Advent: The Light That Rises in the Darknessنموونە

When Love Judges and Restores

"Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot — yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him — the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. He will delight in obeying the Lord. He will not judge by appearance nor make a decision based on hearsay. He will give justice to the poor and make fair decisions for the exploited. The earth will shake at the force of his word, and one breath from his mouth will destroy the wicked." Isaiah 11:1-4 (NLT)

In our imagination, the word “judgment” sounds like a threat. We’re afraid of God’s judgment, because we view it as the end. But biblical Advent reveals a different perspective: judgment is a manifestation of love that restores justice.

Isaiah draws an image of the awaited Messiah as a stem that grows out of a cut tree. What seemed dead came to life again. It’s a miracle of a new start and of God’s coming judgment, which doesn’t destroy but purifies.

When Jesus comes the second time, it will be the day when justice is restored; the day when evil loses its power; the day when all that is crooked becomes straight; when mourning turns into joy; when loss turns into gain.

Around us, we see injustice, wars, corruption, and contempt for human dignity. Sometimes it seems that evil is triumphing. But Advent reminds us that God sees everything. His love is not indifferent – it interferes to restore what has been ruined.

As disciples of Christ, we’re called to be part of this restoration – to do right, speak truth, and show mercy. For every act of love we do is the prophecy of that day, when the Kingdom of justice becomes a reality.

Ask yourself:

• How can I become God’s doer of justice in my surroundings?
• Do I let God’s love judge my heart to cleanse it of pride and indifference?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for Your judgment being not condemnation, but restoration. Purify me so that I can see the world through Your eyes. Teach me to love justly, to act mercifully, and to walk humbly with You. Amen.