December 18th - Wisdom and Authority

For the Lord is our judge,

the Lord is our lawgiver,

the Lord is our king;

it is he who will save us.

(Isaiah 33:22)

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed someone to step in and take control? Maybe it was during a group project when no one could agree, or perhaps when your family was facing a difficult decision. In those moments, we often long for someone with both the authority and wisdom to guide us through.

This verse from Isaiah presents God in three powerful roles: judge, lawgiver, and king. As judge, He sees everything with perfect clarity and fairness. As lawgiver, He establishes the boundaries that protect and guide us. And as king, He holds ultimate authority over his domain. But notice how these roles aren't meant to intimidate us – they lead to salvation. The verse ends with the promise that this powerful God "will save us."

During the Advent season, we remember how this promise found its fulfillment in Jesus. The baby in the manger would grow up to be the one who perfectly embodied all three of these roles. He judged with mercy, taught with authority, and demonstrated kingship through service. When we celebrate Christmas, we're not just celebrating a birth – we're celebrating the arrival of the one who would bring God's perfect rule into our world.

In our modern world, we often resist authority. We like to think we can be our own judges, make our own rules, and govern our own lives. But Isaiah reminds us that true freedom and salvation come when we recognize God's rightful place in these roles. Just as a loving parent's rules protect their children, God's authority over us is an expression of His love and care.

Further Reading:

"For the Lord is the great God,

the great King above all gods.

In his hand are the depths of the earth,

and the mountain peaks belong to him.

The sea is his, for he made it,

and his hands formed the dry land.

Come, let us bow down in worship,

let us kneel before the Lord our Maker;

for he is our God

and we are the people of his pasture,

the flock under his care."

(Psalm 95:3-7)

Ask the Following Questions:

1. In what areas of your life do you find it hardest to submit to God's authority? Why do you think that is?

2. How does seeing God as both authority figure and savior change your perspective on following His commands?

3. What specific situation in your life right now needs to be submitted to God's judgment, law, or kingship?

Prayer:

Lord, we acknowledge You as our ultimate authority. Thank You for being a perfect judge who sees us with eyes of mercy, a wise lawgiver who guides us with love, and a gracious king who rules with justice. Help us to trust Your leadership in our lives, especially in areas where we struggle to let go of control. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, remind us that Your authority always leads to our salvation. Give us the courage to follow You fully today. In Jesus' name, Amen.