December 18th
O Adonai and ruler of the house of Israel, who appeared to Moses in the burning bush and gave him the law of Sinai, come with an outstretched arm and redeem us.
Jesus is Jehovah, the proper name for the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God is not just a generic “God” but Jehovah. The Israelites, so concerned about not misusing the name of their God, did not speak his proper name out loud. Instead they said “Lord, or sir”, that is, “Adonai”. So when Jesus does not correct people who call him “Lord”, he claimed divinity. Bold stuff. In fact, he was crucified for this seeming blasphemy.
Yet it wasn’t blasphemy, was it? He is Adonai. He is Jehovah. He was both active in the Old Testament and the fulfiller of the Law in the New Testament. He is also the one who comes to you now for redemption. We do not have a meek Jesus but rather the Lion of Judah on our side. He comes with all the power and might and strength of Jehovah for he is true God and Lord. The one thundering from Sinai is the one gently handing his mother over to John on Calvary.
So this same Jesus that saves also condemns. The Father has entrusted all judgment to the Son. Never forget that about your sweet Jesus. Every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. The only question will be if it is in the humble joy of salvation or the terrorizing fear over a life full of misdeeds perpetrated and good deeds left undone. May we with zeal then proclaim him as Lord Almighty for this very reason! And may many more know that there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus. Even though he brings condemnation, there is no condemnation for those in him. This means that not only do you have the full power of God on your side, you have the gentle Jesus who has compassion for you. So he comes with his outstretched and powerful arm but he does it to redeem you.
Oh, come, oh, come, our Lord of might, who to your tribes on Sinai’s height;
In ancient times gave holy law, in cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to you, O Israel!
– Michael Berg
(Originally published Dec 2017)