“A voice says, ‘Cry!’”Go on up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good news; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good news; lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!” (Isaiah 40:9)

God always wants preachers and teachers and singers and yellers and talkers.  Even before He gave the law to Israel, He first spent a good chapter or so telling the Israelites to teach and share the law.  His most beloved king, David, authored psalms, and King Solomon wrote proverbs; he sent prophets to preach the coming gift of His Son.   Search all the religions of the earth, and you won’t find another God so in love with communicating Himself to His people.

Where there’s speech, there’s a desire for relationship—even hateful words are spoken with a desire to reach out and hurt.  Words reveal that the bond between two parties isn’t over yet; at least one is still in touch.  Wherever speech remains, the possibility of friendship remains.

So now consider what you will hear on Christmas, less than two weeks away: “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).  God’s speech, the proof of His desire for you, lives.  He lives eternally, having surpassed even death.  By His life, the Church has something to speak—a good word from God!—and in the Church’s speech, Jesus lives.  Surely, then, God hasn’t given up, not on you and not on the world!

LET US PRAY: Fill all the ears of creation with Your word, O Lord, and open our lips to speak what we have heard, that all the world would know and love Your redeeming friendship; through Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.  Amen

Thursday, December 14, 2017 Devotion

“He will abide before God forever; appoint lovingkindness and truth that they may preserve him.  So I will sing praise to Your name forever, that I may pay my vows day by day.”  (Psalm 61:7-8)

Lovingkindness and truth are the two characteristics that define the life of the believer.  It is these that God will plant in the one who comes to Him humbly.  It is this likeness of Christ which is the promise God gives through grace to those who believe in Him.  The result will be singing praise, giving thanks and being the obedient child of God as Christ modeled.  This is the gift God gives for those who believe.

Lord, let me see the simplicity of the faith You offer and give for those who turn to You.  Take me beyond myself to come to the place where I simply look to You for all things.  Guide me in the grace You have given that I may abide in You as You abide in me and live in the way You created me to live.  Preserve my life according to Your purpose that I may be with You eternally.

Lord Jesus, You have modeled the godly life and called me forward through Your grace into the life of the believer.  Grow me each day into the attributes of lovingkindness and cause my heart to always pursue truth.  Lead me in the way I need to go and grant me a heart that willingly follows where You lead.  Help me through the obstacles that get in the way that I may become like You.  Amen.