The last time I shared in a communion meditation, we covered how it was necessary for God to “cut” a new covenant based on what Israel had committing in profaning the name of God. Even though it was in fact Israel who was unfaithful as a Bride to God, it would be the act of God to preserve a Bride for Himself from a remnant. For a covenant like marriage, the only dissolution is by the death of one of the parties involved. Only through death is there an opportunity for the NEW.
No “bride price” can ever be adequate from the creation of God to meet the demands needed for the pledge to be fulfilled. God had to BE His own “bride price” by giving what was the most valuable thing He could ever give—His own Son. The “bride price” not only symbolizes the seriousness of the intent of the Groom as a pledge to his obligation as a husband but it is also a pledge beyond the fullness of His life committed to the heritage that will follow. This new arrangement of things is better and more glorious. Even Paul in Ephesians 3 calls the new arrangement a New Administration, better understood by the Greek meaning, new “house rules”– a new family arrangement.
There were some terrific points in Steve’s message last week; a major one is that God is light and His kingdom is light and its light is like none ever seen and the darkness can not comprehend it.
Steve read from John chapter 2 last week, but let me draw your attention to Luke 1 and 2. There are two verses in Luke chapter one I want to look at, beginning with verse 78. There is a translation (paraphrased) called The Passion Translation that reads, “The splendor-light of heaven’s glorious sunrise is about to break upon us in holy visitation, all because the merciful heart of our God is so very tender. The word from heaven will come to us with dazzling light to shine upon those who live in darkness, near death’s dark shadow.
And he will illuminate the path that leads to the way of peace.” These verses come after the announcement that John would be the forerunner of Christ in proclaiming visit of the New Kingdom.
Moving to Luke chapter 2 we find the story of Simeon whose life was preserved until the time he could see the Christ and witness the consolation of Israel. Luke 2:32 proclaims the coming of Christ will bring a “Light of revelation to the Gentiles and glory to Israel.”
Do a search on your own and discover how symbolic a sunrise is in Scripture. Like we often view sunrises, they are filled with hope, expectation, and newness. A sunrise could bring satisfaction to our faith following the dread of a dark night.
Egypt—West symbolized death. Israel traveled through the Red Sea all night until the dawning of the next day until at daybreak pharaoh and his armies would be consumed by the Red Sea crashing on them. The sunrise symbolized life and newness and the water of separation symbolizes baptism.
How much more does Isaiah 9:2 mean when the prophet said, “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”