“Behold Your God”
Today’s Advent Bible Verse:
Isaiah 40:9 ESV
Go on up to a high mountain,
O Zion, herald of good news;
lift up your voice with strength,
O Jerusalem, herald of good news;
lift it up, fear not;
say to the cities of Judah,
“Behold your God!”
In Isaiah 40:9, the prophet Isaiah delivers a powerful message of hope and assurance to the people of Israel. This verse comforts all believers, especially Lutherans, of God's enduring presence and unwavering love.
The verse begins with a call to action: "Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news." This is a call to proclaim the good news of God's salvation. The "good news" refers to God's message of hope and redemption to His people. The imagery of going up on a high mountain signifies the need to make this message known far and wide.
The verse continues with an appeal to "lift up your voice with strength; lift it up, fear not." This emphasizes the boldness and courage required to share the Gospel. The message of salvation should be proclaimed without fear or hesitation.
The final part of the verse reveals the heart of the message: "Say to the cities of Judah, 'Behold your God!'" This is a proclamation of God's presence and power. It reminds us that God is with His people, even in the midst of their struggles.
For Lutherans, this verse holds particular significance. It echoes the central Lutheran belief in salvation by grace through faith alone. The message of "good tidings" is the message of God's grace, freely given to all who believe. The call to "behold your God" reminds us of God's love and faithfulness, which are the foundation of our faith.
Isaiah 40:9 is a source of comfort and strength for all believers. It reminds us that God is always with us, even in the darkest times. It also calls us to share the good news of His love with others, boldly and without fear.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the good news of your salvation. Giveme the courage to share this message with others, boldly and without fear. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
The photo above is licensed through Unslash+