Readings

• Morning
  • Isaiah 18
  • Mark 4:1-20
  • Psalms 24–26
• Evening
  • Isaiah 19:1-17
  • Revelation 11
  • Psalms 24–26

Reflection

Enthronement and Temple Dedication

THE SEVENTH TRUMPET in the book of Revelation initiates something like a heavenly enthronement and temple dedication scene with of the sound and fury that attached to the dedication of the wilderness tabernacle (Exodus 40) and Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 8).

¹⁵ Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices shouting in heaven:
“The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ,
and he will reign forever and ever.”
¹⁶ The twenty-four elders sitting on their thrones before God fell with their faces to the ground and worshiped him. ¹⁷ And they said,
“We give thanks to you, Lord God, the Almighty,
the one who is and who always was,
for now you have assumed your great power
and have begun to reign.
¹⁸ The nations were filled with wrath,
but now the time of your wrath has come.
It is time to judge the dead
and reward your servants the prophets,
as well as your holy people,
and all who fear your name,
from the least to the greatest.
It is time to destroy
all who have caused destruction on the earth.”
¹⁹ Then, in heaven, the Temple of God was opened and the Ark of his covenant could be seen inside the Temple. Lightning flashed, thunder crashed and roared, and there was an earthquake and a terrible hailstorm.

Our Hopes for the Royal Priest

Language like this reminds us that Advent isn’t all about a plastic babe in a manger, little shepherds in their bathrobes, and three kings in cardboard cutout crowns—even about the wonderful news of Logos made flesh. It’s about the Creator King of kings, our great high priest, the final enthronement of our King-Priest. So as you look forward in 2020–2021 “Advent” hope, look into the new heavens and new earth, to the glorious conclusion of redemptive history.

Prayer

Father,

Advent season does so much to focus our attention,
So much to reminds us of the incarnation,
and then your earthly ministry,
and then your death, burial, and resurrection.

And Easter does the same for us,
then upon your death, burial, and resurrection;
but we range the focus of our heart,
from the middle-range of Incarnation,
to the long-range of your return.

As you have already come in humble incarnation,
to live among us as one like us.
Return in glory to bring us to glory,
to make us finally like you,
to complete in us your image and likeness.

Amen.