Advent 4: John 1:19-28

The Scripture readings for Advent 4 are … (click on highlighted links)

• Deuteronomy 18:15-19
• Psalm 111
• Philippians 4:4-7
• John 1:19-28
• Luke 1:39-56 
• Advent 4:  PDF of Presentation Slides

The lectionary readings for the week are taken from the prophet Isaiah and the book of Revelation.

Brief Overview of Isaiah:

Isaiah, the prophet, is the voice of God to a rebellious and unfaithful generation. When confronted with the holiness of God in the temple, he cries out …

“I am a man of unclean lips and I live among a people of unclean lips.” (Isaiah 6:1-6)

His people (Northern Israel and Southern Judah) have blatantly broken the covenant that God made with them at Sinai. The tribes of Israel and the people of Judah have not loved the Triune God with all of their heart. They have run after other gods. 

God’s people have also failed to love the neighbor as themselves. Injustice, extravagance, greed, pride, power, hypocrisy, outward shows of spirituality and indifference to the Word of God are the norm of the day. However, God will not be mocked. Isaiah declares that the invading Assyrians are God’s agents of wrath upon the faithlessness of the Northern Kingdom. The Babylonians will soon follow and carry Judah, the Southern Kingdom, away in exile. 

Isaiah, after God cleanses his lips with the burning coal from the altar of sacrifice (Isaiah 6:1-8), preaches the forgiveness of sins and proclaims the coming of Messiah to his people. Even though God’s people are faithful, God Himself will remain true to all of His promises. Though their sins are like scarlet, God Himself will make His people white as snow. (Isaiah 1:18)

Video:  The Book of Isaiah … Content and Context

Brief Overview Revelation: 

The Scriptures contain many styles and forms of writing. Some books are straightforward, linear and historic accounts of literal events. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy are Old Testament examples. The Gospels and the Book of Acts are New Testament examples.

Other books of the Bible are filled with poetic imagery and language. The “Writings”, specifically the Psalms, the prayer and hymnbook of the people of God, are a good example.

The Book of Revelation, like Daniel, Ezekiel and parts of Zechariah, is an “apocalyptic” book. It “uncovers”/”reveals” the events of the end times through visions. Like Daniel and Ezekiel, the Apostle John is given vivid visions with intense imagery and is told to write “what he has seen, what is now and what will take place later.” (Revelation 1:19).

Admittedly, reading the Book of Revelation can be daunting. Much like viewing art in a museum, we see the colors and images the painting but we don’t fully understand what the artist is trying to communicate. However, we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. He is the Real Teacher and He uses His Scripture to interpret the Scripture. As the Holy Spirit reveals and points to the person and work of Jesus in the Book of Revelation …

• He says that we will be “blessed” by the reading of these visions. (Revelation 1:3)
• He reminds us to beware and be aware. We are living in the “end times” and Christ will one day reappear.
• He comforts us and encourages us to not be afraid. We have been “purchased and won” by Jesus and we belong to Him! (Revelations 4-5)

One final word of advice. When you read the Book of Revelation, don’t think of it as a linear account of what is and what is yet to come. See the visions, especially the seven end time scenes, as a series of revelations that depict the same end time events in different ways.

For your reference, here are the seven end time scenes:

• 6:1—8:5 The Seven Seals
• 8:6—11:19 Seven Trumpets
• 12:1—14:20 War in Heaven
• 15—16 Seven Bowls
• 17—19 Babylon Overthrown
• 20 The Final Judgment
• 21—22:5 The New Heaven and Earth, the New Jerusalem and the Bride
  

Video:  Revelation … Context and Content