The readings for the first week of Advent don't rank high on the list of the "most comforting" words of the Lord. Today offers another prophesy that would tempt the weak of heart to pull out some other Christmas Reading....something sweet and heartwarming....maybe something by Richard Paul Evans..."The Christmas Box".... Why subject ourselves to these darker readings?
The purpose isn't to drive us into fearful denial or avoidance of reality. The reading sets the stage for an exploration and appreciation of the marvellous blessing we have been given in Christ who goes before us as we are purified and made new as the children of God. God is at work....fear not!
(reflection from 2009 Advent Devotional)
Dross: Webster defines it as “Waste matter: any worthless matter separated from the better part”. In the smelting process, ore is placed in a furnace …intense and prolonged heat…and the precious and usable metal remains.
Isaiah reminds us that God acts to purify His people. This includes, of course, God’s children walking in the 21st century. Perhaps we would like to think that we can be the best that we can be by simply practicing self control…or by training ourselves for life’s spiritual marathon. We consider ourselves to be a community that does a good job, even its “best” at loving God…doing what is right…serving as instruments of peace.
But today’s reading will not allow us to linger in that deception. Even our best intentions are inadequate when compared to the extreme goodness to which God calls us. God has plans for us that are beyond our wildest imagination. Following his teaching will guide us through days where we will see our imperfections. We will see the part we play in the world’s injustice and suffering rather than resisting it. His counsel places us into the smelting process. This furnace of purification is stoked by God’s breath which reveals to us the depth of our resistance and rebelliousness to His counsel. And Jesus companions us in that process.
We are the people of Christ! We are not like logs that are placed on a fire and reduced to ashes. Only our nonessential or impure attitudes and characteristics are at peril. We have at our center the precious core that is the gem God has created us to be.
Consider your own life and behavior. What impurities are being removed? Where can you see the precious core of love, peace and abiding hope?
Prayer:
Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection alert us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of justice, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Evangelical Lutheran Worship)
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