Advent Words Day 17 ~ Promise

 

Day 17: Promise

“Now then, tell my servant David, ‘This is what the Lord Almighty says: I took you from the pasture, from tending the flock, and appointed you ruler over my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you have gone, and I have cut off all your enemies from before you. Now I will make your name great, like the names of the greatest men on earth. And I will provide a place for my people Israel and will plant them so that they can have a home of their own and no longer be disturbed. Wicked people will not oppress them anymore, as they did at the beginning and have done ever since the time I appointed leaders over my people Israel. I will also give you rest from all your enemies.

“‘The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will establish a house for you: When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his father, and he will be my son. When he does wrong, I will punish him with a rod wielded by men, with floggings inflicted by human hands. But my love will never be taken away from him, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from before you. Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’”

God took a shepherd boy and made him into a great king. To that great king God made a promise- He established a covenant – that the House of David would endure forever and out of David’s house would come one who would establish a kingdom that would reign forever.

In the Gospel of Luke an angel of the Lord announces the coming arrival of the One who would establish the eternal kingdom, one born of David’s House, the Son of God, Jesus Christ. This announcement of the birth of a king was not made to a queen, but to a humble girl.

“You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “ Luke 1:31-37

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Luke 2:11

God’s promises to David are also His promises to His people. The Good News that beings great joy also brings us God’s promise of eternal life in His kingdom.

“…that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:15-17

“Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” John 17:3

“As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us—eternal life.”  1 John 2:24-25

God’s promises have given us salvation and eternal life. As if that is not enough, He also promised the gift of His Holy Spirit.

 “I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” Joel 2:28

“And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” Ezekiel 36:27

“I am going to send you what my Father has promised.” Luke 24:49

“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth.” John 14:15-17

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.” 2 Corinthians 1:20-22

God’s promises to King David and to Mary were fulfilled in Jesus. His promises to us - salvation, eternal life, and the Holy Spirit – are fulfilled through Jesus. In Jesus, God’s eternal kingdom has drawn near to us and lives forever!

Glory to God in the Highest!

 

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Advent Words Day 16 ~ Peace

Day 16: Peace

"For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this."

Isaiah 9:6-7

The Prophet Isaiah pointed God’s people to look ahead to a time when God would bring His people a Messiah, A Savior who would be light and joy, who would release them from bondage and suffering. (Isaiah 9:1-5) This Messiah would be a child born, a son given to the people, who would reign on David’s throne. Isaiah says this Messiah will bear the titles of Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. It is this last title we look at today, the Prince of Peace.

Peace in the Hebrew language of the Bible is shalom. While we tend to think of peace as the absence of war or conflict, or a sense of calm and quiet, shalom is a sense of well-being and fulfillment that comes from God and is dependent on His presence. Shalom is wholeness, prosperity, security, and fullness of life that only comes as a result of a restored relationship with God. Shalom is reconciliation. It is the restoration of what is broken and painful in the world – our separation from God because of sin.

The prophet Micah also looked to the Messiah, a king who would “be their peace.” (Micah 5:5) Ephesians tells us that the prophecy spoken of by Micah has come to pass in the person of Jesus Christ ..."He himself is our peace." (Ephesians 2:14) Jesus is the instrument of our reconciliation with God. He is our peace.

“Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace.” Ephesians 2:12-14

“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.” Colossians 1:19-22

In pointing to the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy that a child would be born who would be the Prince of Peace, the angels sang at Jesus’ birth, proclaiming,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

God’s favor rests on those who put their faith in Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” Romans 5:1-2.

To those who are justified through faith in Christ, Jesus promised not only the peace of reconciliation with God, but that He would be with them always, giving them an abiding peace.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

Our world has been full of tragedy, despair, conflict, death, and suffering, especially over the past few years. For many it can seem like there is no hope. But God wants us to know His peace in the midst of all of this. To know, that despite all that is going on, all that is going wrong in the world around us, His peace brings us comfort, because His peace is eternal. His peace withstands the trials and hard times we face. His peace brings us into the loving arms of Jesus who will wipe every tear, who will comfort every hurt, who will restore the broken hearted, who will fill you with His love and grace, and who will give you His Spirit to provide you with peace through prayer. True peace comes from knowing, "It is well with my soul".

