Andrea and I watched Amazing Grace last night – a Christmas gift from Andrea’s parents. Not a pretty film, but beautiful. William Wilberforce is a man I admire for his clear sense of calling and purpose, and using the gift of his placement and status in society to live out the Gospel, seeking to redeem culture. I long to be so utterly convinced of the Gospel as he.
Today’s reading in the Word was a striking contrast. 2 Chronicles 36 tells the story of Josiah’s re-establishment of the Passover celebration, and how he made sure everyone, including those serving the country by guarding the city, were able to observe the Passover. Then, at the end of the chapter, seemingly right after this glorious event, he attacks the king of Egypt, who seems to be attacking Persia. Josiah is warned that Neco is doing the will of God, yet he insists on joining in the battle, and is shot by Neco’s archers. The man God uses to restore His worship in Judah and Israel falls to his own hubris.
In contrast, Revelation 21 is an amazing picture of the glory of God. The New Jerusalem needs no light source other than the glory of the Father and the Son. The nations will worship, the kings will submit their earthly glory and power to the Lamb. There is no temple, no Passover, no rituals, for all of New Jerusalem is the Most Holy Place, and we are all high priests, worshiping before the throne.
And now for a few less-deep thoughts:
We’re having dinner with a few friends tonight. I simply don’t want the topics of diapers, child bowel movements, or breast pumps to come up. We don’t have kids yet, and it’s my birthday.
This is the first time in 7 years that I’m working on my birthday. I started taking it off, just as a day for me to indulge. After we got married, Andrea and I started a tradition of taking a trip, as a combination of birthday celebration and New Years reflection. I’m going to miss that this year, but working for a new boss, who graciously gave me most of last week off, I didn’t feel like I could ask for today.