This advent season we are looking to Isaiah 9:6 and the names given for the prophesied Messiah. We look to them because these names have meaning. They weren’t assigned because they rolled off the tongue or were particularly trendy. They were given because they spoke to, or rather speak to, the essence of His character. One of those names in Isaiah 9:6 is “Mighty God.” In preparation for our time together on Sunday, let us today look to a picture of the Mighty God in glory.
Wednesday, December 2nd
Larger Portion of Scripture - Revelation 1
Focused Passage for Reflection - Revelation 1:8
Reflecting on the Text:
Advent is the season of building anticipation as we look forward to the coming Christ child. In the annual celebration of His birth, we are reminded that God became man, so in the preparation, we experience the blessing of renewal. But now, more than any other season of the year, we think of Jesus as the Christ child. Yet who was the Child to become?
Among other names, Isaiah 9:6 refers to Him as Mighty God. That may not be the first name that comes to you when you think of baby Jesus, but it certainly fits with the image we see in Revelation of the glorified Jesus. There in Revelation 1:8, we find a string of names that Jesus uses to describe Himself. So in the season of building anticipation, it is helpful to get a glimpse of the Savior as He is now in glory, and as He will return.
Jesus is the ALPHA. Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet, so as He describes Himself in this way, Jesus is describing Himself as the beginning. He is the source of all things. “All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:3) He is the source of all life as all things were created through Him.
Jesus is the OMEGA. Omega is the last letter in the Greek alphabet, so as He describes Himself in this way, Jesus is also describing Himself as the end goal of all life. “For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.” (Romans 11:36) We were made for His purpose and we find our culmination in Him.
Jesus is the one WHO IS AND WHO WAS AND WHO IS TO COME. Jesus is eternal. He is eternally God. He is eternally glorious. This picture of His glory is who He was before the incarnation, who He was upon His ascension, and who He will be as He returns in glory for His bride.
Jesus is LORD GOD ALMIGHTY. He is not merely a strong man. He is all-powerful. He has overcome our oppressor and He will return in glory to establish His eternal reign of peace. In this reign of peace, it is not simply that our current wars will end. All conflict will end.
And just prior, in verses 5 and 6, we are reminded of what Jesus accomplished in His power (and humility). He is “the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood and made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
So who are you anticipating this advent? The baby Jesus? Yes! And Jesus the God-Man! This beautiful season we are reminded of Jesus’ humility as we picture Him as a baby, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. It is a sweet image that warms our hearts. But this picture of His humility is heightened when we see Him in His glory. The contrast is striking, but maybe there is more to this picture than meets the eye. Maybe His glory is not merely shown in the contrast with His humility. Maybe it is on display in His humility. He is the child given to us. He is the Son who was born. And His name shall be called MIGHTY GOD. Let us worship this humble, glorious Savior.
Questions for personal reflection:
How does the imagery of Revelation 1 impact your sense of wonder and awe this advent season?
How does the imagery of Revelation 1 turn your experience of advent from mere nostalgia to one of reverent worship?
How does the imagery of Revelation 1 impact your understanding of what it means to serve the Christ child?
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