(Hebrew Scriptures: TNK; New Testament: NAB; except as noted.)

Isa. 40: 1 - 11

Consider the contrast between the last two verses:

Judgment and punishment.

Mercy and forgiveness.

Throughout Scripture, we find these two aspects of God together, in constant tension. Human as we are, we (try to) avoid the former and concentrate on the latter. Yet that leaves us, strangely, feeling empty and dissatisfied. Should we not find God's mercy and forgiveness fulfilling? But we do not; there is a constant, nagging sense (perhaps a still, small voice saying) that something is missing. The truth is, faith based solely or primarily on YHWH's mercy and forgiveness is shallow, incomplete. And this is why: mercy has no meaning without judgment; forgiveness has no purpose without punishment.

Judgment / mercy, punishment / forgiveness; together they constitute grace. Now consider the order of the text: in God's loving-kindness, one precedes, the other succeeds. Praise God!

Psa. 85: 1 - 1, 8 - 13

[TNK: 2 - 3, 9 - 14]

We must not be deluded by the deceiver into thinking that God's mercy and forgiveness are automatically ours. Quite to the contrary, it is judgment and punishment that are certain and assured.

Mercy and forgiveness are only promises to be bestowed on the condition that the Lord's faithful ones do not turn to folly. The decision is ours; the results are based on the choices we make.

2 Peter 3: 8 - 15a

But do not ignore this one fact, beloved.... The Lord does not delay his promise... but [God] is patient with you, not wishing that any [of you] should perish but that all [of you] should come to repentance. (9)(1) The Apostle and the Psalmist agree that this should be your main concern: what sort of persons ought [you] to be, conducting yourselves in holiness and devotion (11, sic). Which would you prefer, judgment or mercy? The choice is yours.

Mark 1: 1 - 8

This is a call to action. "Get out your picks and shovels, roll up your sleeves and prepare yourselves for heavy labor!" Where is the desert, the wilderness? Are they not in your mind, your soul?

John [the] Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. (4, sic) Unfortunately, Mark omits John's admonition: "Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance." (Mat. 3: 8) Baptism will not save you; repentance alone has no value. So also faith of itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (Jas. 2: 17)

Advent: God is coming with reward and recompense, and with promise. What are you waiting for?

1. 1 My insertions do not imply any limitation to the text, but emphasize its relevance to us.

Please feel free to utilize anything from these pages; just give me whatever credit may be due and God the Glory, Praise and Thanks.

(comments to Phil at ENAPXH@aol.com )