Read Matthew 1:68-79
The conception and birth of a baby to a couple who have struggled with infertility for a long marriage is a BIG deal in itself. But when Zechariah is told of this miracle, he doubts this angel-delivered announcement. So God gives him the whole pregnancy in silence to "think about it," including the time when Mary, pregnant with Jesus, comes for a long visit with her cousin Elizabeth, Zechariah's wife.
When the time comes for John the Baptist's birth, Zechariah is more than ready. He gets his speech back just in time to agree with Elizabeth about John's name. Then "the rest of it" comes pouring out of Zechariah's heart/mouth in a remarkable "awe-hymn" that puts its arms around Zechariah's whole BIG picture of God's mercy and faithfulness.
This is more than a miracle baby. God is very specifically at work in bigger ways than even Zechariah's awe-hymn can describe. This is a prelude to another bigger baby miracle.
Awe is what comes from both stories. Awe also comes from things in our lives as they unfold in the mercy and power of God's grace to us and through us. Awe is our response, our worship, our praise.
QUESTIONS:
1. Can you remember times in your life when things turned out bigger/better/more than you could have imagined and thought at the time?
2. What's happening right now that, in God's mercy, might be more and better? Can you trust God for what's happening? Can you pray for awe?
PRAYER:
God, give us AWE at Your mercy. Help us see Your faithfulness in big and little things. Open our eyes and hearts to Awe. Amen.
Paul Ulring
Showing posts with label God's mercy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's mercy. Show all posts
Sunday, December 23, 2018
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Get ‘em, God!
Revenge permeates human history and modern culture. Novels proclaim it; movies glorify it; humans fantasize about gaining it for themselves.
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:19)
A little contrary to human nature, but maybe not so bad. After all, human revenge is often limited by ability, opportunity, and that pesky threat of a jail sentence. Why not let an all-powerful God punish our enemies for us?
If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. (Romans 12:20)
Ah, burning coals. Perhaps revenge is a dish best served hot!
And here many of us land - honoring God with our actions while our hearts are far from him.
What if the burning coals are not punishment, but chastisement intended to bring repentance?
Remember Jonah. He went to Nineveh to proclaim God’s wrath, then burned with anger when he saw the mercy God showed his enemies. (Jonah 4)
There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. (Luke 15:7)
When God showers your enemies with mercy, will you burn with anger or celebrate with heaven?
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Now That I Have Your Attention- Part 2 Joel 2:12-17
We have been talking about how God will sometimes try to get our attention through hardships. The people of Israel have turned from God and gone their own way. As any loving parent, who wants what is best for their children, God is disciplining his through trials.
He has not left them without hope though. Our passage today says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” I just love that last line. Don’t tear your clothing, tear your heart instead.
Does your heart break over your sin? I am not talking about your friend’s sin or your spouses. It is good for our heart to break over the sin of another, but our heart must also break over our own sin. That is when true repentance can happen. We can be sad that we are going through a trial. We can even recognize that God is trying to get our attention, but unless our heart breaks over the sin in our lives we will never change.
Ask God today to show you where you fall short and to break your heart over that sin. Our passage also says, “Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this curse. Perhaps you will be able to offer grain and wine to the LORD your God as before.”
Read today's passage at Biblegateway.com Joel 2:12-17
He has not left them without hope though. Our passage today says, “Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” I just love that last line. Don’t tear your clothing, tear your heart instead.
Does your heart break over your sin? I am not talking about your friend’s sin or your spouses. It is good for our heart to break over the sin of another, but our heart must also break over our own sin. That is when true repentance can happen. We can be sad that we are going through a trial. We can even recognize that God is trying to get our attention, but unless our heart breaks over the sin in our lives we will never change.
Ask God today to show you where you fall short and to break your heart over that sin. Our passage also says, “Who knows? Perhaps he will give you a reprieve, sending you a blessing instead of this curse. Perhaps you will be able to offer grain and wine to the LORD your God as before.”
Read today's passage at Biblegateway.com Joel 2:12-17
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