Advent 2024 - Day 13
Day 13: Friday, December 13, 2024
Primary Scripture: Luke 3:1-6
Supporting Scriptures: Acts 10:34-35; Galatians 3:26-29
We are revisiting the entire passage of Luke 3:1-6 as we close on this week. Why? Because, rote learning is a method of memorizing information by repeatedly practicing it without necessarily understanding the underlying concepts, essentially "learning by heart" through repetition. The focus is on consuming the information rather than comprehending its meaning fully.
So here we go...
Advent is a time to reflect on the inclusiveness of God’s kingdom. Jesus came to break down barriers—between nations, social classes, and even individuals. His love is for everyone, and as His followers, we are called to reflect that same love to the world.
That was the entire purpose for John’s mission, to prepare the way for Jesus, who would bring salvation to all people. This theme of universal salvation is a central message of the New Testament. In Acts 10:34-35, Peter declares that God does not show favoritism but accepts people from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. Similarly, Paul in Galatians 3:26-29 emphasizes that in Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female—all are one in Him.
So we need to pause here as we approach the mid-point of Advent and ask - are there barriers in your heart that prevent you from fully embracing others as God’s family? Are there prejudices, fears, or assumptions that need to be surrendered to God? This Advent, let us prepare our hearts by asking God to remove anything that hinders us from loving others as He loves them.
Let's Pray:
Father, thank You for breaking down the barriers that separate us from You and from one another. Help us to see others as You see them: as beloved children created in Your image. Teach us to love without prejudice or fear, and may our lives reflect the unity and inclusiveness of Your kingdom. Amen.
Primary Scripture: Luke 3:1-6
Supporting Scriptures: Acts 10:34-35; Galatians 3:26-29
We are revisiting the entire passage of Luke 3:1-6 as we close on this week. Why? Because, rote learning is a method of memorizing information by repeatedly practicing it without necessarily understanding the underlying concepts, essentially "learning by heart" through repetition. The focus is on consuming the information rather than comprehending its meaning fully.
So here we go...
Advent is a time to reflect on the inclusiveness of God’s kingdom. Jesus came to break down barriers—between nations, social classes, and even individuals. His love is for everyone, and as His followers, we are called to reflect that same love to the world.
That was the entire purpose for John’s mission, to prepare the way for Jesus, who would bring salvation to all people. This theme of universal salvation is a central message of the New Testament. In Acts 10:34-35, Peter declares that God does not show favoritism but accepts people from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. Similarly, Paul in Galatians 3:26-29 emphasizes that in Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female—all are one in Him.
So we need to pause here as we approach the mid-point of Advent and ask - are there barriers in your heart that prevent you from fully embracing others as God’s family? Are there prejudices, fears, or assumptions that need to be surrendered to God? This Advent, let us prepare our hearts by asking God to remove anything that hinders us from loving others as He loves them.
Let's Pray:
Father, thank You for breaking down the barriers that separate us from You and from one another. Help us to see others as You see them: as beloved children created in Your image. Teach us to love without prejudice or fear, and may our lives reflect the unity and inclusiveness of Your kingdom. Amen.
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