"For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and 0n earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created by Him and for Him."
Colossians 1:16
This passage contains more than we can talk about here, so let's just concentrate on five words.
According to Paul everything was made "by Him and for Him." Everything? Insignificant little Israel, a tiny piece of land over which men have fought for generatiopns? Bethlehem, of even less importance? A stable for animals? A star at exactly the right time to indicate his birth and identify the place? Oh, I know that many say planets converged, but that's okay! The miracle is that all took plalce at precisely the correct time to guide seekers to the right country, village, stable, and manger! Poor shepherds, rich kings, and wise men found the baby that would change the world!
The miracle is that in the "council of the ages" the plan originated, and in creation the conceived plan became reality, all planned " by Him and for Him."
Caesar August thought it was his idea to demand a census, but actually it was God's way of moving Mary and Joseph to the place prepared for Jesus' birth. Amazing!
Father, we often think so superficially! Forgive us! Help us recognize the vastness of your plan! Amen.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Tell Me About the Christmas Baby
Merry Christmas! Welcome to Advent 2010.
As I write, it’s a 94-degree July day; as you read I hope it’s cool , and your thoughts are moving toward the wonderful Christmas before us.
This year, I’m broadening the audience for whom I am writing. In the past, I have written to the church family here at Homosassa United Methodist; however, over the years, you have told me you send our devotionals to friends. This year I hope to make each day’s thought relevant to our extended family, friends whom we love and welcome, with whom we want to share.
Does the name of our devotional seem inappropriate? I hope it won’t as you proceed through the pages. As you read, you’ll see that the Scriptures tell us of Jesus, not just as a baby, but as Creator, a Great Mystery, God Incarnate, our Redeemer, our Suffering Christ, and our Mediator/Advocate. So beginning at Genesis I have chosen Scriptures that reveal who Christ Jesus is, why he came, and what he did.
The Scripture references are very short. My prayer is that what I have chosen will whet your appetite , cause you to read in your own Bible the entire reference. I’ve taken a narrow view; you can put a wide lens on to see the whole picture. Read and find hope!
Remember, “Everything that has been written was written for our instruction, that through our perseverance and the revelation of the Holy Spirit, we might find hope.” (Romans 15:4)
As I write, it’s a 94-degree July day; as you read I hope it’s cool , and your thoughts are moving toward the wonderful Christmas before us.
This year, I’m broadening the audience for whom I am writing. In the past, I have written to the church family here at Homosassa United Methodist; however, over the years, you have told me you send our devotionals to friends. This year I hope to make each day’s thought relevant to our extended family, friends whom we love and welcome, with whom we want to share.
Does the name of our devotional seem inappropriate? I hope it won’t as you proceed through the pages. As you read, you’ll see that the Scriptures tell us of Jesus, not just as a baby, but as Creator, a Great Mystery, God Incarnate, our Redeemer, our Suffering Christ, and our Mediator/Advocate. So beginning at Genesis I have chosen Scriptures that reveal who Christ Jesus is, why he came, and what he did.
The Scripture references are very short. My prayer is that what I have chosen will whet your appetite , cause you to read in your own Bible the entire reference. I’ve taken a narrow view; you can put a wide lens on to see the whole picture. Read and find hope!
Remember, “Everything that has been written was written for our instruction, that through our perseverance and the revelation of the Holy Spirit, we might find hope.” (Romans 15:4)
Advent Devotional, November 28, 2010
I will put enmity between you and the woman, between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head; you shall bruise Him on His heel. Genesis 3:15
Do you wonder why this Scripture is in a Christmas devotional? Yes, it belongs to the Genesis story, but it also belongs to Christmas.
This little verse, called the proto evangel, is the beginning of the gospel. Right there in the third chapter of Genesis we find God’s first promise of Jesus.
Adam and Eve have disobeyed God, who chastises them but also promises that he will send a redeemer. God speaks to “that old serpent the Devil” and tells him what the future holds! God promises that eventually the snake, who caused all the problems for Adam and Eve, will one day have his head smashed—destroyed by a descendent of Eve. Not, however, until he (Satan) has bruised the heel of Eve’s descendent, The Messiah, whom God will send to overcome Satan.
Two thousand years before Jesus was born, we learn how he will die. Only in crucifixion does the means of death bruise the heels of its victim. Not only did God promise to send Jesus, but he told us in a subtle that his coming and dying would be painful!
Who is the baby whose birthday we will soon celebrate in December? He is the one God promised to send to destroy the Satan, who tempts us daily as he seeks to turn us from God. Four thousand years ago, God promised.
Father, thank you for the promise of Jesus, for keeping your promise, even after 2000 years, and for his birthday we celebrate 4000 later. Amen.
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