Tuesday, December 20
Isaiah 40:18-41:10 and Revelation 8:1-13
I was born in Nigeria and grew up in Lagos before coming to the United States. As a result, I have spent more time than most on airplanes. Flying above the hustle and bustle of millions of lives gives one an interesting perspective. I become aware of both the vastness of God’s creation as well as the all-encompassing love and care He provides to each of the world’s inhabitants. While God is omnipotent and almighty, He also cares for our needs individually in special ways. Today’s Isaiah text underscores that continuum of God’s qualities:
To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 40:25-26, 30- 31; Isaiah 41: 10).
On a recent travel, I boarded the plane and greeted my seatmates. Almost immediately, one of them began to engage me in a deep conversation about faith. It connected both of us instantly and kept us conversing throughout the entire flight. What a blessing from God!
We were late landing, and I had a very tight connection. My kind-hearted seatmate offered to help me find the gate for my connecting flight on his phone. He handed down my bag from the overhead bin. As I said goodbye to this gracious man, through this seemingly impromptu interaction, I had an overpowering sense of God’s overarching care and love for me. Indeed, He has the whole world in His hands.
I pray each of you can enjoy the gift of that realization during this Advent season.
DR. SAMSON FOLARIN
School of Arts & Sciences, CUW
About this series
“Advent Anticipation: the arrival 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.