Daily Devotions - Week 50
Zion Lutheran Church
Daily Devotions
December 13 - 19, 2009
Sunday: “What Child Is This?”
Manger scenes abound; we see the sweet babe and his gentle mother, but do we really slow down long enough to ask ourselves, “What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary’s lap is sleeping”? Do you long to experience the real Jesus this Christmas? What would such an encounter look like? Dix’s anthem reminds us, “This, this is Christ the King, whom shepherds guard and angels sing…” Our theme text might seem an unlikely one as we move toward Christmas, but pray the Spirit will surprise you with new insights as you read Matthew 3:1-12 and Luke 3:7-18. John the Baptist’s words seem harsh, yet Luke says he preached “good news” (3:18). Prayerfully ponder this.
Monday: God’s DNA
Abraham is considered the father of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. God gave Abraham (Abram) great and precious promises (read Genesis 12:1-3; 15:6; 17:3-7,17-21; 22:15-18). Did you notice the promise of blessing for all the earth (Genesis 12:3; 22:18; see also 26:4; 28:13-14 & Acts 3:24-26)? Jesus is descended from Abraham, through Isaac and then Jacob. But what about Gentiles—how are Gentiles embraced in God’s promises? Read Luke 3:8 and Galatians 3:6-9,14. Are you a true child of Abraham? Thank Jesus for being the One in whom God’s promises are fulfilled.
Tuesday: Religious Heritage or Grace through Faith?
The Jewish religious leaders trusted in their ancestry and religious observances; genetically, Abraham was their ancestor (father). Read what John the Baptist says to them about trusting in their religious heritage and observances (Matthew 3:7-10; Luke 3:7-9). What do Jesus and Paul say about trusting in our own righteousness (Luke 18:9-14; Ephesians 2:8-9)? Are you trusting in Jesus or your religious heritage and traditions? Praise God for the good news that it’s not about our righteousness but about entrusting our lives and eternity to our righteous and grace-filled God.
Wednesday: What Type of Jesus Do You Expect this Christmas?
People came to John looking for the Christ (Luke 3:15). John told them of the One who was to come, and exhorted them to prepare their hearts. How were they to prepare (Luke 3:7-14)? Is Jesus’ message different from John’s (see Luke 5:22-26,31)? What about Peter’s ? As you prepare for Christmas, are you making room for the Jesus John preached, a Savior who is full of grace and truth, a Savior who calls us to repentance and expects us to commit our lives to him, a Savior who baptizes with the Spirit and with fire, a Savior who embraces all who come to him expressing their deep need for forgiveness and grace? Sin enslaves us; Jesus sets us free. Come to this Jesus!
Thursday: Spiritual DNA
Christmas traditions are wonderful; our religious heritage is dear, but how is our spiritual DNA? The truth (good news) John the Baptist preached prepared the people to look at their lives and recognize their need for a Savior. Read Romans 3:9-10, 20-24,27-28; 4:1-8,16-25 and Hebrews 11:6,8-12. Abraham believed God was able to and would do all God promised. The religious leaders whom John addressed (Luke 3) trusted in their heritage; Abraham trusted in God. Dix’s Christmas lyrics encourage us to put Jesus on the throne of our lives. Tell Jesus you want him to be your Savior and Lord, today and forever; sing or pray, “The King of kings salvation brings, let loving hearts enthrone Him.”
Friday: Changed by Grace
True faith responds. Real love acts. Genuine repentance means our lives will be different. God’s grace does not leave us unchanged. John the Baptist challenged people to demonstrate the fruit of repentance and faith; Jesus tells us to stay rooted in him; Paul says the Spirit makes us new creations; John and James tell us we must walk our talk. Read Luke 3:9-14; John 15:1-17; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 5:22-23; James 1:26-27; 2:14-19; and 1 John 1:5-9; 3:11-18. We are just days from Christmas. Ask yourself how you, through the power of the indwelling Spirit, are living your faith today. Tell the Spirit you sincerely want to honor Jesus and reflect his love as you celebrate Christmas.
Saturday: Baptized with the Spirit and with Fire
Read Luke 3:15-18. Notice John the Baptist’s humility as he speaks of Jesus. Sometimes we act as if God is present to serve us, and we decide the terms. Who is Jesus and what is his baptism? Read Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 3:1-8,16; 7:37-39; 14:15-21; and Acts 1:4-8; 2:1-4,38-39. In Acts 4:32-35, Luke tells us what lives transformed by the Spirit look like…and there is joy (John 15:11; Acts 13:52; and Galatians 5:22-23). Will you give yourself to Jesus, trusting that his Spirit will bring you real joy? John preached this joyous good news (Luke 3:18); it is ours to embrace. Sing, “Joy to the world! The Lord is come; let earth receive her King; let ev’ry heart prepare Him room…” (Watts)
Devotions from: The Daily Walk, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Burnsville, MN