Wednesday, December 13
Isaiah 29:15-30:14 and Revelation 1:1-20
And when I turned, I saw…someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. (Revelation 1:12—16).
With Advent at hand, many visualize Christ as a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes. The way God has manifested throughout history in various forms is intriguing. One of my favorites comes from Revelation, where John vividly described Christ’s awe-inspiring appearance (excerpted above).
John sees Jesus clothed in a robe with a golden sash, conveying authority and royalty. White hair and fiery eyes symbolize wisdom and omniscience. God often communicates profound truths through symbolism and metaphor, challenging us to dig deeper into “double-edged sword” coming from Christ’s mouth. God’s Word, which convicts and redeems, is transformative.
John, falling at Jesus’ feet as though dead, is overwhelmed at encountering the divine, demonstrating humility and surrender in the presence of God’s majesty. Understanding John’s fear, Christ’s response to John is also His words to us: Do not be afraid (Revelation 1:20).
“Who sees us? Who knows us?” You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker, “He did not make me”; or the thing formed say of him who formed it, “He has no understanding”? (Isaiah 29:15-16)
Both the Revelation and Isaiah readings underscore the profound difference between God’s perspective and human understanding. They illustrate the mystery and mercy of God’s plan, Christ’s sovereignty, and the importance of our faith for what lies ahead. Through the Holy Spirit, we can be vigilant, persevere, and focus upon the divine source of all truth and revelation. I am reminded that even when I do not fully comprehend, I can always trust the loving hands of the Divine Potter who shapes my journey in accordance with His perfect love and plan.
DR. R.S. HILL
Arts & Sciences, CUAA
About this series
“God With Us: the uncommon advent of our Savior” is a sampling of biblical meditations composed by members of the CUWAA 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 enthusiasm and anticipation through the Holy Spirit.