forgiveness – Be Still…

2 Samuel 7:1-17 – God’s Covenant

Our Advent journey begins in the Old Testament. Meet Nathan, a prophet and trusted advisor of King David. Nathan received quite a message to give to King David. It was more than a message; it was a covenant from God. This promise points to Jesus, our coming King. During Advent, we prepare not only for Christ’s first entry into our world at Christmas but his return. God’s promise speaks to every moment we wait, as well as for eternity. Jesus’ reign is forever.

When God makes a covenant with us, it can be trusted. God loves to bless his people with promises and provision. The Bible tells of several covenants God has made over the years. With Noah, God promised never to flood the whole earth again. To Moses, God gave the law that serves as a covenant between God and his people. Finally, Jesus ushers in the “New Covenant” that promises forgiveness and redemption from sin. God’s covenants give, and we receive, showing God our obedience. Continue reading “2 Samuel 7:1-17 – God’s Covenant”

Luke 11:1-4 – Jesus Teaches Us to Pray

Read Luke 11:1-4

This reading moves us to the second half of our theme of the “Holy Spirit & Prayer.” The idea of prayer can be foreign to new Christ-followers who wonder what it means to pray. Isn’t Jesus the best source to teach us to pray? The disciples thought so, too. They had often seen Jesus go off on his own to spend quiet time with God. Talking to God is what prayer is all about.

I imagine the disciples wondered what Jesus would ask the Father. For folks who grew up in a Protestant church like I did, these words in our text are familiar. Known as “The Lord’s Prayer,” we find another teaching of Jesus’ instructions in Matthew 6:9-13. The Lord’s Prayer is read weekly by congregations as part of the order of service. What a great prayer to pray in community as well as individually! Continue reading “Luke 11:1-4 – Jesus Teaches Us to Pray”

John 3:1-21 – How God Loves Us

Read John 3:1-21

Our next theme, “Salvation, Forgiveness, and New Life,” is off to a fantastic start with these verses from John’s gospel. We’ll be seeking a greater understanding of what these mean according to our faith. Just like Nicodemus, we seek truth, and he went right to the source, Jesus. Seeking Jesus would not have been a popular choice for someone in his position, so he had to hide in the darkness of night.

Can you imagine having an audience with Jesus himself! What questions would you ask him? As a religious leader, Nicodemus would have had some “deep” faith questions. I just love that he felt moved to approach Jesus with an openness to learn. We can glean a lot from his example. Continue reading “John 3:1-21 – How God Loves Us”

Isaiah 53:6 – All Have Sinned

“All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6)

That’s a true statement. All have sinned, not just those other people. We have all sinned and strayed away from God’s perfect plan for our lives. It’s inevitable, but our doom is not forever because of the promise we can claim in this verse.

Context (Isaiah 53): This chapter of Isaiah’s prophecies speaks of Jesus, pointing directly to the one who gave himself for us. The truths that Isaiah was given to share can break our hearts when we read them and picture Jesus doing all of this for us. This chapter contains so many images that would play out and be fulfilled by our king Jesus. How do we respond to such a sacrifice? Continue reading “Isaiah 53:6 – All Have Sinned”

Leviticus 24:10-23 – That’s Justice

Read Leviticus 24:10-23

Here, the LORD is giving Moses examples of what to do to punish certain sinful behaviors. Was it an honor or a curse that God gave Moses the authority to bring justice to the people? I can certainly see the “fairness” in these laws. I wonder what sort of pushback Moses got. I’m sure people today would revolt.

God felt it necessary to set guidelines and establish criteria for handling circumstances that he knew would come up. The example he gave first was about blasphemy, showing disrespect for God. Of course, that is the most personally hurtful to God, so I can understand why he addresses it first. Were you surprised at the punishment? What if that was a law in effect for us today? There might not be many people still alive! Continue reading “Leviticus 24:10-23 – That’s Justice”