July 12 - Pomp and Circumstance

 Read today’s texts first: Isaiah 11-14; Hebrews 9

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

The only Pomp with good Circumstances will be at
God’s coronation, when we lay our crowns at His feet. 

It was an ongoing debate at PLBC every graduation: some of our staff liked the sound of “Pomp and Circumstance” playing while our grads marched down the centre aisle. I always contended for a hymn like “Great is Thy Faithfulness;” there should be no pomp when students step into a life of ministry. We wouldn’t want them to face the circumstances of a pompous life.

Satan is the perfect, or should I say imperfect, illustration. In a rare passage (one of two, the other being Ezekiel 28), we learn about Lucifer (“Morning Star”), the archangel who was cast out of heaven (what started as a denouncement of the King of Tyre, a mere man, turns into a double prophecy, with a layer applying to a heavenly being). Satan’s pomp sent him to hell (14:11). Ours will lead to the same circumstance.

Satan was expelled from God’s presence because of his pride. He didn’t want to serve God; he wanted to be God (14:12-15). Solomon warned us: Pride goes before destruction; a haughty spirit before a fall (Prov. 16:18). Lucifer, aka. Satan, was the classic example. The captivity of Israel during the height of their arrogance, while Isaiah was prophesying, is another.

In glorious contrast, our reading in Hebrews offers the opposite circumstances for those who humbly follow behind Christ's selfless sacrifice.  Instead of being cast out of His presence, we who were on the outside looking in, are invited to come boldly before His throne. In fact, the curtain that once separated ordinary people from entering the Holy of Holies, was torn in two after Jesus became the final, perfect sacrifice (Mat. 25:51,52).

We get to it tomorrow, but here’s a sneak preview: Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith (10:19-22).

“Lord, the only pomp with good circumstances will be Your coronation, when I get to lay any crowns I may have earned in this life at Your feet (Rev. 4:10).”