Editor's note: "A pandemic advent: the arrival of a Savior for all" is a sampling of biblical meditations composed by members of the Concordia University Ann Arbor community. It is our prayer that you will take time during the Advent season to read and reflect upon God's Word and await the coming of Jesus with newfound anticipation and zeal through the Holy Spirit.
December 15 – Deep and full reverence
Isaiah 30:27–31:9, Revelation 3:1–22
The Advent season is saturated with rejuvenating experiences. The experiences of great food, tradition, and family always provide me replenishment at the end of an arduous semester. The ability to celebrate so many awesome occasions in various cities during this time of year truly is a blessing. More importantly, this Advent season is a powerful aide-mémoire for reflection and recalibrating spiritually. The Lord is Israel’s mighty rock, and his people will be as happy as they are when they follow the sound of flutes to the mountain where he is worshiped. (Isaiah 30:29)
While it is easy to fixate on this verse because it carries warm feelings germane to the Advent season, we would be disingenuous if we do not accept the Lord’s entire message. The Lord will get furious. His fearsome voice will be heard, his arm will be seen ready to strike, and his anger will be like a destructive fire, followed by thunderstorms and hailstones. (Isaiah 30:30) It is never easy to digest these passages, but it is vital to our holistic spiritual development and growth. They serve as a reminder of the Lord’s omnipresent message that requires steadfast devotion and daily discipline through the Holy Spirit. We must worship not only in seasons of blessings, but also in our seasons of struggle and pain.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. (Revelations 3:19-21)
As August Wilson’s Lyon eloquently said in Fences, You got to take the crookeds with the straights. Whether you currently find yourself in a season of blessing or drought, the Lord walks with us daily and directly. And He is worthy of our praise even in a season when He is correcting us as a good father corralling a child who has gone astray. We are blessed to serve and revere our ever-faithful God.
EARL SCHUMAKE is an Academic Support Specialist and has served at Concordia since 2014
View a full schedule of “The arrival of a Savior for all” readings here.
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