Beauty for Ashes

The Christmas spirit is an elusive dream for many people. Perhaps they feel isolated from family and friends—or insecure because they do not know how to select presents. Perhaps they lack funds to pay for presents—or are overwhelmed by fatigue and bills. Whatever the cause, failure to experience the dream causes anxiety and stress.

Jesus didn’t come so we could strive after elusive dreams. He came to invade hearts—to penetrate our depths—to offer a revelation or vision of Him. And He brings peace and joy.

The prophet Isaiah had much to say about the Christ-child named Jesus who grew up to bring salvation to all people. According to Isaiah, He brings, beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they [we] may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified. (Is. 61:3 NKJV)

Receiving the promises recorded by Isaiah might require rethinking our Christmas plans. If we belong to Jesus, we can stop striving after the elusive dream—and let a true vision from the Spirit of Jesus touch our spirits—because the Spirit of Jesus is the true spirit of Christmas.

Of course, major changes require adjustments, but that would be a small price to pay if it means exchanging beauty for ashes!

Originally published December 12, 1986.
Picture: Commercial display, West Fargo, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

The Genealogy of Jesus

The genealogy of Jesus as recorded by Matthew does not agree with the genealogy of Jesus as recorded by Luke. They are the same from Abraham to David, but Luke goes back to David through his David's son Nathan while Matthew goes back to David through David's son Solomon.

It is difficult to know which provides Mary’s genealogy and which provides Joseph’s. Luke reads, Jesus . . . being, as was supposed, the son of Joseph. . . . (Lk. 3:23b NAS) Perhaps he gives Mary’s lineage because Mary furnished the earthly inheritance of her son. Jesus’ genetic code as a human came through Mary. Through her, he was literally from the seed of David.

Matthew also emphasizes the virgin birth. But perhaps he provides Joseph’s lineage. This is important because Joseph’s family determined Jesus’ birthplace as well as His legal family.

Isaiah prophesied, Then a shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse [David’s father], And a branch from his roots will bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him. (Is. 11:1,2a) Jesus is the son of David and the Son of God. He’s God and man—and He’s our Lord and Savior.

Originally published December 13, 1985.
Picture: Basket of pine cones with antique candlestick. Photo by Solveig.

The Advent of God's Son

God’s glory is an expression of God’s goodness. Some define His glory as a revelation of His total goodness.

Because Jesus’ life was an expression of God’s nature, He revealed—and continues to reveal—God’s goodness. He revealed His father’s total goodness every moment of every day during His earthly life—when He entered the world as a baby, when He met the needs of individuals and multitudes, when He died on the cross, when He rose from the grave, and when He ascended into heaven.

The prophet Isaiah spoke of Jesus’ when he said, Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. (Is. 60:1,2 NIV)

Today, Jesus continues to embody everything we need to know about the nature of God. The season of Advent is a time for setting our hearts to receive glimpses of God’s glory. It’s time to celebrate the advent of God’s Son.

Originally published November 29, 1991.
Picture: Karen's garden, Winona, MN, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Ask Me of Things to Come

Depression is a common malady in today’s society. Many people have lost their sense self worth—they fight chronic battles with fatigue and hopelessness—even despair.

There may be physical causes for depression. But perhaps we struggle as a group—as a society—because we resist God. Isaiah said, Woe to him who strives with His maker . . . Shall the clay say to him who forms it, “What are you making?” (Is. 45:9a & c NKJV)

If we fight against God, we must find our personal value or purpose in something else. We can turn to humanism. But even the most talented people eventually run out of self to discover—and then they must look for escape in things of the flesh or in another spiritual reality.

God, on the other hand, offers infinite value to each individual. If we trust Him, we discover He has good plans for us, and He offers a destiny.

God wants us to seek Him. He said, Ask me of things to come . . . I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth; I did not say to the seed of Jacob, “Seek Me in vain. . . .” (v. 11b,19a)

Originally published March 15, 1991.

A New Direction

Asking questions must be a God-given attribute—if we did not ask questions, we would not search for truth—or receive a revelation of truth. (Revelation is Scripture that God opens up for us. He illuminates His Word in our hearts and minds.)

