9 December 2010

Psalm 37:1-18; Isa. 7:1-9; 2 Thess. 2:1-12; Luke 22:1-13

Sadly, the king of Israel’s son has now come with the king of Syria to make war against Jerusalem (Judah). The divided kingdom is now at war. The people and the king of Judah are shaking as the trees of the forest shake before the wind. Isaiah is sent to the king to inform him that the Lord will not allow this siege to succeed. In fact, the prophecy is that these two nations will themselves not last. The final couplet of the prophecy is our challenge, “If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.” We have received the Lord’s promise concerning all things and standing in faith means that we trust Him in all things, even when it looks like defeat.

The king has come to take the throne and yet the leaders want no part of Him, they are looking for a way to get rid of Him. Judas agrees to do the work of betrayal outside the crowds of Jerusalem. They know that if they attempt to take Jesus when He is with the crowds they will not stand for it, their work must be done at night and in secret. The man carrying a jar of water will be the host for the most famous dinner party ever held. To host the teacher would be a genuine honor. To host the last supper would have been even greater. Jesus knows where this is heading and even still he presses on without taking control, continuing to do those things which He knows have and will continue to anger the leaders, not to be provocative but because that is His mission.

Paul has clearly had his own revelation of what is to come and here shares it with the Thessalonians. He encourages them not to be deceived about these things, even if a letter from him seems to confirm the end has come. Apparently he had reason to believe that there were those who would attempt to deceive using his name. Paul refers to the one who will come, the one whom John referred to anti-Christ, as the man of lawlessness. He is the same figure, as Paul’s description makes plain, and some will prefer his deception to the truth and that preference will be their ruin. Clearly in our world today there are many who prefer another narrative to the truth, our response should be to pray for them, that their minds and hearts be enlightened by the Holy Spirit and to thank God that He has given us the Spirit of truth and understanding so that we know we have the gift of eternal life.

Fret not yourself because of evildoers;

be not envious of wrongdoers!

For they will soon fade like the grass

and wither like the green herb.

Trust in the LORD, and do good;

dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.

Delight yourself in the LORD,

and he will give you the desires of your heart.