Isaiah Exegesis (Advent A4)

God's indictment against the house of David is an age old one. "Why do you try my patience?" Ahaz harkens back to the Stiff-necked in the wilderness demanding water from a rock. "I'm not going to test God like that…" But in not looking for the proof in God when he was invited to believe, his Stiff-necked lack of faith shows through. Or, by not testing God when he wants to be tested, Ahaz is testing God just like the Israelites tested God.

God's signs aren't what we look for. Israel wanted water from a rock to quench their thirst, God just shook his head at them. The sign that he gave Ahaz, the house of David, and us, makes us shake our heads in wonder.

"Look," he says, "by the time a baby can be born and eat soft food the two kings you are so worried about will be gone…. But look out, you're next." He has a way of bringing more questions in the wake of his answers. Good news and bad rolled into one.

God's ways were not what Ahaz expected. They are not what the House of David expected either. God promised them a dynasty that would last forever; soon they would be destroyed waiting for the King to come.

I realized while I was working on Isaiah exegesis today, that this was the last Sunday before Christmas, which means Christmas program. "Maybe I'm working to hard," I thought. "I've already committed to telling 'The Tale Of Three Trees'." It isn't my style to try to fit a sermon to an illustration, but lo-and-behold it works. The expectation of the trees is like that of Ahaz, Joseph, the line of David, and Israel. God works his plan out beautifully even though they can't see how or maybe even refuse to ask.

The big question is still, so what? What does this mean to us, what is the truth that will knock our socks off, whether we are children or fogies?

Milk and Honey eater? (Advent A4)

I am trying to get my head around Isaiah this week. It seems that this reading is somehow the linchpin for the rest of the week's readings.

The first thing that strikes me is the prominence of the house of David. The prophesy of Isaiah is directed to Ahaz along with the whole Davidic line he represents. By the time of the gospel the line of David is reduced to a poor, righteous, carpenter with a pregnant fiancé. Paul's Christology points to Jesus as a king in the line of David.

What did Immanuel mean to Isaiah and Ahaz? Was there an immediate meaning? If so, was it positive or negative? Syria and Israel would not be a threat by the time the boy could make a moral choice. By the time he was eating milk and honey they would have to worry about the king of Assyria. Was milk and honey a food of the prosperous Promised Land or the meager food the son of a carpenter might eat?

Does "God with us" mean punishment or salvation? I think it means both. As a fulfillment in Christ the line of David finally has it's righteous king. In him is all the nature of God, wrath and love, punishment and mercy, he holds all in his hand. The important and beautiful thing is that God is with us! That is what Ahaz missed. That is what we miss too… I will take it all! the transcendent Holy God, the intimate lover, and the fierce avenger. Be near us I pray!

The psalmist's prayer is a cry for Immanuel to be near when he seems distant.

But what does this mean to you David? How did you react to Asaph's song? How does your house long for the savior? What do you say to Isaiah's injunction that you weary men and God? I bang on your door with my forehead, for I need to understand what all this means together.