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Reflection on Isaiah 11:1-10

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Scripture

In that day the heir to David’s throne

will be a banner of salvation to all the world

The nations will rally to him

and the land here he lives will be a glorious place.

Observation

A new Branch, a shoot from the stump of Jesse will come, carrying the Spirit of the Lord- a Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, might knowledge and fear of the Lord.

This man will be wise like Solomon and walk in justice, looking at truth not appearances. Yet his words will shake the whole world and judge the wicked.

He will affect the while of nature as well as human society. Lions and lambs will lie together, babies will play with snakes. The whole earth will be full of people who know the Lord, and nations will rally to the heir of David.

Application

As Christmas time draws near, we look to prophecies such as this one which speak of anticipating the Messiah. Jesus is the Branch coming out of the stump. He is the one on whom the Spirit of the Lord uniquely rests and who shakes the whole world with His words.

Part of this prophecy is not yet fulfilled. One day the whole of the natural realm will be transformed as the life of God overcomes the power of death and natural enmities will come to an end.

The truth of the earlier part of the prophecy is like a deposit that guarantees that the promises of the later part will one day come to pass.

Christmas reminds us that God is ultimately in control of human history. Much as we might feel overwhelmed by the signs of destruction and evil in the world, God is at work to put it all right.

Prayer

Come Lord Jesus, come. Come and complete the work you started back then. Help me to understand my part in your plan. Amen.

Reflection on Matthew 24:36-44

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Scripture

“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming!”

Observation

Jesus teaches His followers that they need to be ready for His return. No one except the Father knows when this will be. Everyone will be living normally, not giving any thought to the Lord. Like in Noah’s day, this will result in God’s swift judgement.

 So we need to be ready. The Son of Man will return as unexpectedly as a burglar entering a home.

 Application

Christians cannot afford to get sucked into the world’s way of thinking. People who don’t know Jesus scoff at any thought that the world as they know it is coming to an end and that they may face the judgement seat of the Lord. Christians also can be deceived into focussing on the concerns of this life.

 Our focus needs to be on Jesus, always. The end could come tomorrow. Even if Jesus is not returning any time soon, we all face the reality that our earthly lives may come to an end at any time.

 Prayer

Lord help me to keep my eyes on you, to serve you in all things and to live the life you call me to. Let me be found ready for the return of the King. Amen.

Reflection on Romans 13:11-14

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Scripture

Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

Observation

Time is running out. Jesus will soon return so we need to make sure that our lives measure up to our calling.

 Night is almost over and the light will soon come. We belong to the daylight so we must remove all deeds that relate to the darkness and start living as children of the light.

 Paul tells us to avoid drunkenness and wild parties, sexual immorality and jealousy. Instead we must clothe ourselves with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Application

Paul’s approach here is different to the way we usually think. Usually we say I am saved so I should live a christian lifestyle– although some say that once we are saved we can do what we like, but that’s an extreme view. Paul here is saying that Jesus will soon come so we had better make sure that we are ready for His arrival.

 Just as people tend to put on good clothes and spruce their homes up when they know the Queen is coming, Paul tells us to throw off the clothing of darkness and put on the deeds of light so we are acceptable for the arrival of the King.

This is not about merely putting on a good appearance because King Jesus can see the heart. It’s about ensuring that we live the life that agrees with our faith profession, allowing holiness and righteousness to become practical realities in our lives.

Prayer

Lord Jesus please bring me conviction about the deeds of my life which are from sinful darkness, and give me the grace to put them out of my life. May I be ready on the day of your coming. Amen.

Reflection on Luke 23:36-43

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Scripture
And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Observation
Jesus is led away to be crucified.
A man called Simon is forced to carry the cross for Jesus. A large crowd follows, including many grieving women. Jesus turns to them and tells them not to weep for Him, but for themselves, for times of awful suffering are coming.
Two other men are crucified with Jesus.
Jesus calls out “Father forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”
The crowds watch. The leaders scoff. The soldiers mock.
One of the criminals with Jesus asks Jesus to remember him when He comes into His Kingdom. Jesus assures him, that he will be in paradise that very day.

Application
Jesus is a King unlike any other.
The Kings of this earth lord it over their subjects, but Jesus dies for His.
The Kings of this earth try to make it seem like their people have never had it better, but Jesus promises something far better than we can imagine.
The Kings of this earth kill their rebels, but Jesus raises them to new life.

Prayer
King Jesus this day I commit myself to following you wherever you lead me. Whether it is a cross or a crown that you call me to take up, I will do it for your glory. Amen.

Reflection on Colosssians 1:11-20

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Scripture
He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.

Observation
Paul prays for the Colossians to be filled with strength to endure, with joy and thanksgiving to the Father who enables us to share in the inheritance of His people. The Father has transferred us from the kingdom of darkness and into the Kingdom of Christ who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Christ is the image of God and, like God is eternal. He is the one who created all things and holds all things together. Everything exists for Christ, including the church, His body.

Application
We have been set free from our sins by Christ. We were once in bondage to the kingdom of darkness, but Christ has set us free.
We need to understand this deeply. People sin because they feel they have no choice. People labour under feelings of guilt because they fail to appreciate the depths of God’s grace.
Christ has set us free from all of this.
Let us rejoice in His goodness to us and be thankful to our heavenly Father.

Prayer
Thank you Jesus for setting me free. Through your death my sin has been forgiven and I am now a child of the kingdom of light. Amen

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Reflection on Jeremiah 23:1-6

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Scripture

“What sorrow awaits the leaders of my people- the shepherds of my sheep- for they have destroyed and scattered the very ones they were expected to care for,” says the Lord.

Observation

The Lord proclaims judgement for the leaders of Judah- the kings and priests who were supposed to look out for the safety of their people but through their disobedience to the Lord actually destroyed the people.

The leaders will receive judgement, but the Lord Himself will gather together the sheep of his flock from all over the world. He will appoint responsible shepherds who will protect the Lord’s sheep.

The Lord will send a righteous King who will rule with justice and wisdom and bring safety to his people.

Application

God takes seriously the responsibilities of those who are in leadership whether political or religious leadership.

Those of us who are called to serve in this way should approach our task with solemnity. It is so easy to lead people away from the Lord rather than towards Him. We can do this through our silly words, inconsistent actions and loveless attitudes.

Jesus is our true King. As leaders we need to copy closely Hid perfect example.

Prayer

Lord make me like you. May everything I say and do reflect who you are. Amen.

 

 

Reflection on Luke 21:5-19

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Scripture
“By standing firm, you will win your souls.”

Observation
The disciples admire the architecture of the Temple, but Jesus says that te time will come when it will be totally demolished and left in ruins.

Alarmed, they ask Jesus when  it will all happen. He gives them the signs: false Messiahs, wars, earthquakes, plagues, signs in the heavens.

What is worse is that the disciples will face persecution. They will be put on trial for their faith but they are to see this as an opportunity to share the gospel for Jesus himself will give them the words to speak.

The disciples will be hated for being followers of Jesus, but if they stand firm in their faith they will be saved.

Application
Like many prophetic words in scripture, this has several points of reference.

Firstly it speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Romans in 70 A.D.

It also relates to the catastrophic events of the end times and the return of Jesus.

There is a third reference also to the present age. All of the signs of the end have always been here, including the persecution of faithful Jesus followers.

We must always be ready to give an account for our faith in Jesus, even if we are called before authorities. No matter how bad things seem, Jesus will always be with us, empowering and speaking through us.

To come through the times of trial it is only necessary to stand firm and to never give up.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for your reassurance that when I trust you, you are with me. In the worst of situations you never leave me. Help me to trust you in the dark times. Amen