Author: astherainandsnow

“All the people of Judah took Uzziah,.. and made him king instead of his father Amaziah. He built Eloth and restored it to Judah… Uzziah was sixteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem… And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that his father Amaziah had done. He set himself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God, and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper.

“He went out and made war… and built cities… God helped him against the Philistines and the Arabians… The Ammonites paid tribute to Uzziah, and his fame spread.., for he became very strong… In Jerusalem he made machines, invented by skillful men, to be on the towers and the corners, to shoot arrows and great stones. His fame spread far, for he was marvelously helped, till he was strong.

“But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar. Azariah the priest went in after him,.. and withstood King Uzziah and said, ‘It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord, but for the priests… Go out of the sanctuary, for you have done wrong, and it will bring you no honor from the Lord God.’ Then Uzziah was angry… with the priests, [and] leprosy broke out on his forehead in [their] presence…  And King Uzziah was a leper to the day of his death, and lived in a separate house, for he was excluded from the house of the Lord..” 2 Chronicles 26:1-5,6,8,15-19,21

“In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.” Isaiah 6:1 

From a line of kings who mostly followed the Lord, Uzziah was a model of faithfulness and godliness for half a century as he led Judah. He fortified her standing and fame by strengthening the military and developing the economy. But pride set in, which bled to defamation of God and anger against the priests who tried to turn him back. Not to be dishonored, the Lord inflicted him with leprosy, and he died an outcast. Into the nation then reeling from this dramatic fall, He called Isaiah to remind them who was really, and still, King.

In the flesh, man can put too much trust in men. The drive to succeed and support the right cause can compel us to rally behind and rely on a person to make things happen. Nations shaken with instability or struggling under prideful, ungodly leaders may look to varied saviors.

But no man is infallible, and God shares His glory with none. Whether in situations of prosperity or difficulty, He wants us to know who is really King. He’s the only One to be trusted and honored in matters great and small. (Isaiah 42:8)

The Lord calls us, like He did Isaiah, to repent of pride and self governance and to make known His supremacy. Are we, or those around us, foolishly looking to anyone but Him to fix our situations and society? How has He, by grace, checked our tendency to exalt self or man at His expense? How will we magnify His authority before others?

Lord, by word and deed, help me proclaim You King.

“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John,  who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw.  Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and those who hear, and keep what is written in it, for the time is near.

“John to the seven churches that are in Asia:

“Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.

“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood  and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him… Even so. Amen.

“’I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.'” Revelation 1:1-8

John begins his book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ by blessing all who would read, hear, and keep the words in the grace and for the glory of the blessed Trinity. Not only will the letter reveal different aspects of the triune God, but will also issue the inspiration and power to understand and adhere to its message. The blessed Trinity is the source and recipient of all allegiance and obedience.

It strengthens our spiritual walk when we consider and employ every aspect of the blessed Trinity. The One who created us is one with the One who saved us is one with the One who now inhabits us, a deposit of our eternal salvation, constant Guide and Intercessor. And we are one with Him if we believe. The practice of praising Him, surrendering to His cleansing and light, and abiding in His perfect love and purity fixes our direction and fortifies the soul against opposition. (John 14:16; 17:20-21; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22)

How aware are we of the triune facets of God in our lives? How can we explore His nature and be conformed to His image by relying on Him as Father, Son, and Spirit? What present challenges can be faced differently, more courageously, in the blessed Trinity? Would that we be sanctified into a work of His who praises His name!

“Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, Holy, Holy! though the darkness hide thee,
Though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
Only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
Perfect in pow’r, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name, in earth, and sky, and sea;
Holy, holy, holy! merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.” ~Reginald Heber (1826)

Lord, may the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit abide with and flow through me, to Your glory. (2 Corinthians 13:14)

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it…

“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.  But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:1-5,9-14

“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:8-11

“Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.” Revelation 1:4-5

Jesus Christ, present in the beginning, eternal Son of the Father, rules. Setting aside glory, He condescended to earth to die that we might live, then was exalted once again to the highest place to reign. King of kings, Lord of lords, His throne cannot be shaken. There is no power above or beside the living Christ. (Ephesians 1:20-23; Revelation 19:16)

The ravages of earth since the fall and curse are a stark contrast to and welcome setting for the coming of Christ. Thorns and sorrows are our plight, toil and frustration and pain seem to rule the days. Until the King comes. Jesus brings salvation, joy, blessings abundant. He rules with truth and grace that penetrate the darkness and lies, betrayal and hurt and anxieties, to offer substantial hope and peace. (Genesis 3:1-6,17-19)

Would we prepare Him room? What grudges, discontent, resentments can we release to His cleansing? What fears and longings can we entrust to His care and authority? What evidence will we show a dark world of His righteous, loving, steadfast reign?

