Today’s Reading

Reading

1 Thessalonians 3:1-6

Psalm 138

Memorization

Matthew 5-7

Advent Reading

Luke 1:57–80

The birth of John the Baptist. Zechariah, John’s father, sang about the Christ, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come to his people and redeemed them” (Luke 1:68).

Advent Reflection

When God in Genesis 22 calls Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, at first it would appear that God was abandoning his promises to Abraham. This call to Abraham reminds us of the other calls, especially the first one in Genesis 12. On both occasions he was called to “go,” leaving all his security, comfort, and everything his heart rested in. He was called to make his heart’s dearest objects into an “offering” to God. In Genesis 12, those sacrifices were more general; Abraham was called to give up his friends, most of his family, and life in a civilized, safe place. These were major sacrifices. God was asking Abraham to trust in God’s promise as his security and significance, not these other things. Now in Genesis 22, God is once again asking Abraham to offer his heart’s dearest object, his precious son Isaac. In every case, God is saying, “Don’t look to anything but me. Make me your ultimate security, worth, and hope. Don’t trust in anything but me. Don’t rest your heart in anything more than me for your significance and security.”

Advent Prayer

Acknowledging that all we have and all we are belong to God, pray that he would help us release our selfish grip on the things he has given us.

Advent Devotional from Gospel In Life