Preparing for Worship - December 10, 2023

The Scriptures this week continue the Advent theme of Christ’s coming to be our Savior, bringing forgiveness of sins, and His coming again on the last day.

The Psalm is Psalm 85. The psalmists, sons of Korah, knew that God had shown mercy to His people and forgiven their sins in the past. Now, in a difficult time, they pray that the Lord will again “revive” and “restore” His people with “His steadfast love” and “salvation.” The psalmists remind the people “not to turn back to folly,” but to “fear” and trust the Lord and His “faithfulness and righteousness” brought to them.

In the Old Testament lesson, Isaiah 40:1-11, Isaiah speaks of God’s “comfort” and “good news” that would come to His people. “In the wilderness the way shall be prepared” by “a voice” for “the glory of the Lord” and “the Word of the Lord” coming. “The Lord God Himself will come” to “the cities of Judah,” like “a Shepherd tending His flock and caring for His lambs.” Jesus is, of course, that Good Shepherd.

The Gospel lesson is Mark 1:1-8. Mark announces “the beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” “His way is being prepared” by John the Baptist, who is the fulfillment of prophecy quoted from Malachi and Isaiah. John preached “a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin,” but made it clear that Someone much greater was coming, (our Lord Jesus) who would bring baptism with water and “the Holy Spirit.”

The Epistle lesson is from 2 Peter 3:8-14, another reminder of Christ’s second coming on the last day. He is not “slow” about His return, but works with a different sense of time, and is patiently wishing that more people “should reach repentance” and faith in Him. Peter encourages all believers to seek to live in “holiness and godliness,” as we “wait for and hasten” the day of Christ’s return.