“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;
Our mortal songs employ,
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains,
Repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found.

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)

Lord, help me joyfully, gratefully welcome and proclaim Your reign.

“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.” Zechariah 9:9-10

“The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, ‘Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!’ And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,

“’Fear not, daughter of Zion;
behold, your king is coming,
    sitting on a donkey’s colt!’

“His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him.” John 12:12-16

Announced by prophets, the True King would come. To an exiled people facing rebuilding, in turmoil, opposed, He was coming. In present upheaval and darkness they could anchor their souls in the light of His promised, righteous reign. He might not meet their expectation of ruler at present, but they could find assurance that behind and around and above it all, He was in control.

The call to rejoice can be jarring in our self-centered world. The promise of victory and peace seems a vapor of unreason in our warring culture. What troubles we endure, what complaints we leave to stew! Caught up in everything that tangles our nerves, offends our rights, and rattles our emotions, we don’t want to heed a call to focus elsewhere. Life about us and our issues leaves no room for hoping for a promise or exalting the newborn King.

But Christmas calls us to live differently. ‘Rejoice greatly’ is a command that takes turning to look for Jesus. Is it salvation we need? Is it humility, freedom from self-righteousness? What turmoil needs the tools to conquer? What unsettledness, what anxiety begs for peace that lasts? The King is born! The Prince of Peace is nigh! Jesus lives and reigns!

“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 the angelic host proclaim,
‘Christ is born in Bethlehem!’

Christ, by highest heav’n adored,
Christ, the everlasting Lord,
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,
Hail the incarnate Deity!
Pleased as Man with man to dwell,
Jesus, our Immanuel!

Hail, the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris’n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.

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

Lord, by faith, may I rejoice in You, present and coming King.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: Behold, I will save my people from the east country and from the west country, and I will bring them to dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God, in faithfulness and in righteousness…

“I purposed in these days to bring good to Jerusalem..; fear not. These are the things that you shall do: Speak the truth to one another; render in your gates judgments that are true and make for peace; do not devise evil in your hearts against one another, and love no false oath, for all these things I hate, declares the Lord…

“The fasts… shall be to the house of Judah seasons of joy and gladness and cheerful feasts. Therefore love truth and peace.

“Thus says the Lord of hosts: Peoples shall yet come, even the inhabitants of many cities. The inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the favor of the Lord and to seek the Lord of hosts; I myself am going.’ Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem and to entreat the favor of the Lord. Thus says the Lord of hosts: In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” Zechariah 8:7-8,15-17,19-23

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

The prophet’s words of a future gathering picture the fulfillment of the Name and gospel Jesus embodied in Bethlehem. The Savior came to save, to unite His people in faithfulness and righteousness to be a blessing and light to the world. His incarnation draws the faithful to adore and rejoice, and moves them to bring others to behold and entreat the Lord of hosts.

The season resounds with chatter of meals and festivities, togetherness and sharing, yet the world shivers in a meaningless grey winter of soul. When we remember the One celebrated at Christmas, we are wont to invite others in from the cold to know His warmth and light. A heart eager to behold and adore the new-born king will be filled with wonder and holy desire to welcome others into that place. What in our way of living causes others to say, ‘We have heard that God is with you, and want to come along’?

Whom do we know who is weary, dampened by dreary circumstances or recent losses? Who needs HIs message of gathering and the hope of salvation? Are we listening, watching for the ones the Lord would draw close? To whom will we bring His light?

“O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem!
Come, and behold Him, born the King of angels!

God of God, Light of Light,
lo, He abhors not the virgin’s womb;
very God, begotten not created; 

Sing, choirs of angels; sing in exultation;
sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above!
Glory to God, all glory in the highest!

Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning;
Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n!
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing! 

O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him;
O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!” ~ John Francis Wade (1743)

Amen.

