During Advent we celebrate the coming of Christ. Yet we remember that Christ's coming in its fullness is not the birth of the child only, but is also the second coming which he has promised, when he will come in judgment against sin. Look at the promised judgment in Isaiah. The king of Assyria is our picture of sinful man. He trusts in his riches and the power of his kingdom. What is his outcome? The Lord has used him to bring judgment on unbelieving Israel. Yet in his arrogance he claims the glory for himself. The Lord destroys him utterly and easily, showing that in himself the king is nothing.
Have we been used of God? Have we lived a life which brings honor to God and has nurtured his people, strengthening them in the faith? Or maybe we have had opportunity to do great charitable deeds. Maybe we have profited in times when others have endured economic hardship. Or we have had an abundance of food, clothing, and possessions while others in this world have been dying in poverty. Maybe we've done pretty well for ourselves. Do we think we have done it apart from the Lord? Do we claim the glory which God reserves for himself? Are we so haughty in our attitude? We must remember that we ourselves are mortal, that we have no claim to divinity, and that our Lord says that he himself has done all things through us. What is the outcome of those who trust in riches? The riches pass away. What is the final state of those who trust in their earthly authority? They pass away from this earth and leave all authority. When Christ comes to claim his people he will make no distinction - rich or poor, strong or weak, healthy or unhealthy, the CEO and the guy who sweeps the floor, all are alike to him. They are all instruments to be used in this life by the Lord. They are all called to account for one thing - do they believe that Christ is Lord? Do they know that it is by his righteousness alone that they stand?
We turn our attention to 2 Peter 1 for our good news. In Isaiah we find that there is a remnant gathered by God. In 2 Peter we see that the Lord has given all we need for life and godliness in Jesus. He has given us the power to live a godly life for the Lord. He shows us how to grow in godliness so we can be fruitful for him. And he reminds us that all this life for Christ is intended to show the light of Christ in the world, shining through us. This is God's work. This is how he reveals himself, as his people live out Scripture, that revelation which is not from the prophets but from God.
Let us put off our earthly arrogance. Let us put on Christ Jesus.
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