Relentless Pursuit Creative

Too often we are more excited about the benefits of the Lord than the Lord Himself. We celebrate in victory, blessing, healing, and strength; but do we celebrate whenever we see and meet with Him? I have concluded that there is no way that I walk in the realization of the awesome wonder of God at all times. My life would look vastly different if I did.

“Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: ‘Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David’” Luke 1:67-69‬

In Genesis, we read that Abraham is elderly, and His aging wife has been barren from the earliest days of their marriage. Yet, even in his old age, God has given them a son, Isaac. God then asks Abraham to sacrifice his son. His only son.

God. Infinite. Immeasurable. Without beginning or end. His own Self-declaration says that He is the bookends of all creation; nothing exists without Him. If you are a student of Greek, you would know that Alpha is the first letter in the Greek alphabet, and Omega is the last. Jesus here is telling John that, as his own gospel proclaims, He has existed from before the beginning of time and creation.

Bread has been a staple of survival throughout history. When reflecting on Jesus’ name, “Bread of Life,” I am drawn to the exodus journey. The Israelites wandered in the desert. Hot. Hungry. Tired. Thirsty. Yet, God, in His lovingkindness, provided manna for them every single morning. This mystery bread from heaven was their source of physical sustenance in the wilderness.

Perhaps High Priest is one of the more difficult names of Jesus to understand. Chances are, if you are reading this blog, you have no need for a biblical high priest in regard to your relationship with God. We understand that Jesus, our Savior, made a way for us to have perfect union with God. We can boldly enter His presence. The veil has been torn. The separation between God and man rent.

Miracle on 34th Street is one of my favorite Christmas movies. Surprisingly, there is a bit of political commentary in a Christmas film from the 1940s. In particular, judicial corruption. In the movie, Judge Henry Harper is tasked with the role of either committing Kris Kringle to a mental institution or providing a verdict that declares, “Santa is real.”

Jesus gives us wild hope, celebratory anticipation, and an unmatched sense of fulfillment. Here the prophet writes that there will be a shaking of the nations. This is not a gentle prod. Nor an awakening. It is a shaking of divine judgment that, as Calvin wrote, “shall habituate [the nations] to the ruling power of God.”

Throughout history, monks and mystics alike have often set apart the month of December as a time to reflect on His first coming in the flesh, to meditate on the present reality of His indwelling of believers, and to anticipate His final coming for His bride, the Church.