Who God Is…Eternal
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
SUNDAY, December 10
Isaiah 40:1-11
It’s pretty rare for someone to talk about the book of Isaiah and not mention the last verse in this chapter. In fact, if I say, “But those who wait for the Lord will…” I’m guessing you could finish the verse.
We’ll get to that text in a couple days, but if we’re going to wait on the Lord, we’d better be clear on who the Lord is! When we’re going to “wait” (some translations say “hope” or “trust”), it is comforting to know that the One we are waiting on has always been, is now, and will always be.
We live in a disposable culture where repairing and restoring have given way to dismissing and disposing. And yet, “The word of our God will stand forever” (v. 8, NRSV). We often view this phrase as only referring to the Bible, or what God says. But here in this Advent season, we are reminded that the Word took on flesh. The Word that remains forever is Jesus, the One worth waiting for!
Thank you, Jesus, for being the Lord of my past, present, and future. AMEN.
PRAYER FOCUS: THAT GOD’S LIGHT WOULD SHINE THROUGH US
Who God Is…Incomparable
MONDAY, December 11
Isaiah 40:12-26
Most of the time, comparison is a bad idea. As C.S. Lewis wrote, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” However, when it comes to God, comparison is a fantastic idea. Isaiah knew that, so he begins this section with six back-to-back rhetorical questions. Then, a few verses later he flat-out asks this question: “With whom, then, will you compare God?” (v. 18, NIV).
Think of something you might be tempted to put in a higher position than God. I’m not just talking about negative things. I’m also including good things such as family, hard work, service projects, and church.
Now compare it to the greatness of God. God is better in every way. He is higher. He is greater. He is more worthy of honor. He is more powerful. He is more fulfilling. He is more deserving. The list goes on. He is incomparable to anything else because he is the Creator of everything else!
O great God, I praise you for being incomparable. Today may I remember that truth and live accordingly. AMEN.
What We Receive
TUESDAY, December 12
Isaiah 40:27-31
Have you ever had something wonderful become so familiar that you ceased to be amazed by it? Not too long ago I was driving in the mountains near where I live just outside Seattle. My wife said, “People fly from all over the world to drive, hike, and camp here. We get to see it all the time.” It was a reminder to take in the beauty around us.
Today’s reading is one of the most well-known in the entire book of Isaiah. Sadly, I think that leads many of us (my finger is pointing at me) to read it without being awestruck.
Look at what the eternal, incomparable God we’ve read about the last couple days does for us: He gives strength when we are faint. He strengthens us when we are powerless. He renews. He helps us soar like eagles. He helps us run and not grow weary. He helps us walk and not faint.
What is our responsibility in response? To wait on, hope in, and trust him.
I thank you, God, for being the source of my strength. AMEN.
PRAYER FOCUS: STRENGTH TO LET GO OF OLD GRUDGES
Past Faithfulness…Future Faith
WEDNESDAY, December 13
Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13
The best way to trust God with your future is to intentionally remind yourself of his trustworthiness in your past. It seems the sons of Korah, the authors of Psalm 85, knew that truth. In the middle of this psalm, they ask God to “restore us,” “revive us,” and “show us your unfailing love.”
Before they make their request, they recount many ways God has already shown his faithfulness. God showed favor. He restored fortunes. He forgave guilt. He covered sin. He withdrew fury. He turned from anger. Only after looking back, did they make their request. Then they looked ahead with faith, hope, and confidence. I picture them smiling as they write of God, speaking peace, salvation, glory dwelling in the land, truth springing up, righteousness looking down, and the Lord providing what is good. They remembered. Then they requested. Then they rejoiced. May you and I do the same.
Faithful, trustworthy Father. Remind me of your faithfulness, so that I may move forward with faith. AMEN.
The One We Point To
THURSDAY, December 14
Mark 1:1-8
Pointing other people toward Jesus will always be more important than the person doing the pointing. After all, look at John the Baptist. He lived in the wilderness. He wore a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt. He ate locusts and wild honey. But he pointed people toward Jesus. He took himself out of the conversation as much as possible. He went so far as to declare that Jesus must become greater while he must become less. And look what happened. “All of Judea, including all the people of Jerusalem, went out to see and hear John” (v. 5, NLT).
Too often, we’re waiting to be “ready.” We’re waiting to be trained. We’re waiting to have more experience. We’re waiting for (insert excuse here). Jesus is also waiting. He’s waiting for you and me to point to him. To recognize that our talent, experience, or training isn’t what will change hearts. Only he can do that.
Lord Jesus, I confess that I let my own insecurities keep me from telling others about you. Help me to get out of the way and simply point people toward you. AMEN.
PRAYER FOCUS: HUNULITY IN GOD’S PRESENSE
Growth, Not Perfection
FRIDAY, December 15
2 Peter 1:3-9
Throughout Scripture we see the authors reminding us that we have everything we need (grace), and we are called to keep growing (effort). Paul writes of being saved by grace (Ephesians 2) and working out our salvation (Philippians 2). The author of Hebrews writes that Jesus’s death has made us perfect and we are being made holy (10:14). Most of James’s letter explores how faith can be demonstrated in our works.
Today’s reading may be the clearest picture of what grace and effort look like together. Peter begins by reminding his readers (and us) that God has given us everything required for life and godliness. He doubles down on this idea by saying we have his promises and can even participate in the divine nature.
Then, he writes these words: “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith” (v. 5, CSB). What follows is a list of characteristics for us to grow in. That’s the clincher. It’s always about growth, not perfection.
Gracious God, help me remember that you long for my growth, not my perfection. AMEN.
We All Need Reminders
SATURDAY, December 16
2 Peter 3:8-15a
I don’t like to admit it, but I need a lot more reminders than I used to. Maybe it’s my age. Maybe it’s the noisiness of the world around me. Probably both! I believe what is right and true. I want to do what is right and true. Yet I forget.
After Peter lays out the list of characteristics as our “growth path” in 1:5-8, he talks about reminders three times in the following seven verses. “I will always remind you….To wake you up with a reminder….So that you are able to recall these things at any time” (vv. 12, 13, 15, CSB). How can you set reminders of the truths God reveals to you in the Bible? Maybe it’s a sticky note or a reminder on your phone. People have needed reminders for thousands of years. I’m guessing you and I do too!
Holy Spirit, bring your truth to mind throughout each day. Empower me to live out what I know to be right and true. AMEN.
PRAYER FOCUS: THOSE WHO WORK LONG HOURS THIS SEASON