However, after God gives us meaningful answers via revelation, the nature of our curiosity changes. For an example of this, look at the Old Testament character named Job. After God answered his questions via a revelation, Job could only say things like, I am unworthy—how can I reply? . . . (Job 40:4a NIV)

Isaiah’s response was similar when he received a revelation: Woe is me! . . . I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips . . . and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty. (Is. 6:5)

But neither man stopped searching; their quests simply took off in new directions. The new concern became pleasing God—and discovering how to follow His Will. That requires asking questions, too.

Originally published October 4, 1985.
Picture: Como Park Conservatory, St. Paul, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Jesus Is Our Sabbath

Throughout the Old Testament, the Law or Torah affected every aspect of the Israelites’ lives. For example, according to the law, the seventh day of the week was set aside as a holy day, a Sabbath rest for the people. In addition, the seventh year was set aside as holy, a Sabbath rest for the soil because fields would not be planted or harvested.

The law of the Sabbath also included observing the Year of Jubilee—although Biblical scholars are not sure it was ever celebrated. The law concerning theYear of Jubilee declared that after seven Sabbath years—seven times seven or 49 years—the people were to celebrate a Year of Jubilee on the 50th year.

During the Jubilee Sabbath, people who had been sold into slavery would return to their families. Land that had been sold to someone outside the family would be returned to the original owners. It was a different type of rest and a time when the people experienced God's favor. (Lev. 25)

God revealed to Isaiah that eventually the Israelites would be defeated and carried away into captivity, but that someday they would return. He proclaimed the return as a type of jubilee when he wrote the Word of God: In the time of my favor I will answer you, and in the day of salvation I will help. . . . (Is. 49:8a NIV)

In the New Testament, Jesus is our Sabbath. Paul said, I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the time of salvation. (II Cor. 6:2b)

Jesus provides freedom and rest for all who come to Him—and He provides it whenever they come. He restores what evil has destroyed. Even today. When we look to Jesus, He is our Sabbath.

Originally published May 16, 1986.

I Did Not Hide

To stand one’s ground in the face of persecution—or even ridicule—requires faith and strength. But sometimes, as when the prophet Isaiah withstood hostile attacks, he turned his suffering into prophetic revelation. Writing about himself, he prophesied of Jesus: I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. (Is. 50:6 NIV)

It is difficult to fathom the horror of that type of experience. Yet Christians throughout history have suffered intense persecution. The end of Isaiah's story is not happy. Tradition tells us he is the man referred to in Hebrews 11:37 who was sawed in two.

Most of Jesus' apostles were martyrs. Paul submitted to jail rather than deny God’s revelation—and tradition tells us he also died as a martyr. And the sad reality is that many suffer today for the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Isaiah shared a message of commitment: I have set my face like a flint. . . . (Is. 50:7b) Although he did not experience victory while he lived, he looked beyond life to His God, to the One who offers ultimate victory.

Originally published September 20, 1985.
Picture: Lois's garden, Spokane, 2009. Photo by Solveig.

Survival Instincts

Survival instincts are a basic human response to life—even in the spiritual realm. Almost everyone seeks to organize their life according to patterns they believe will bring favor with God. We want to live.

And yet, almost everyone defies the instinct for survival at times. We may drive too fast, eat too much—or we may ignore God’s voice. And there are some people who seem intent on ignoring God—and so they defy their survival instincts.

During a time of crisis, the Lord spoke to King Ahaz through the prophet Isaiah: Ask the Lord your God for a sign, whether in the deepest depths or in the highest heights. (Is. 7:11 NIV)

Ahaz was a wicked king. Even though he realized Isaiah was a true prophet, he responded with, I will not ask: I will not put the Lord to the test. (vs. 12b) His answer was an offense to God; it did not even relate to Isaiah’s message.

Isaiah could not understand. He said, Is it not enough to try the patience of men? Will you try the patience of my God also? (vs. 13b)

But Ahaz was intent on evil and he defied normal survival instincts. When he died, he was not buried with other the other kings. When his son Hezekiah became king, the young man restored God’s favor by cleansing the temple of his own father’s evil influence.

Originally published December 9, 1983.

