MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron
Our nation recently finished the process of selecting a new president. Similar to elections in the past, candidates spoke about the need for change and hope. The talk of hope usually comes from dissatisfaction with the way things are. Many voters were fervent in their choice, and placed faith in a particular candidate. But anyone who seeks hope in a man or a woman or a system will be disappointed. Even as we enter the Christmas season, there's more conversation about politics and football than about Jesus, who is "the reason for the season".
Isaiah prophesied, "The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them" (Isaiah 9:2). Leading up to Christmas, I would like to focus on God's words spoken through the prophet named Isaiah. The setting for the first 39 chapters of his Old Testament book was the southern kingdom of Judah. The timeframe was late 8th century BCE, so 700+ years before Christ.
The prophet had written about the importance of coming into the presence of the Lord, in order to learn His ways and “walk in His paths" (Isaiah 2:3). But God's chosen people had grown lax in their devotion to the One who'd delivered and provided for them, and they were simply going through the motions of serving Him. Assyria, which controlled much land to the north, including present-day Iraq, Iran, and Turkey, was threatening Israel. Leaders had to choose whether to trust other foreign neighbors for help, or look to God.
Here in America, some may occasionally think about external threats, but we seem unaware of a much bigger, looming problem. Many of us have grown careless in our commitment to the Lord, and we've adopted behaviors that aren't pleasing to Him. I remember a time in my life when I realized I was doing things a Christ-follower would never do. But the slide had been gradual, and looking back it was shocking to see how my actions at that point compared to when I first became a believer. Even outsiders are aware of the moral decline that's on display in the United States. The problem permeates Christians and the church also, as we find ourselves shifting values, and pursuing possessions and pleasures of our culture.
During the election, we heard politicians on both sides promise more than they could or should give. We've dug ourselves too far into debt already, and we as a nation must change habits, demands, and expectations in order to find light at the end of the tunnel. During Christmas time especially, it's easy to see commercialism on display, leaving behind only a "Santa-tized" version of this special holiday.
God's message to the prophets in Isaiah's day, and to us today, is the same. Jesus was clear when He said, "'Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven ... for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.'" And, as always, He provided a promise. "'Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you'" (Matthew 6:19-21, 33).
The great light spoken of by Isaiah is still available, but many Americans are biblically illiterate. We need to look for our own blind spots, and see what is blinding us. Most of us know more about candidates, media personalities, even the weather - all unpredictable - than we do about Jesus and His word. Spending time in meditation, prayer and Bible reading can be augmented with music, good books, and church participation. Blessings are available, as we choose God and His gifts and put away "childish things". We have the opportunity to follow the One we can trust, and who knows what He's doing and why.
God's promise through Isaiah continued. "For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace'" (Isaiah 9:6-7). Jesus called Himself "'the light of the world'" (John 8:12). He urged followers to be the same, and to "'let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven'" (Matthew 5:14-16).
The man Jesus, who died for our sins and rose again, still abides today in each believer through the presence of the Holy Spirit. He is truly "Immanuel, God with us" (Isaiah 8:8, 10). When we accept Jesus as our Lord, and allow His Spirit to govern, we find peace, hope and joy. His abiding presence assures of justice and righteousness. The change begins within through an ongoing relationship with Christ.
