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Comfort and Glory Comfort and Glory

Comfort and Glory

Devotions

“Go, tell it on the mountain,” the classic spiritual urges, “over the hills and everywhere; go, tell it on the mountain, that Jesus Christ is born. . . . Down in a lowly manger the humble Christ was born, and God sent us salvation that blessed Christmas morn.”

Go tell it on the mountain indeed (v. 9)! The Gospel of Luke links verses 3 through 5 in today’s reading with the coming of John the Baptist as the forerunner of the Messiah, Jesus (see Luke 3:3–9). As sometimes happens in biblical prophecy, there seems to be what has been described as a “double mountain-range perspective” in view. That is, from a distance we see two mountain ranges, and it’s not clear how much time or space lies between the first and the second.

The first “mountain range” or fulfillment of this prophecy is Israel’s return from exile (vv. 1–2). The second is the coming of the Messiah (vv. 3–5). It’s as if everyone is getting ready for a king’s arrival. His representatives are checking to see that everything has been prepared. Has a proper “royal highway” been built? Have all obstacles been removed? Figuratively, valleys should be raised, mountains lowered, rugged places smoothed over, and crooked spots straightened out.

People and their “faithfulness” are short-lived and fickle, like grass or wildflowers. God’s word, on the other hand stands forever. In other words, the promises that Israel will return from exile and that Messiah is coming can be absolutely counted upon!

“Go tell it on the mountain” (vv. 9–11)! The king is God Himself, the faithful shepherd of His people. The result of these prophecies and their fulfillments is reflected in today’s title—human comfort (or good news) and divine glory.

Pray with Us

Moody Publishers staff is again in our prayers. Your prayers will be an encouragement for its Acquisitions team—Drew Dyck, Duane Sherman, and Randall Payleitner, as they reach out to authors and readers.

BY Brad Baurain

Dr. Bradley Baurain is Professor and Program Head of TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) at Moody Bible Institute. Bradley has the unique privilege of holding a degree from four different universities (including Moody). He has just published his first book, On Waiting Well. Bradley taught in China, Vietnam, the United States, and Canada. Bradley and his wife, Julia, have four children and reside in Northwest Indiana.

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