“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

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

“’Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel’

“(which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.” Matthew 1:18-25

“Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,.. emptied himself by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And… he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,  so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11

From the unnamed inclusion in creation’s Trinity to the promised incarnation of majestic descriptors, the Son of God bore the Name above all names from eternal beginning. Present in Genesis, active in history, announced with hope, He came. Teaching, serving, loving, dying, rising, ascending, Jesus fulfilled every aspect of His glorious Name and lives today crowned with it still. (Genesis 1:26; John 1:1-4; Revelation 19:11-16)

Our Savior’s name, often dismissed, sworn, or reviled, swells with significance for the Christian’s everyday. The Wonderful Counselor is our Mighty God and Everlasting Father who’s saved us from sin, imparting everlasting peace. Which name do I treasure most?

If my daily efforts aim to exalt my name over His, how can I set aside self to hallow His above all? What will I do to guard and extol the Name worthy of reverence? Whom can I prepare to one day humbly bow in Spirit and truth? (John 4:24)

“O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread thro’ all the earth abroad
the honors of your name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease,
’tis music in the sinner’s ears,
’tis life and health and peace.” ~Charles Wesley (1739)

Lord, write Your great name on my heart that I daily bear its beauties, and by word and deed, proclaim its holiness and power.

“After this the Moabites and Ammonites, and some of the Meunites, came against Jehoshaphat for battle… Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah… 

“Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord, and said, ‘O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you. Did you not, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land..? And now behold, the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir… [have come] to drive us out… O our God,.. we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.’

“The Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel.., a Levite of the sons of Asaph…  And he said, ‘Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, “Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s.  Tomorrow go down against them… You will not need to fight in this battle. Stand firm, hold your position, and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem.” Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, and the Lord will be with you.’

“Then Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before the Lord, worshiping the Lord…

“And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa… Jehoshaphat stood and said, ‘Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed…’

“When they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed.” 2 Chronicles 20:1,3,5-7a,10a,11a,12,14-16a,17-18,20,22

The approaching armies could be heard and seen, striking fear in King Jehoshaphat. Responding as was his nature in life’s desperate impossibilities, he turned to the Lord his God and recounted past promises and intervention. He claimed His presence and power to save. And the Lord answered, through Jahaziel His servant, to encourage him in truth, direct next steps, and announce victory.

Many in our circles of influence are fearful and needy. Life’s pressures burden with anxiety and confusion, and people cry out, not knowing where else to turn for relief or help. When we step in as an answer to their prayer, speaking life-giving truth, we never know what far-reaching results the Lord will work through our obedience. Those we aid with spiritual light who step out in faith receive more than imagined, gladness, and soul peace as a result of trusting Him. (2 Chronicles 20:25-30; Ephesians 3:20-21)

Who around us- at home, workplace, public interactions- is in a drought of hope, direction, the light of truth? How sensitive are we to the Holy Spirit’s nudging, how familiar with God’s word, so we are ready with living water? Whom will we encourage with a message of God’s balm, hope, and saving victory today? (John 7:38; 1 Peter 3:15)

Father, fill me to be an agent of grace, truth, and light to those around me, so they can know Your hope, salvation, and victory.

“A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet…

“O Lord, I have heard the report of you,
    and your work, O Lord, do I fear.
In the midst of the years revive it;
    in the midst of the years make it known;
    in wrath remember mercy.
God came from Teman…
His splendor covered the heavens,
    and the earth was full of his praise.
His brightness was like the light;
    rays flashed from his hand;
    and there he veiled his power.
Before him went pestilence,
    and plague followed at his heels.
He stood and measured the earth;
    he looked and shook the nations…
    His were the everlasting ways…
Was your wrath against the rivers, O Lord?..
The mountains saw you and writhed…
The sun and moon stood still in their place
    at the light of your arrows as they sped,
    at the flash of your glittering spear.
You marched through the earth in fury;
    you threshed the nations in anger.
You went out for the salvation of your people,
    for the salvation of your anointed.
You crushed the head of the house of the wicked…
You pierced with his own arrows the heads of his warriors…
You trampled the sea with your horses,
    the surging of mighty waters…

Though the fig tree should not blossom,
    nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
    and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
    and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
    I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
God, the Lord, is my strength;
    he makes my feet like the deer’s;
    he makes me tread on my high places.” Habakkuk 3:1-6,8,10-19

The prophet’s consternation over the Lord’s punishment and justice resolves in his realization that He went out to indescribable ends for the salvation of His people. Habakkuk describes the varied extent of His wrath, mercy, power, and love in the conquest of His own over history and in ways beyond his comprehension. His resolution is one of absolute trust in this great and purposeful God who will indeed complete His every good intent.

