Advent Devotions
All are invited as we Make Room this Advent season.
Jesus Brings Life
Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, Joyce Armstrong.
Our verses today show us two ways Jesus brought life to people.
The first person we meet is a Roman centurion, stationed in Capernaum – who was in charge of one hundred men. Apparently, he was one who really cared about his men and especially his loyal hard-working servant whom he “valued highly” and who was sick and close to death.
He did what so many of us do when a friend is in need. We call on God.
Surprisingly, he sent some highly respected elders of the Jews to find Jesus and ask him to come. The centurion showed faith and seemed to trust that Jesus would come and bring healing.
Surprisingly, when the Jewish leader found Jesus, they “pled earnestly” and gave a great character reference of the centurion. They told Jesus that the centurion “loves” our nation and had built them a synagogue – really unusual for a centurion to do.
Obviously, Jesus would have come even without such a character reference.
At this point, the centurion changed his mind and changed his request – he realized he felt unworthy to have Jesus enter his home. Do we ever feel unworthy to approach God? Does God ever refuse? Of course not. Neither did Jesus. Jesus recognized the faith of this man when the centurion requested a “long distance” healing and asked for just a word from Jesus that would heal his servant. He dared to show his faith.
Note Jesus’ reaction. He is amazed! He shouted to the crowd “I have never found such faith even in Israel.”
How exciting for him – a “feel-good” day for Jesus! How wonderful for him! No yelling criticism from the Jews – no threats from the Romans – no questions or whining from the disciples! Instead, a wonderful witness of faith! From an unexpected source!
It makes me ask myself – Do I ever give a “good day” to my Lord?
The conclusion of this text is a healing – a healthy “life” from Jesus and an important lesson to the crowd.
The next day, Jesus’ life is just as exciting. He and his disciples arrive in Nain, a small village located a few miles south of Nazareth. There is no explanation for this visit. It seems like the Spirit led Jesus here because there was something important for him to do.
Well, he started out the day by cancelling a funeral procession! The first thing, Jesus saw as he came to the town gate was a dead man being carried out, surrounded by a crowd of people.
Jesus knew this man was an only child of a widow. Notice he first dealt with the living. The dead man could wait.
He saw the woman and apparently actually looked at her. Scripture says his heart went out to her as he saw the suffering in her face and her tears. He saw sorrow – anger – fear – loneliness. He paid attention to her!
We can understand her feelings and we know why she would be afraid. Besides losing the son she loved, she had no income, no insurance, no Medicare. Life for widows of the time was a really hard life.
Jesus understood all that. He saw her, he had compassion, he spoke to her. He said to her “Don’t cry” (I can imagine her thinking “that’s easy for you to say”. Jesus had a plan, but she didn’t know it yet.
The next thing Jesus did was to walk up to the coffin and tough it. You could have heard the crowd holding their breath, because anyone who touches the coffin is unclean for seven days. It was scary. But no problem for God’s son.
Jesus’ next move was even more astonishing. He told the young man to “get up” and the man sat up! Then Jesus presented him to his mother – a tender, gentle thing for him to do.
We can’t even imagine the woman’s feelings now! She might be thinking “Jesus – a man of few words – a miracle”. And the people praised God!
As we ponder on Jesus’ gentle care for the widow, we can learn from him. We think of people we come in contact with each day: family, friends, people in the workplace, church family, etc. It reminds us to care for each other, to pay attention to how each one feels. Are they facing problems? Are they feeling well? We remember Jesus’ tender care. How easy it is to pay attention to one another and to reach out to them.
Phil 4:5 “Let your gentleness be evident to all”
Col 3:12 “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”
I had an experience years ago. My mother was visiting us, and she went to church with us. She was in the narthex of the church when I came hurrying from Sunday School class to choir warm up. She stopped me and said “Joyce, there is a little old lady over there who tried to get your attention, and you walked right by her.” I looked back and mother explained which lady. I walked back and we had a nice visit. It wasn’t urgent. She just had something she wanted to share with me. Now I’m a little old lady and I’ve never forgotten the lesson my mother taught me. It doesn’t matter if you are late to choir rehearsal!
Dear God, Thank you for your patient, tender care of us. Show us ways to care for those around us. Keep our eyes and our hearts open. Amen.
Previously…
Transformed by Grace
As we begin in our new worship series this weekend, we’ll be reminded that God’s presence often comes in the most critical moments. This Sunday, we reflect on the story of the golden calf, where the Israelites turn away from God in their fear and impatience. Yet, instead of destruction, God responds with mercy. This moment is pivotal, revealing that even when we fall short, God’s desire is to transform us through grace.
The Promise of Passover
Today's author is Prince of Peace member, Gary Olson. Exodus 12:1-13; 13:1-8 The first commandment reads: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery; you shall have no other gods before me.” (Exodus 20:2) ...
Belonging to God’s Promise & Purpose
In the story of the Exodus we listened to yesterday, the Israelites are instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb as a sign of protection from the coming plague. This act of obedience and faith ensured that the angel of death would pass over their homes, sparing them from destruction. This moment in the Exodus story reveals a key aspect of God’s relationship with God’s people: God’s protection and faithfulness in times of crisis.
God Takes Sides
It’s football season and, if they could measure such things, I would imagine the number of prayers said on Sunday mornings are exponentially higher from now until the Super Bowl, certainly compared to the rest of the year. As Christians, we can and should believe in the power of prayer. And we should also note that God does take sides. But, before you go praying for the next Viking’s victory, remember that there is no evidence God plays favorites when it comes to the NFL.