent dichotomies are exquisitely unified in the Person of Jesus, our royal King and Great High Priest. (Hebrews 4:14-16; Revelation 17:14; 19:16)

Only this Ruler, only in God’s kingdom, reigns and mediates the Perfect One, uniting both roles in peaceful counsel to His own. The grace of peace. The peace of reconciliation between sinner and Savior, between men and men. Indeed, the supernatural union of God and man in the incarnated Christ is a picture of reconciliation in itself: humanly impossible, yet gloriously and irrefutably manifested. (1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:5)

What bearing does Christ’s counsel of peace have in us? Into what cavity of angst, what barrenness of love, what nest of dread or dissension need we welcome His coming? What control need we relinquish in order to prepare room and rein for Him who arrives bearing royal honor?

And how can I multiply grace and peace to others in His name? (2 Peter 1:2-4)

“Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the newborn King:
peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!’
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
join the triumph of the skies;
with th’angelic hosts proclaim,
‘Christ is born in Bethlehem!’

Christ, by highest heaven adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
late in time behold him come,
offspring of the Virgin’s womb:
veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
hail th’incarnate Deity,
pleased with us in flesh to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel.

Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
risen with healing in his wings.
Mild he lays his glory by,
born that we no more may die,
born to raise us from the earth,
born to give us second birth.

Hark! the herald angels sing,
‘Glory to the newborn King'” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Lord, hone in me Your divine nature, that Your counsel of peace become mine. Compel me to bring grace and peace and joy to others in Your name. (2 Peter 1:2-4)

“The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice;
    let the many coastlands be glad!” Psalm 97:1

“The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!
    He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!” Psalm 99:1

“For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

“Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.’ And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying,

“’We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
    who is and who was,
for you have taken your great power
    and begun to reign.
 The nations raged,
    but your wrath came,
    and the time for the dead to be judged,
and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints,
    and those who fear your name,
    both small and great,
and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.’

“Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.” Revelation 11:15-19

Nations rage, factions fight, and God reigns. He has reigned from the beginning, over His plan of salvation from first to last, from the fall to Christ’s birth and death and resurrection to the here and now, and will forevermore. When we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we rejoice that He was and is and will be King yesterday, today, and forever. (Genesis 3:14-15; Isaiah 7:14; Hebrews 13:8)

Our Savior has reigned from the beginning of time. He knew us before we were conceived, formed our personalities and particular gifting, and has never taken His eye off of us. So what about my past can I not accept? Where do I still chafe with what has happened, or not happened, when I know that the Lord reigns in perfect love and fulfills all His plans for me? (Genesis 1:1; Job 36:7; Psalm 139:1-6,13-15; Jeremiah 29:11; John 1:1-2)

Jesus reigns over the whole earth today, ordering times and authorities, places and nations. So in the daily mess of life, and the wreck of broken relationships and bodies and cities and governments, what is it we think His hand does not rule? We may feel out of control, yet why do we doubt His control? Do we behave as though we believe He is working all together for good for His own? (Exodus 15:18; Acts 17:26; Romans 8:28-34)

And Jesus reigns forever. Hallelujah! What fears, unknowns, and insecurities will we today tuck under the irrefutable, glorious promise that He will one day reconcile and restore all things? (Revelation 21:1-7,22-27; 22:12-13,20-21)

“Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
let ev’ry heart prepare him room
and heav’n and nature sing…

Joy to the earth, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ,
while fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains,
repeat the sounding joy…

He rules the world with truth and grace
and makes the nations prove
the glories of his righteousness
and wonders of his love.” ~Isaac Watts (1719)

Eternal God, may I rest and rejoice in Your forever reign today and always.

“Sing aloud, O daughter of Zion;
    shout, O Israel!
Rejoice and exult with all your heart,
    O daughter of Jerusalem!
 The Lord has taken away the judgments against you;
    he has cleared away your enemies.
The King of Israel, the Lord, is in your midst;
    you shall never again fear evil.
On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem:
‘Fear not, O Zion;
    let not your hands grow weak.
The Lord your God is in your midst,
    a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
    he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.
I will gather those of you who mourn for the festival,
    so that you will no longer suffer reproach.
Behold, at that time I will deal
    with all your oppressors.
And I will save the lame
    and gather the outcast,
and I will change their shame into praise
    and renown in all the earth.
At that time I will bring you in,
    at the time when I gather you together;
for I will make you renowned and praised
    among all the peoples of the earth,
when I restore your fortunes
    before your eyes,’ says the Lord.” Zephaniah 3:14-20

Cares of this world pull to divide our hearts, but as God’s children, we are to have whole ones. The presence and promises of God are enough to fill them to the brim with gladness and joy, keeping no room for anxiousness or dread. When we rejoice and exult with all our hearts, there is no qualifying ‘but’ or ‘if only’ to pepper our praises or straggle behind.

