Advent Devotional 2021
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One Sabbath day as Jesus was walking through some grainfields, his disciples broke off heads of grain, rubbed off the husks in their hands, and ate the grain. But some Pharisees said, “Why are you breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath?” Luke 6:1-2 (NLT)
In the first 11 verses of chapter 6, Jesus illustrates one of my favorite biblical principles: that understanding the spirit of the law is more valuable than following the exact letter of the law. The Pharisees were fervently enforcing a day of rest on the Sabbath, but at what cost? As Jesus seems to imply, is a strict avoidance of even the most trivial tasks truly best if it leaves somebody hungry or in need of healing? As we study further, we realize they have missed the bigger picture and have reduced the Sabbath down to a collection of tedious regulations that were probably exhausting to obey.
In my own life, I’ve found that obeying God’s commandments is so much easier when we understand both how to obey them and the purpose for our obedience. If we believe that our purpose in obeying is to earn our righteousness through good works, we will instinctively know that our work is never “good enough,” and may fall into the legalism of the Pharisees in an attempt to reach that unattainable goal.
Fortunately, we confidently know we are made right with God by our faith in Jesus, and we can now respond with joyful obedience: not with the mindset of a perfectionist, but with gratitude for the work God has done to save us. As Jesus continues in this chapter, he calls us to obedience in several other areas: loving our enemies, forgiveness, practicing generosity, acting with humility, as well as a concluding call to obedience at the end. Though applying these disciplines in our lives is not always easy, we know that God will be gracious in our failures and guide us as we look forward to becoming the people he wants us to be.
Randall R.
In my own life, I’ve found that obeying God’s commandments is so much easier when we understand both how to obey them and the purpose for our obedience. If we believe that our purpose in obeying is to earn our righteousness through good works, we will instinctively know that our work is never “good enough,” and may fall into the legalism of the Pharisees in an attempt to reach that unattainable goal.
Fortunately, we confidently know we are made right with God by our faith in Jesus, and we can now respond with joyful obedience: not with the mindset of a perfectionist, but with gratitude for the work God has done to save us. As Jesus continues in this chapter, he calls us to obedience in several other areas: loving our enemies, forgiveness, practicing generosity, acting with humility, as well as a concluding call to obedience at the end. Though applying these disciplines in our lives is not always easy, we know that God will be gracious in our failures and guide us as we look forward to becoming the people he wants us to be.
Randall R.
Prayer focus: Individuals that we have a difficult time with, pray for guidance from God in your interactions
Community prayer focus: Caregivers of children and adults of special needs
Community prayer focus: Caregivers of children and adults of special needs
Favorite Christmas Carol
“O Come All Ye Faithful”
This is a hymn, a worship chorus, a Psalm of reassurance, a victory march and a battle cry all in one. This isn’t just a song; It’s a prophecy and a promise.
David C.
“O Come All Ye Faithful”
This is a hymn, a worship chorus, a Psalm of reassurance, a victory march and a battle cry all in one. This isn’t just a song; It’s a prophecy and a promise.
David C.
