Advent Devotion – Day 27
The true light of the season
By Sue Ezard
As I scurried around this week getting the last minute gifts and trimmings for Christmas, I was wowed by the beautiful decorations that sparkled and glittered in the mall. As I drove home the lights and wreaths that adorned the many houses and business that I passed reminded me of the coming festivities to celebrate our Savior. Even in my home, a few hours later, the tree glowed and the candles in the windows promised silent nights and peace on earth.
How different were the days leading up to the birth of our Savior. The Bible reminds us of the terrible darkness that had engulfed mankind. Isaiah 59 reads like a laundry list of man’s sins and transgressions before God. The sin brought by Adam had completely separated us from the God who created and loved us. There was no hope, no light, nothing but wretchedness in the human condition.
But “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son…” Jesus was born into a world of darkness so we who lived here could have light, born in a world of wretchedness so we could have forgiveness, born to a life of travail and finally a horrible death to bridge the gap of eternity.
The darkness shrouded the earth that night. Satan was sure of victory over man. But one tiny babe, one tiny light in a manger and everything changed. Psalm 96 says, “Sing to the Lord a new song, sing to the Lord all the earth.” This year as we enjoy our festivities may we remember the bitter darkness that engulfed mankind and praise the God who loved us so much that He came to bring light that only He could supply.
Christmas trees, twinkling lights and glowing candles are beautiful, but do you have the true Light that makes this season special? If not, call to Him now and let Him illuminate your heart.
Today’s Readings – Psalm 93, 96, 148, 150, Isa 59:1-15a, Gal 3:15-22, Luke 1:67-80
Advent devotions – Day 2
By Sue Ezard
Readings
Psalm, 1, 2, 3, 4, 7
Amos 2:6-16
2 Peter 1:1-11
Matt 21:1-11
As we begin our advent journey, planning for the arrival of Jesus, I like to think about Mary and Joseph and their trip to Bethlehem. The precious Son of God, Jesus our Savior, spent most of that journey on the back of a donkey safe in his mother’s womb. The promised One who would take away the worlds sin came to us peacefully and quietly on the back of a donkey.
Thirty three years later this same Jesus would enter the city of Jerusalem on another donkey. In Matthew 21:1-11 we see that He again comes peacefully on the back of a donkey as the crowds sing “Hosanna, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”
A few short days later they would take this one they called Messiah and nail him to a cross at Calvary. There, Jesus finished the Father’s plan. By His shed blood and death, we have atonement and forgiveness of our sins and victory over death. All we have to do is personally accept this wonderful gift. The One who came peacefully on the back of a donkey, treated wretchedly and crucified, was God’s most precious gift.
In Amos chapter 2, we see a totally different coming of God. In this coming, there are no donkeys. We see a God coming in judgment on a world that has refused his mercy in the person of Jesus. A world deceived by Satan, that tries to eliminate God and blasphemes He and His laws. In this coming, God’s wrath falls on those who have refused Him. Even though his love for them burned strong, He can no longer tolerate their rebellion. He warns that He will crush them; the swift, the strong, the runners, the warriors, the archers, the soldiers and the horsemen will all fall before Him.
As I read these verses I again reflect on the Advent Season we find ourselves in. I am again aware that I need to make preparations for the coming of my Savior. Both now, as we celebrate the Babe in a manger, and in the future, when we see Him arriving as the warrior and judge of earth. I know that I need not fear His coming. I am, by His mercy, safe as His beloved child. But what about my neighbor, what about co-workers, what about those I meet each day. I will endeavor to take their hands this Advent Season and lead them on the journey to Bethlehem. That they might know the wondrous gift that was given and the peace that only Jesus can give.
Lent Reflections – He died for everyone
By Sue Ezard
Today’s Scripture Readings
Psalm 69, 73
Jere 5:1-9
Rom 2:25-3:18
John 5:30-47
OK, they thought I was crazy again! A group of coworkers were talking about the newest hit TV show and having been asked about it I had to admit that I didn’t watch it.
