Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

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Sunday, December 6, 2009

Luke 3:1-6
The word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert. John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, "A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord ... and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"

These words are from Isaiah 40. Here, God says, "Comfort my people. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for." This future event now comes to fruit. God sends his son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:10).

Baby Jesus brought death to many other babies in Bethlehem when Herod sought to kill him. Many mothers thought God had abandoned them. No wonder there is so much emphasis on waiting in the Old Testament, the Hebrew Scriptures. God's ways are inscrutable. His ways are not our ways.

John is not gentle as he clears a path for the Lord. But many are comforted. Their baptism in obedience prepares a path in their hearts for the coming Savior. How much easier is it to believe God's words when I am not captivated by my own? When I have said "yes" to God before, I can say "yes" to him again.

I would have my arguments against God be thrown into the air and fly away, blowing in the wind. "God is in heaven and I am on earth. So let my words be few." Solomon wrote that. I know I talk too much, and instead I want to let God get his words in more than edgewise. But he waits for me to shut up. And listen.

You bring such joy to my heart, Lord, and laughter to my mouth, and crinkling to my eyes. What a great thing to even go out weeping, and yet return with songs of joy. Your harvest is always measured in goodness and peace and love. What a fine good life you provide. (Psalm 126)

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Sunday, December 6, 2009