Throw Them Away

The Canaanites were the people who occupied the promised land before the Israelites arrived. They worshipped idols, and they often enshrined their idols on hills. These idols were a problem for the Israelites. There were even times when the Israelites loved the idols.

We wonder why they would, but idols did not tell them they were sinners. Idols did not tell them to repent—or to feel sorry for sin—or to give up sin. In fact, the people who worshipped idols delighted in encouraging others to get involved in idol worship. When more were involved, they could feel just a little bit better about their activities. At one point, the Israelites said to God’s servant, Give us no more visions of what is right. Tell us pleasant things, prophesy illusions. (Is. 30:10b NIV) They gave themselves to sin.

Throughout Israel’s history, however, a faithful remnant of believers resisted idol worship. And then there were the godly prophets who faithfully brought God's messages of truth.

True messages from God share two facets of His love. Isaiah prophesied judgment. He also prophesied healing from the effects of sin. And he spoke about a time when the Israelites would return to the Lord and throw them [their idols] away. (v. 22)

The Israelites might have felt they could live life however they pleased when they worshipped idols that remained silent. But during times of trouble, the Israelites discovered problems with a god who said nothing—who seemed to be asleep. Then they needed and wanted a living God.

Originally published April 25, 1984 and June 22, 1984.

Shower, O Heavens

May! In our part of the world, everything comes to life before our eyes at this time of the year! It’s good to remember that Springtime in God’s physical creation is a picture of the Springtime He brings to people’s hearts.

Isaiah gave us a beautiful picture: Shower, O heavens, from above, and let the skies rain down righteousness; let the earth open, that salvation may sprout forth, and let it cause righteousness to spring up also . . . . (Is. 45:8a RSV)

Yes, Jesus created our earth and fashioned it for seasons and the renewal of seasons. He created spring in the physical realm so new life comes out of the seemingly dead world of winter.

Jesus also created spring in the spiritual realm. He brings new life out of spiritual slumber and death. Seeds of spiritual awareness—seeds buried deep within the heart—are waiting to come forth in the knowledge of His grace. He sends His righteousness to open hearts where they produce more righteousness. He sends a shower of His love.

Originally published May 7, 1982.

Out-of-Step

John the Baptist was out-of-step with society. He wore a garment of camel’s hair, ate locusts with wild honey, and called religious leaders a "brood of vipers." (Mt. 3:7) Yet he was God’s man of the hour because he was obedient to God’s call.

Jesus came as another teacher out-of-step. His message couched in parables revealed secret thoughts and desires. Like John the Baptist, his message required repentance. His lifestyle was an affront to self-sufficient people because He stressed dependence upon His Father. Furthermore, His claims set Him apart as the Messiah, the Anointed One. He obeyed God’s call, too.

Jesus and John the Baptist were out-of-step because they listened to different music than most people. Music that is, in fact, available to all. Isaiah prophesied, The Lord has given me the tongue of disciples . . . He awakens Me morning by morning, He awakens My ear to listen . . . The Lord God has opened my ear; and I was not disobedient, Nor did I turn back. (Is. 50:4,5)

Originally published December 6, 1985.
Picture: Quilt and photo of quilt by Marlene, 2008.

Pruning—Forging

God doesn’t promise a life without problems, and sometimes those problems even originate with Him. Jesus compared the Father to a gardener who cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he trims clean so that it will be even more fruitful. (Jn. 15:2 NIV)

Perhaps that’s why we’re more aware of God’s presence during periods of stress or difficulty than when things are going well. He’s getting our attention, showing us things that need changing.

Isaiah provides another metaphor for God’s dealings in our life. There it’s the process of a blacksmith who forges change on an anvil. Isaiah says God created our exposure to the blacksmith who who fans the coals into flame and forges a weapon fit for its work. (Is. 54:16) The “work” is changing the iron—our iron wills.

But through times of God’s work in our lives, His sustaining power never leaves us. When He’s done, we emerge stronger, ready to stand against spiritual attacks. We’re ready to respond to Him and to do good things.

Originally published September 21, 1984.
Picture: Lindenwood Park, Fargo, 2008. Picture by Solveig.