Thursday, December 14
Isaiah 30:15-26 and Revelation 2:1-29
A married couple were on their way to the wife’s post-natal appointment. The husband was driving as the wife, observing her husband driving a particular route, called his attention.
Wife: Oh! Please, take this route instead.
Husband: Why? That is a long route! There are lots of traffic lights that way.
Wife: I know, but there is construction on the faster route. It often causes greater delays, as I
have experienced on my way to past appointments.
Husband: The construction shouldn’t be that bad.
So, the husband continued driving that route. After driving for some minutes, they discovered the road was completely closed due to construction. They made a U-turn and went the exact route the wife recommended initially and reached their destination. While I might be tempted to suggest the moral of this story is “the wife is always right,” as I reflect on this passage, I reflect upon the parable of the prodigal son.
Of course, he would not listen to the father’s plea and insisted on having his way. Nevertheless, the climax of the story was when the prodigal son returned. The father was gracious and welcomed his son’s return with a celebration. Similarly, God is ever gracious unto us, even when we have lost our way and head own roads which should have been closed.
In today’s passage from Isaiah 30, God promised restoration, guidance, abundance, and even a seven-fold increase to those who return and abide in His love. In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength (Isaiah 30:15b). Therefore, the LORD waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you (Isaiah 30:18a). In Revelation 2, we are encouraged to return to our first love through repentance. Then, we are to hold fast until His coming (verse 24-25)
Is your current path a dead end? Why wait? Through faith by the Holy Spirit, return and abide in God’s love right now! Your Father’s arms are open wide to welcome and receive us. May each of us rest God’s love throughout Advent and beyond!
DR. KEHINDE IRABOR
Arts & Sciences, CUW
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.