Advent Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries
"LOOK! LOOK!"
January 6, 2018
(The Lord said) "Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? ..."
~ Isaiah 43:19a (ESV)
Have you ever been to the beach or a public swimming pool? Children are everywhere, jumping into the water, diving, doing somersaults. And constantly you hear, "Look at me, Mommy, Daddy! I'm doing something new! Watch me do it!"
We may smile at their urgency, but God, too, says the same thing to us: "Look, listen! I am doing a new thing! Pay attention, it's important!" Because the new thing here is what He is doing for us in Jesus Christ our Savior, and He is doing it in front of all nations.
If you have studied other religions or mythology, think back on what you learned. There are plenty of stories of wandering gods who come to earth for a while and bless or punish before they leave again. But the true God does not come in disguise, for a short time-He comes as a real human being, a baby born to a young mother. He does not stay only for a short while; He spends His life with us. And He does not leave us-He promises to remain with us forever, God-with-us.
Think again. Plenty of worshippers have died for their gods, even as human sacrifices. But where was there ever a god like ours, the God who laid down His own life for those who love Him? More than that, He died even for His enemies! What god does that sort of thing-to make Himself a sacrifice? Only the true God. Only Jesus.
Think once more. Death is the enemy of the human race-an enemy no one can fight or avoid forever. But God has done a new thing-He has raised Jesus Christ from the dead, never to die again. What other god has done anything like that in all the stories and fables? But wait, there's more. What god has ever promised to share everlasting life with everyone who trusts in Him? Only the true God. Only Jesus.
Look, look indeed! God is doing a new thing. God is working our salvation in Jesus in the sight of all nations.
THE PRAYER: Father, thank You for the wonders You have done to save us in Your Son Jesus! Please let people around the world know Him and trust in Him. Amen.
Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
Have you ever been to the beach or a public swimming pool?
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