Wednesday, December 14, 2016
THE GOSPEL--OUR OASIS ON THE ROAD TO HEAVEN (3)
Isaiah 35:5-7 "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the dumb sing. For waters shall burst forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water; in the habitation of jackals where each lay, there shall be grass with reeds and rushes."
NO MIRAGE
An Arabic proverb reads: "More deceitful than a mirage." In deserts, appearances can deceive. The thirsty traveler is sure he sees a great sheet of water ahead, only to discover that the closer he gets it's all a deception.
So in the wilderness or desert that is this fallen, sinful world. The philosophies of humanism (science and/or man is god), secularism (no need for God), and hedonism (pleasure is king) offer all sorts of false comforts. Things like drugs, alcohol, unbridled and/or illicit sex appear to be water and nourishment for parched and aching souls. Yet they are only mirages which ultimately enslave.
By stark contrast is the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is no mirage, but a glorious reality bringing welcome rest for sin-burdened souls. "Come to Me," invites the Savior, "all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light" (Matthew 11:28ff).
This Advent season and always, how refreshing to drink deeply of God's means of grace--the gospel in Word and Sacrament--which provide true joy, comfort, and peace through the assurance of full forgiveness of all sins through the Savior born to us.
He comes from thickest films of vice To clear the mental ray
And on the eyeballs of the blind To pour celestial day.
He comes the broken heart to bind, The bleeding soul to cure,
And with the treasures of His grace T’ enrich the humble poor.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 66:3-4)