In present observation, even experience, of injustice and cruelty, it is easy to be confused at God’s wider ways, or even that He has control. In the shaking nations as well as personal circumstances, we rejoice in great deliverances, then chafe in plagues sorrow, doubt, disbelief. We experience deep mercy, then suffer deserved, harsh consequences. What might come next, what is He doing, and where do I fix my trust?

Hushing the soul at Christmastime refocuses our perspective to the eternal and real. God sent Jesus out of glory to earth for our salvation. How do I respond to His divine, benevolent effort? Have I ever taken in and wondered at the extent of His reach for me, and the depth of His suffering for me? Have I grown indifferent to His unending love? Has the maelstrom of the world drowned out the music and call of my salvation?

“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)

Lord, no matter what, help me trust Your ongoing work, pray with sure hope, and rejoice in You, my strength and salvation, to Your glory.

“Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save,
    or his ear dull, that it cannot hear;
but your iniquities have made a separation
    between you and your God,
and your sins have hidden his face from you
    so that he does not hear.
For your hands are defiled with blood
    and your fingers with iniquity;
your lips have spoken lies;
    your tongue mutters wickedness…
Feet run to evil,
    and are swift to shed innocent blood;
their thoughts are of iniquity;
    desolation and destruction are in their highways.

“Therefore justice is far from us,
    and righteousness does not overtake us;
we hope for light, and behold, darkness,
    and for brightness, but we walk in gloom.
We grope… like the blind;
    like those who have no eyes;
we stumble at noon as in the twilight,
    among those in full vigor we are like dead men.
We all growl like bears;
    we moan like doves;
we hope for justice, but there is none;
    for salvation, but it is far from us.
For our transgressions are multiplied before you,
    and our sins testify against us;
for our transgressions are with us,
    and we know our iniquities:
transgressing, and denying the Lord,
    and turning back from following our God,
speaking oppression and revolt,
    conceiving and uttering from the heart lying words.

“Justice is turned back,
    and righteousness stands far away;
truth has stumbled in the public squares…

“The Lord saw, and it displeased him
    that there was no justice.
He saw that there was no man,
    and wondered that there was no one to intercede;
then his own arm brought him salvation,
    and his righteousness upheld him…

“’A Redeemer will come to Zion,
    to those… who turn from transgression,’ declares the Lord.”

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,
    and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” Isaiah 59:1-3,7,9-16,20; 60:1

Isaiah’s prophetic word broke into despair, promising a Redeemer to the oppressed, salvation to the transgressor. The separation that began in Eden made wide the gap between God and man, and ready a people for Jesus. Misery would meet Mercy at Christmas.

In every day, darkness and gloom grope for light, vileness, defilement, and injustice cry out for an able, strong hand to save. Enter Jesus into our chaotic culture to intercede, His saving righteousness to impart. Emmanuel has come! Rejoice! (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24; )

What outside forces, oppression of soul, uncertain emotion, or longing looms heavy? In what misery- of my own or another’s making- do I choose to stew? Will I behold my Savior, cast my cares on Him, and arise to the joy of salvation? (1 Peter 5:7)

“O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.

O come, O Branch of Jesse’s stem,
unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
and give them victory o’er the grave.

O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light.

O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel. ~ J.M. Neale (1851)

So be it, Lord!

“Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people.., for he himself knew what was in man.

“Now a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus… came to Jesus by night and said, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs unless God is with him.’  Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly,.. unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.’  Nicodemus said, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly,.. unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.  That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’

“Nicodemus said, ‘How can these things be?’  Jesus answered, ‘Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand? Truly, truly,.. we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things?.. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 2:24–3:12,14-17

Yes, Jesus knew what was in a man. He made Himself available to this curious Jewish ruler at night, knowing he was reluctant to be seen conversing with him by day. He knew his questions and doubts, and the limited understanding he had to grapple with both. He knew how to explain heavenly ideas with earthly illustrations. And He knew that He loved Nicodemus, and that faith would be required for him to be born again.

Our Lord Jesus, compelled by love, strives patiently with those He came to save. He knows our rebel hearts and perspective marred by sin. He knows the struggle of spiritual resistance. He came that we might be born again and set free to know and love and fear and obey and honor Him.

How patiently do we get to know those around us? Are we turned off by wayward individuals, or drawn to their souls? How can we make ourselves available for the curious and questioning, so they might know Jesus too? TO whom will we extend His love today?

“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, may I pursue others in patient love as You’ve pursued and saved me, to Your glory.