If you do not feel you have peace with God, then please read the passages I spoke of above that show the way to peace with God through Christ. Pray over them. Then ask Jesus for His forgiveness of your sin. Read Acts 10:43 and Romans 10:9-10 for more. Accept His gift of forgiveness for your sins. Do this and know that you have peace with God and let this Advent season be a time of celebration for His goodness, mercy, and grace in your life.

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16

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Advent Words Day 15 ~ Joy

 

Day 15: Joy

“An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you: he is Christ, the Lord.”

Luke 2:9-11

 

When the angel appeared to the shepherds they were filled with fear. The Greek translation is literally, “they feared a great fear”. But the angel’s words to them – the Good News – made great fear become great joy. The Good News brings great joy!

 

During Advent we celebrate with joy Christ’s first coming – His coming in the flesh to walk and live among us. During Advent we also look forward with joy, anticipating Christ’s second coming, “looking forward to [the promised] new heaven and new earth, the home of righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13)

 

This is the rhythm of Advent, a movement through the season that enables us to focus on the promises of God fulfilled in the Messiah – the one who comes to bring salvation. As we journey through the Christmas story, the story of the first Advent, we witness that the greatest response to the coming of Christ was joy.

 

We experience Mary’s joy in response to having been chosen to bear God’s child: “And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” Luke 1:46-47 

We experience the response of joy from the Magi: “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:10-11

And again, experience the joy of the heavenly hosts singing at Jesus’ birth:  “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14

“Good news that will cause great joy for all people!”

A Savior has been born! Jesus, the one who would save people from their sins, has come to earth. Joy has come to us! Emmanuel has come – God is with us. This is the Good News we still celebrate! Joy is at the heart of the life of the Christ-follower, for joy is our response to God’s love and His gracious gift of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ.

"Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return.

    They will enter Jerusalem singing,

    crowned with everlasting joy.

Sorrow and mourning will disappear,

    and they will be filled with joy and gladness."

Isaiah 35:10 (NLT)

 

“Joy to the World” The Lord has come!

Let earth receive her king.

Let every heart prepare Him room,

And heaven and nature sing.”

~Watts

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Advent Words Day 14 ~ Good

 

Day 14: Good

“Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us…to purify a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:14 

Today is our last word in our journey of digging into Titus 2:11-14, a passage that has shown us how to live in between the two Advents of Christ, from grace to glory. Between the first Advent, the incarnation of Christ, and the second Advent, Christ's return, we are called to a way of life that is characterized by godly living and good deeds for the sake of Christ. 

As I said yesterday, the NIV does not capture the full intent of this verse. The NASB and other older translations better capture the Greek words that were used – “Zealous for good deeds”. In the Greek this sentence ends with the words kalos ergon, kalos meaning good and ergon meaning deeds or works. The people who are Christ’s very own are described as those who are zealous for good works. 

On some levels I think this is a call that has not been emphasized in our modern culture. I was raised Catholic, and when I came into a relationship with Christ as an adult and began attending a protestant church, it was emphasized that we are not saved by anything we do – not by works, not by earning our salvation. And this is true. But somewhere along the reformation journey, the baby was thrown out with the bath water. As this passage of Scripture has popped up for me in my studies over the past months, I have been so surprised how often we are called to be a people who do good works. 

So, as we dig into this word, let’s lay the foundation first, that we are saved by grace and grace alone.

 “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:8-10 

Paul is very clear that we are saved by God’s grace and not our own works. But he is equally clear that we are saved for good works, saved to do good works. Good works are a part of God’s purpose for His people. Charles Spurgeon said, “Our good works are evidence of God’s grace within us”. In a sense we could say that good works are the visible fruit of our faith. 

