new covenant – Be Still…

Hebrews 8:1-13 – Jesus is Our High Priest

Now we are returning to our main point. How fortunate we are to have a High Priest who sits on the throne of God, offering us better promises than ever before. There is nothing wrong with all the High Priests who have gone before. They are simply limited to what they can offer. How do we respond to that? Take some time to reflect on that.

All that is said about Jesus’ identity as High Priest and the new covenant can only serve to comfort us with hopeful expectation. Our response should be to remain faithful, unlike those given the old covenant. They turned their back on God, despite God’s grand provision for them. In turn, God turned his back on them. Continue reading “Hebrews 8:1-13 – Jesus is Our High Priest”

2 Samuel 7:1-17 – God’s Covenant

Read 2 Samuel 7:1-17

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”

Job 32:1-22 – It’s Elihu’s Turn

Read Job 32:1-22

Out of nowhere, a new “friend” makes some noise after respectfully waiting his turn. Elihu now begins his rant about Job’s known dilemma. Did you find it helpful? Do you think Job did? Perhaps Job was so surprised by Elihu’s words that he needed time to process what was just said.

Elihu seemed a bit arrogant at first, but then I appreciated his restraint and respect. So many young people these days would have blurted out what they were feeling with little regard for their elders. (Disclaimer: Not all youth are included in this generalization!) Continue reading “Job 32:1-22 – It’s Elihu’s Turn”

2 Chronicles 34:14-33 – What a Find!

Read 2 Chronicles 34:14-33

There is so much we can glean from today’s passage, which is very similar to King Josiah’s history in 2 Kings 22. The key piece fueling this story is that a scroll containing God’s law, originally given by God to Moses, has been found. The king is overcome with the news, especially when he has heard the contents of the scroll.

King Josiah humbly acknowledges, seeks God, obeys God, leads others to return to God. He does all these things despite the fact he knows God’s anger is still burning under the surface, promising to bring judgment after Josiah’s lifetime. Hence, there’s a lot going on here to reflect on. Continue reading “2 Chronicles 34:14-33 – What a Find!”

Mark 2:18-22 – What About Fasting?

Read Mark 2:18-22

You might be thinking, “What is fasting in the first place?” It’s definitely more than just a diet! While fasting involves abstaining from food and/or drink, fasting also needs to include spiritual renewal, from shutting out the world to spending time in God’s presence. This is not a community event but a personal one between you and God. You can pray, read Scripture, sing praise songs, or sit quietly and listen. Always be listening for God’s voice whether you’re fasting or not.

What did you think about the contrast between Jesus’ followers and those of John the Baptist? John’s followers, along with other religious leaders, would lean toward the side of piety and following rules. It seems that Jesus’ followers were less focused on those “traditions,” and this verse brilliantly tells us why. The more pious would have been looking down on what Jesus’ followers were doing.