It takes intent to have a whole heart for God, involving both what we believe and how we behave in response. When we accept that the Lord has forgiven our sin, removed the enemies of shame and fear, and that we bear no condemnation or judgment, we will trust wholly His great salvation. When we believe in Christ’s personal, pursuing love, we will rest in His presence and His delight over us. When we believe His promises are true, and for restoration and redemption, we will wholeheartedly trust He works in our hardships for ultimate good. (Psalm 103:11-13; Romans 8:1,28)

What if we banked on growth, encouragement, and God’s glory coming through hardship? What if, instead of complaint, we wholly believed God’s word and turned it to praise?

“O for a heart to praise my God,
a heart from sin set free;
a heart that’s sprinkled with the blood
so freely shed for me:

A heart resigned, submissive, meek,
my great Redeemer’s throne;
where only Christ is heard to speak,
where Jesus reigns alone:

A humble, lowly, contrite heart,
believing, true, and clean,
which neither life nor death can part
from him that dwells within:

A heart in every thought renewed,
and full of love divine;
perfect and right and pure and good —
a copy, Lord, of thine.

Thy nature, gracious Lord, impart,
come quickly from above;
write thy new name upon my heart,
thy new best name of Love.” ~Charles Wesley (1742)

Father God, please give me an undivided heart to rejoice in You always. In everything may I never abandon You as my first and supreme love. (Psalm 86:11; Revelation 2:4)

“I will sing of the steadfast love of the LORD, forever;
    with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations…

“Let the heavens praise your wonders, O LORD,
    your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones!
For who in the skies can be compared to the LORD?
    Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD,
a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones,
    and awesome above all who are around him?
O LORD God of hosts,
    who is mighty as you are, O LORD,
    with your faithfulness all around you?
You rule the raging of the sea;
    when its waves rise, you still them…
The heavens are yours; the earth also is yours;
    the world and all that is in it, you have founded them.
The north and the south, you have created them;
    Tabor and Hermon joyously praise your name.
You have a mighty arm;
    strong is your hand, high your right hand.
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
    steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.
Blessed are the people who know the festal shout,
    who walk, O LORD, in the light of your face,
who exult in your name all the day
    and in your righteousness are exalted.
For you are the glory of their strength;
    by your favor our horn is exalted.
For our shield belongs to the Lord,
    our king to the Holy One of Israel.” Psalm 89:1,5-9,11-18

When we consider the great covenant LORD, His faithfulness abounds, and is all around what we observe in His creation and deeds. It is the hallmark and watermark of His world. We see, we marvel, we begin to sing and cannot stop. Where might this song of faithfulness reach?

We see His order, how do we implement such? We are held in His love, will we extend it? Secure in His constant keeping, do we rest peacefully in it? Beholding His power and might, will we fight the enemy with Him, and stand firm? Confident in His rule, do we submit to it? We observe the foundation His word has established, do we remain unshaken by shifting sands of culture? Beholding His light, do we walk in it? (Psalm 119:105)

“Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father.
There is no shadow of turning with thee.
Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not.
As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.

Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest,
sun, moon, and stars in their courses above,
join with all nature in manifold witness
to thy great faithfulness, mercy, and love.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow;
blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is thy faithfulness!
Great is thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see.
All I have needed thy hand hath provided.
Great is thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!” ~Thomas O. Chisolm (1923)

God’s faithfulness is ever with us as our Rock. It extends to the heavens, envelops our hearts and minds, and never fails. By it we have peace, hope, and joy for each day. (Psalm 36:5; 89:24-26,33; Lamentations 3:22-24)

Father, in light of your faithfulness to me, fix firm my faithfulness to You. May I be unshaken in trust and unceasing in praise, for You are worthy of both, forever.

