SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT | LORD OF MIGHT
Exodus 19:16-20; Hebrews 12:18-29; Mark 4:35-41
O come, O come, thou Lord of might,
who to thy tribes, on Sinai's height,
in ancient time did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe.
The second title for us to consider is Lord of Might. This is a reference to the Almighty Jehovah who first gave the law at Mount Sinai with the awesome display of lightning and thunder. As people living under the new covenant, the book of Hebrews reminds us that we have not come to a "physical mountain, to a place of flaming fire, darkness and gloom, and whirlwind, as the Israelites did at Mount Sinai." We have "come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in joyful gathering." What good news for us! We don't have to fear and tremble like Moses and the Israelites. We have the presence of Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant.
Interestingly, however, the author of Hebrews concludes these new covenant realities with this exhortation: "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire" (Hebrews 12:28-29). Though Christ has granted us extravagant privileges by his grace and mercy, we must still be mindful of God's majesty and holiness. We worship him with reverence and awe.
In Mark 4:35-41 we read about the disciples' response to Jesus calming the storm. After merely speaking the words "Peace! Be still!" (vs. 39), the wind ceased and there was a great calm. Then Mark tells us that the disciples were "filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and sea obey him?" (vs. 41)
We simply cannot escape the power, awe, wonder, and holiness of Jesus. Though Jesus is certainly gentle and compassionate, he is also the Lord of Might. He speaks and creations knows his name. He rebukes and demons flee. He calls forth and the dead are brought back to life.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
1. Read Exodus 19:16-20. Imagine yourself present on this occasion. How do you think you would have felt? Why does God reveal himself with such powerful demonstrations?
2. Read Hebrews 12:18-29. How does the author of Hebrews describe Mount Sinai? How does he describe Mount Zion? How does the imagery of Mount Zion encourage you?
3. What does it mean to worship Jesus with reverence and awe (vs. 28)?
4. Read Mark 4:35-41. Imagine this scene. How do you think you would have felt if you were one of the disciples? Describe an experience of Jesus' power and might in your life?
Comments