Sunday 05 December 2021

Psalm 85

Background

In the season of Advent, we are introduced to the character of John the Baptist. John is portrayed by Luke as straddling two different eras. On the one hand, he is in the line of the prophets (two of which we shall focus on in this coming week). We notice the phrase, ‘The word of God came to…’ elsewhere in the Bible (for example see Zechariah 1:1, Micah 1:1, Joel 1:1). Luke places John in a very precise historical context, listing those who were governing on behalf of Rome at the time. This points to Luke’s interest in history, but again it is reminiscent of those prophets of old (for example see Jeremiah 1:1-2, Hosea 1:1, and Amos 1:1).

However, Luke doesn’t only see John as part of that tradition. He is also part of the new age and the fulfilment of some of those words of the prophets. Luke quotes Isaiah 40:3-5 to make it clear that it is John who is the voice crying out in preparation for the coming of the Lord. He tweaks the text a little to further make the point. In Isaiah’s words the voice cries out that a way is to be prepared in the wilderness. Isaiah also speaks of making a straight highway for God in the desert. The change to "make his paths straight" creates an easier link to Jesus’ ministry that is just about to be introduced.

We should also be clear that, in the time of Isaiah, this was not understood as referring to a Messiah in the way that Jesus was to be portrayed. It follows immediately on from Isaiah warning King Hezekiah that the days are coming when some of his family and his kingdom will be taken off into exile in Babylon. This passage is the word of hope that this won’t last for ever, and that there will be a return. The power of the words of Isaiah is found in the many levels on which people of Jewish and Christian persuasion can find hope. This is clear in the last verse, which is possibly taken from Psalm 98:2 rather than Isaiah, but proclaims that all people will see the salvation, or deliverance of God.

To Ponder:

• In these days of ongoing pandemic, where do you find hope?
• How are you preparing "the way of the Lord" this Advent?

Prayer

Loving God, we thank you for the ongoing signs of hope and your kingdom coming in our midst. Help us to bear witness to these signs so all may know of your hope. Amen.