“Lifting up his eyes, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, ‘Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?’  He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. Philip answered him, ‘Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.’ One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him,  ‘There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?’ Jesus said, ‘Have the people sit down.’ Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number.  Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, ‘Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.’ So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten.” John 6:5-13

“Come, everyone who thirsts,
    come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
    come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
    without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
    and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
    and delight yourselves in rich food.
Incline your ear, and come to me;
    hear, that your soul may live.” Isaiah 55:1-3a

The commands appear to make no sense: how can we buy bread without money? And more startling still, how do we procure what satisfies with no expenditure ourselves? Yet the very dichotomies the Scriptures put forth are purposeful: Come, listen diligently, delight yourselves, incline your ear; to test him. The thoughts and ways of our Lord are drastically different and higher than ours, and we would do well to prescribe to His over our own. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

There is a mysterious currency of faith our Lord uses in trading with His people. Doing business with the Heavenly Regent involves dealing on His terms, and the outcomes are always beneficial to our spiritual growth by affording deeper understanding of Him and ourselves.

When Jesus asks something of us that makes no human sense, musses with our comfort, or tests our patience, how do we react? Do we immediately respond, ‘No way! I could never afford, or do, or say, or be capable of, or comfortable with, that!’? Or would we harken to His deeper meanings between the lines? Would we in faith offer meager loaves and fish to His majestic wonder-working hands, and expect great things?

Think only of ourselves, and limit both our grasp of God’s vastness and our effectiveness in His kingdom work. Tackle His tests of faith with holy urgency and eagerness to be used for significant transactions, and He’ll bring divine return on that investment. He builds faith through personal exercise and others’ examples. Whoever trades in and feeds on His bread lives forever, and abundantly, hungering no more. (John 10:10b; Hebrews 11:1-12:3,10; Revelation 7:15-17)

Father, in all You ask of me, may I spend increasing faith on what lasts and honors You most.

“I will stretch out my hand against Judah
    and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem;
and I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal
    and the name of the idolatrous priests along with the priests,
those who bow down on the roofs
    to the host of the heavens,
those who bow down and swear to the Lord
    and yet swear by Milcom,
those who have turned back from following the Lord,
    who do not seek the Lord or inquire of him.

Be silent before the Lord God!
    For the day of the Lord is near…

At that time I will search Jerusalem with lamps,
    and I will punish the men
who are complacent,
    those who say in their hearts,
‘The Lord will not do good,
    nor will he do ill.’

A day of wrath is that day,
    a day of distress and anguish,
a day of ruin and devastation,
    a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and thick darkness,
    a day of trumpet blast and battle cry
against the fortified cities
    and against the lofty battlements.

I will bring distress on mankind,
    so that they shall walk like the blind,
    because they have sinned against the Lord…
Neither their silver nor their gold
    shall be able to deliver them
    on the day of the wrath of the Lord.
In the fire of his jealousy,
    all the earth shall be consumed.” Zephaniah 1:4-7a,12,15-17a,18a

“I the Lord your God am a jealous God.” Exodus 20:5

It may astound that we are capable of bowing on a roof to heaven’s hosts, and mingling worship of the true God with ‘Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites,’ yet our flesh is so daily prone. Any time we exalt any part of the created world over the Creator, or split our allegiance between God and another, we prove our tendency to idolatry. The steps to start the slide are simple, and insidious. (1 Kings 11:5,33; Romans 1:18-24)

Turning back from following the Lord implies a once-fervor for walking with Him. How does follow become a slow trailing behind, then an about-face? When we stop seeking Him. We stop looking into His word to inquire and listen. Our hearts get distracted and ears start to pick up other sounds, then tune in. When we stop asking, we stop looking and seeing Him in everything. We lose sensitivity to His Spirit’s direction and nudging conviction, because we have strayed after more alluring prompts. We cease to walk in step with Him, then in His steps at all. (Hebrews 11:25)

The sad thing is, it’s so easy to slip and slide, and lesser gods are never worth their enticement. The glad offer is God’s gracious mercy to those who return. Which will it be for us? Today is the day to see clearly what’s really going on in our hearts, and come clean: name our false gods- be they health, safety, ease, or stuff- and confess our sole allegiance to Jesus. His is the path of freedom and soul fulfillment.

What are we most tempted to worship? To whose voice do we give our best attention and time? What allures take precedence when we dole out priorities?

Lord, make me silent before You, so You alone fill my vision, my heart’s affection, and my praise.