“You should record it if you aren’t home that night, it really is funny”, one remarked.
“Well”, I replied “I am home that night and I actually did catch a few of the earlier airings but I had to stop watching it.”
(Stop! my mind is crying out.. please don’t ask the next question…but here it comes…. )
“What do you mean you had to stop watching?”
I had to explain that the star of the show had an uncanny way of taking the worst joke and making it about Jesus or Christians and that I found that very offensive. I didn’t condemn anyone for watching…I just couldn’t do it with a clear conscience. The group broke up quickly and I guessed correctly that I wouldn’t be invited to the next Tupperware party!
David reminds us in Psalm 69 what it is like to have his dedication to God used against him to make him a pariah to society. He cries out repeatedly for God to save him and to deliver him from his foes. Some scholars believe this Psalm describes the ministry and suffering of Jesus and it is quoted often in the New Testament in reference to Him as He was so unfairly treated.
I find David’s admonition in verse 6 most poignant.
“May those who wait for You not be ashamed through me, Oh Lord of hosts; May those who seek You not be dishonored through me, O God of Israel”
David recognized that God was the repayer of deeds. He knew that he had no avenue for retribution besides begging God to help him. God’s desire is for even my enemies to come to Christ for salvation. I can, by my actions, shame and dishonor God and my fellow sisters in Christ. It could even hinder a soul from coming to Him. It is so hard to remember that when I am looking for justification against a wrong done to me, especially when it is because I am a Christian. God will take care of everything in His time. My job is to be patient and seek Him in prayer and thanksgiving.
Father, remind me daily that You have died for everyone, even those I don’t find loveable. Help me to see You in them and not do or say anything to dishonor You or prevent them from knowing Your loving hand on their lives.
Lent Reflections – Seek His Face
By Sue Ezard
Today’s Scripture Readings
Psalm 24, 29, 8, 84
Jere 1:1-10
1 Cor 3:11-23
Mark 3:31-4:9
Some days it seems that there is nothing but bad news. The Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan with many thousands dead and missing, the unrest and wars in the Middle East, the economic woes and rising prices in the United States, everywhere chaos and heartbreak.
Many voices cry out, some in pain and misery, some in grief and agony and still others in anger and wrath. So many, looking for places to lay blame, shake their fists to the sky and blame God. But why do we blame God for the results of our own folly?
When God created the earth it was full of bliss and serenity. There was no pain, no disasters, no grief or sadness. It was only as the result of man’s own disobedience and sin that all of this was unleashed on the perfect garden that God had planned and ordained for his children.
For thousands of years man has tried to find answers in his own wisdom and in his own knowledge. Continuing to shake his hands at God he is sure that he can handle everything and make a utopia in his own ways. Sadly, history proves the folly in that thinking. So what do we do to find peace?
Psalm 29 begins with these words:
“Ascribe to the Lord, O sons of the mighty, Ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in holy array.”
When we begin to ascribe (to credit or assign) glory and strength to God we acknowledge that He and He only is ruler, creator and helper of this world and everything in it. We become more aware of our lowly place in the scheme of things. It is very humbling to think that I am not in charge of my destiny. In fact, I am not in charge of what happens within the next few minutes of my life. But in doing so, I have the freedom to approach Him and find quiet rest in the disorder of this world.
In Psalm 24 we learn:
“Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? And who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart.”…..”He shall receive a blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation.”
God gave us the answer to the chaos we created when Jesus Christ died willingly on Calvary’s tree. It is through His blood that we find answers to the questions that we seek so fervently.
During this Lenten season, with so much going on in the world, may we humble ourselves in prayer and seek His face. Pray for the hurting. Pray for peace. Pray for healing in the world and in our own souls. Work to be His hands in this world now more than ever before. May we be like the psalmist who wrote “This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face.”
“Father God, humble me so I realize the need to stay close to you. Help me be the one that bring help and healing to a hurting world knowing that you hold all in your tender hands.”
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