The Fourth Monday In Advent
Monday, December 20, 2010
Isaiah 7:10–16 10Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz, saying, 11Ask a sign of the LORD your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven. 12But Ahaz said, I will not ask, and I will not put the LORD to the test. 13Then Isaiah said: "Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary mortals, that you weary my God also? 14Therefore the LORD himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. 15He shall eat curds and honey by the time he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16For before the child knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land before whose two kings you are in dread will be deserted.
Again historical context is important. Judah was being threatened by her neighbors. To defend his country, King Ahaz determines to ally Judah with the ruthless and feared Assyrians (for which he would later be sorry). Isaiah warns him not to make such alliances but to trust in God’s presence for protection. But Ahaz has his mind made up. So God speaks to Ahaz through the prophet Isaiah, telling him to ask for a sign of God’s presence and protection. But again, Ahaz has his mind made up. With a sense of false piety, Ahaz responds, “I will not put the LORD to the test.”
So God sends him a sign anyway. Therefore the LORD himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. Immanuel means “God with us.” So as this child grows, every time this young woman call her son in for lunch, for supper, or bed time, he hears “God with us, time for supper. God with us, time for bed.” All day long he hears, “God with us.” All day long he is reminded of God presence with him.
Along with many other Christians, Lutheran Christians are believers in the doctrine of REAL PRESENCE. When I give communion, I hold the host between my eyes and the eyes of the communicant and say, “The body of Christ, given FOR YOU.” When I receive communion I hold out my hand and hear the words, “The body of Christ given for you (i.e. ME). At those times I know Christ is REALLY PRESENT with me. That’s the wonder and joy of “real presence.”
SO WHAT times in your life do you know God is present with you?
Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. To you us and unlike Ahaz make us aware of your coming, your presence with us. AMEN
Well, I'm with you on communion. I grew up in the Roman Catholic faith and have always been taught that Jesus is present truly then. Also, the little red light behind the altar - I sometimes walk into the sanctuary and sit quietly.. He's there then to!
ReplyDeleteI know that he is with me when good things happen, and I don't deserve them.
ReplyDeleteI second Ken's comment. Similarly, when things "fall into place" in a way that I obviously had nothing to do with and couldn't have planned/controlled, I sense God guiding my path, nudging me toward a certain decision, and assuring me of his presence.
ReplyDeleteI also very strongly sense God's presence through music -- the words of well-written hymns, the heart-rending (in a positive way -- a musician-friend of mine and I say, "It made my heart hurt!" but that's a GOOD thing!) harmonies of well-composed sacred choral music.