What, then, are good works? I go to Jesus’ words when he was asked by the Pharisees which commandment in the Law was the greatest. Jesus replied, 

“Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”.” Matthew 22:37-40 

We love God and love our neighbors (others). Who are our neighbors? Basically everyone. Not simply those who are fellow Christ-followers, but all people we live and work in proximity to. Those we go to school with, shop alongside, pass on the street, etc. Even the ones who don’t believe as we do or see the world as we do. Even the ones who disagree with us or persecute us. 

And we imitate Christ’s life, which was others focused and love focused. 

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 

“Be imitator of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 

The other thing I find notable about good works in Scripture is that they are to be visible, so that the good works we do give the glory to God and make Him visible. 

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 

“Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:12 

The scope of our call to do good works runs throughout the New Testament:

 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:9-10. Good works help us reap a harvest for the Lord. 

“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.” Titus 3:4-8 

“(We pray this) so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work…” Colossians 1:10 

“And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:10 

“Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.” Titus 3:1-2 

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24

 “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 

 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. *This one blows me away! It’s such a well-known passage and yet I never noticed the connection of Scripture as a tool to equip us for good works. Although that is exactly what this study has done! 

“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16 

This is not an exhaustive list, in fact in 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, known as the pastoral epistles, good works are mentioned 14 times (1 Tim 2:10, 3:1, 5:10(2x), 6:18, 2 Tim 2:21, 3:17, Titus 1:16, 2:7, 14, 3:1, 8,14). The Pastoral epistles, where Paul instructs the pastors on how to teach the people of God how to live, are full of teaching them to do good works! The list also does not include passages where the words are not included but descriptions of or examples of good works are referenced. 

May we spur one another on to do good works and live holy lives that show the world who God is, that they may come to praise Him for His marvelous deeds! This is our call on how to live in this present age between the Advents of Christ. 

Today ends the first half of the Advent Season. It also ends our journey of looking at the words of Titus 2:11-14. Tomorrow we will begin to explore the more traditional words of Advent and Christmas.

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Advent Words Day 13 ~ Zealous

 

Day 13: Zealous

How does Paul define God’s holy people? As those who are “eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:14)

The NIV here has lost some of the intensity of the original translation, which is captured better by the NASB and some of the other translations. The NASB says it this way: “zealous for good deeds (works)”. While eager is similar to zealous, it just feels to me like “zealous” has more intensity and impact. The word has more passion.

The dictionary definition of zealous is an intense emotion that compels one to action. When one has zeal, they are devoted, dedicated, have intense enthusiasm, are totally committed. This definitely fits Paul’s intent here in Titus 2:14, that Christ’s people who are His very own would be zealous to do good works.

In the Old Testament the word is most often used in regard to jealousy. Our God is a jealous God. But note its use in Isaiah 9:2-7, the prophecy of the coming Messiah:

“The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation
    and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
    as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
    when dividing the plunder.
For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
    you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
    the bar across their shoulders,
    the rod of their oppressor.
Every warrior’s boot used in battle
    and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
    will be fuel for the fire.
For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.”

God’s plan for a Messiah, a Savior that would bring light, joy, peace, freedom, justice, and righteousness; the one who would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace “awoke the zeal of God” (Charles Spurgeon).

Throughout the Bible we are told of God's unfailing love for His people and His faithfulness in doing what He has promised He will do. God promised a Messiah, a just King who would redeem His people. Commentator Bob Utley says the zeal of God "is the guarantee of its reality". God the Father's intense love and devotion for His people is the motivation for Him to fulfill His promise.

 

During the Advent season we celebrate the fulfillment of that promise in the birth of Jesus Christ. Love came to earth. God was faithful to His people. God's zeal to fulfill His promise of the Messiah calls us to respond in devotion to His Son as those zealous for good works.

 

On the night of his birth an angel declared that our Savior, Christ the Lord, had been born. A host of angels made a zealous response:

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to men

on whom His favor rests!

Luke 2:14

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