Advent for 11 Dec 18

11 December 18

Isaiah 9:1–2 NIV Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

The are many distresses in life. The tribes of Naphtali and Zebulun are upper and lower Galilee. They have been in distress from invasions. But, Galilee will not always be in distress, for it was prophesied that “a great light” would come. This light is Messiah, the Lord Jesus, who brings light to us for understanding our condition and a healing light to our sick souls. Be thankful for the light Messiah brings to us.

Advent for 10 Dec 18

10 December 18

Psalms 40:6-8 WEB  Sacrifice and offering you didn’t desire. You have opened my ears. You have not required burnt offering and sin offering.  7  Then I said, “Behold, I have come. It is written about me in the book in the scroll.  8  I delight to do your will, my God. Yes, your law is within my heart.”

Animal sacrifices can never take away sin. My sin needs to be punished by myself or a sinless substitute. The Lord Jesus is that sinless, Passover lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7). The Lord Jesus is that obedient, willing bondservant for us. The Lord Jesus came for us, seeking us, drawing us to Him. Be thankful for His willing love for us.

Advent for 9 Dec 18

9 December 18

Psalms 69:9 NKJV  Because zeal for Your house has eaten me up, And the reproaches of those who reproach You have fallen on me.

The Psalms are written with many purposes. Many have received comfort from the Psalms for Emotions. There are some Psalm for the situation you might have, including sorrow, pain, suffering, loss, anger, happiness, worship, joy, etc. Many Psalms are also Messianic. Psalm 69 is a Messianic Psalm, which was fulfilled in John 2:13-17. The Lord Jesus, God and man, experiences emotions, too. One of which is recorded in John. He was angry (for a cause) because the Temple area, which is to be used for Gentiles to worship, was full of money making activities. He grabbed a few small ropes and used it to drive out these people and their business. We should make it a priority to be holy, too. Be thankful for God’s holiness.

Advent for 8 Dec 18

8 December 18

Isaiah 53:10-11 GW  Yet, it was the LORD'S will to crush him with suffering. When the LORD has made his life a sacrifice for our wrongdoings, he will see his descendants for many days. The will of the LORD will succeed through him.  11  He will see and be satisfied because of his suffering. My righteous servant will acquit many people because of what he has learned through suffering. He will carry their sins as a burden.

Crushed with suffering! The suffering for breaking God’s laws. He suffered for us. Either I am punished, or I accept His substituting for me. The King dies but rises again 3 days later. God’s will is successful, for He wants fellowship with us. We were created for fellowship with Him and to serve Him forever. The greatness of His love for each person is surely noted. Thank Him for a great salvation.