Wake up and pay attention: our God comes!

New Guest: Like this one, most posts are devotional; those related to CAR BIZ can be found by searching for that title. You might start with 'Welcome,' the first post in the archives, dated November 12, 2008, where I introduce myself and the blog.

Thursday, December 17, 2009
Devotions: Ps 33, 50; Zech 4:1-14; Rev 4:9-5:5; Mt 25:1-13

It is fitting for us to rejoice in YHWH our God; let us praise Him in every way—with music, with song, with shouts of acclamation. Make new songs to Him! For His way and His word are holy and true; God loves righteousness and truth; the universe overflows with His steadfast love. He created all that exists by His spoken word; He made us and owns us; He frustrates the evil schemes of the ungodly, while His counsels stand forever. Blessed every nation whose God is YHWH; blessed all people He has chosen and called. Victory is from God alone. My soul waits for YHWH, my Help and Shield. Lord, let Your steadfast love rest on me, because I trust Your holy name, and place all my faith and hope in You! YHWH, the Mighty One, summons all creation; His beauty shines forth from Zion. Our God comes! He is not silent; He is a consuming fire, Sovereign of heaven and earth, Judge of all. Hearken to our God: ‘Listen, and I will testify against you! I Am God, your God. Your sacrifices to Me are irrelevant; I own all; I need no more food, no more flesh or blood. What I want is you yourselves. Offer Me your thanksgiving; keep your promises to Me; and call on Me when you have need—I will deliver you, and you will glorify Me.’ To the wicked, He also speaks: ‘You have no right to speak My statutes or My covenant. You hate discipline; you ignore My words. You befriend thieves and adulterers, and ignore the holy God! You let your mouths utter foulness; you slander and gossip, even against your own brothers and mothers! I have been patient, but now I’m speaking out! So mark this: those who bring thanks honor Me; and to all who order their way by My law, I will show the salvation of God.’

A holy angel woke Zechariah, and asked him, ‘What do you see?’ The awakened prophet beheld ‘a lampstand entirely of gold, topped with a bowl; with seven lamps, each surrounded by a lip of gold. Next to it are two olive trees, to its right and left of the bowl.’ The prophet asked the heavenly messenger, ‘What are these, my lord?’ The angel responded, ‘This is YHWH’s message to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit! What are you, mountainous obstacle? Before Zerubbabel, you will be leveled; and he will bring the keystone and set it in place amid shouts of “Grace! Grace to it!”’ And God gave Zechariah further prophecy: ‘Zerubbabel’s hands have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will also complete it. Then you’ll know for sure that YHWH Sabaoth has sent me to you. Whoever has despised the days of small accomplishments will now rejoice, and will recognize the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel. These seven are God’s eyes, ranging the whole earth.’ Zechariah asked the angel about the olive trees. The angel answered, ‘These are the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth.’

John’s vision of God on His throne approached a climax: ‘Whenever the four living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him Who sits on the throne, Who lives forever, the twenty-four elders fall facedown before Him and worship Him Who lives for ever, and cast their crowns before His throne, singing, “Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.” And I saw in God’s right hand a scroll, with writing on both sides, sealed with seven seals.
A mighty angel cried out: “Who is worthy to open the scroll or look into it?” No one came forward; no one was found worthy, and I wept greatly. But one of the elders spoke to me: “Don’t cry. Look! The Lion of Judah, Root of David, has conquered, and He can open the scroll and its seven seals.”’

Jesus continued his teaching: ‘The kingdom of heaven can be compared to ten maidens who went out with their lamps to meet the coming bridegroom. Five were foolish, and five were wise. The foolish took no extra oil with them, but the wise took reserve flasks of oil along. The bridegroom was delayed, until all ten fell asleep. At midnight came the cry, “Behold! The bridegroom arrives! Come out to meet him!” The maidens quickly arose and trimmed their lamps. The foolish pleaded with the wise, “Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out!” But the wise replied, “Perhaps there will not be enough to serve us all. Go to the dealers and buy oil for yourselves.” While the foolish maidens were shopping, the bridegroom arrived; those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the entrance was closed. Later, the other maidens arrived, and cried out, “Lord, lord, open to us!” But he replied, “Truly I say to you: I do not know you.” Stay alert and watch, for you know neither the day nor the hour [of God’s coming to you].’