Wednesday, December 9, 2020

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“God who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else?” Romans 8:32

In this verse Paul alludes to the famous story from the Old Testament where God calls on Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. If you don’t know or don’t remember, Abraham and his wife Sarah longed for a child but couldn’t have one. God gives Abraham and Sarah a son and says that through their family the world will be blessed. Fast forward a few years and now God calls on Abraham to sacrifice the very son he longed for, the very son who would be the first of a long line of descendants. But right before Abraham sacrifices Isaac, God intervenes and stops it. Abraham’s faith in listening to God is fundamental to his relationship with God. Abraham’s obedience to God’s command is seen as key to this covenant promise between God and Abraham.

This challenging passage of near sacrifice is a stumbling block for many. You don’t have to go far to hear someone challenge the goodness of God based on this story. You might find yourself challenged, wondering, “If God was going to intervene, why did God ask in the first place?”

The unbelievable act of sacrificing one’s own son should be shocking. It’s a terrible position to be placed in. And on this side of the resurrection, that’s kind of the point.

God intervened and Isaac was spared. Fast forward to Good Friday and we see God did the very thing he did not require of Abraham.

Today let’s remember that God understands exactly what we are struggling with right now. God understands it because God came into this world as a human being and experienced the pain and trouble that comes from living in a broken world. God gave of Himself what he never required of anyone else.

Today, let’s trust in the God who gives.

Monday, December 7, 2020

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“So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” —2 Corinthians 5:20

Our country is in the midst of a transition from one presidential administration to another. When a new administration comes in, the new president generally replaces the country’s ambassadors in embassies around the world. Even if an ambassador has done a perfectly fine job under the preceding administration, he or she is usually replaced. And this makes a lot of sense, because, in addition to representing the United States as a whole in a foreign capital (an ambassador’s most important responsibility), an ambassador also must be seen more specifically to speak for the president her or she serves. If a foreign government doubts that an ambassador truly represents the views and priorities of the current president, there’s little point in having him or her hold conversations on significant issues with that foreign government. The ambassador must represent the country and the administration he or she serves in order to serve effectively.

In today’s verse, the apostle Paul reminded the Christian community in Corinth that they were ambassadors for Christ. They belonged to the kingdom of God and represented God as they engaged with people who didn’t yet embrace the merciful love of Jesus. In fact, God was making his appeal to those people directly through these ambassadors.

When we remember that this same idea applies to us—that God is making his appeal to our neighbors and family and friends and coworkers and communities through us—the words ought to stick in our throats a bit. It’s an awesome responsibility.

And because this is such significant work, our relationships with God must be in order. An ambassador must be able to represent an administration and country he or she serves. This is why we (generally) don’t have ambassadors who are fugitives from the law or known traitors. Our natural state as human beings is rebellion against God’s reign, but in Christ we are invited to embrace that God has set things right, has rehabilitated us, has reconciled us to God’s kingdom. We must choose to embrace that reconciliation, to thank God for his grace, and to commit ourselves to his Lordship. It is only then—when we are well and truly reconciled not just in reality but in our own hearts—that we can serve as loyal ambassadors of the one true King.

Friday, December 4, 2020

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Today’s reflection is written by Deacon Karen Katamay.

“It is vain for you to rise up early, to retire late, to eat the bread of painful labors, for He gives to His beloved even in his sleep.” —Psalm 127:2

“Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” —Matthew 6:8

The verses today remind us that God is with us in everything we do, even when we work. And God knows what we need to survive even before we ask him. It took me a good part of my life to realize and appreciate this. I always thought that my fortune (or lack thereof) was because of my doing. It wasn’t until I started seeing God in everything I do that I became less anxious about my life.

When we look at the first reading for today, it is helpful to look at verses 1 and 2 of Psalm 127 together. Here is the New Revised Standard Version translation: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord guards the city, the guard keeps watch in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives sleep to his beloved.”

How much of our labor is for things we desire as opposed to things we need? If we can truly trust God for the things we need as opposed to the things we want, then our labor becomes easier and less stressful. God knows what we need without us even asking, so maybe we should pray that God will help us distinguish between our needs and desires. Then when we do find a little extra for the things we desire, we will appreciate them even more.

So start each day inviting God to be with you in everything you do and trusting God for the things you truly need. You may be amazed at how much less stressful your day will be! Amen.

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

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

This is the first of a series of statements Jesus makes to prepare his disciples for his impending arrest and execution. They are about to be given the difficult and dangerous task of sharing the message that Jesus has risen to the very world that had Jesus executed.

Jesus wants them to remember what he has taught, to trust in the promises he made, and to seek a deep and authentic relationship with God. Jesus wants them to do this because it is doing these things that will allow them to experience the peace, confidence, and comfort that they desire and that the world can never provide. 

This promise is extended to us as well. So let’s take hold of it and let the peace we experience be a testimony to the world around us.