He, the very one who descended, is also the one who ascended above all the heavens, in order to fill all things.
Eph 4:10
If you know me well, you know that I am rarely at a loss for words, lol. Today however, is one of those days. However, my friends at lovegodgreatly.com did a wonderful job , as always, with their commentary on our soap passage today and I am delighted to share it with you here in the hope that it will bring clarity and an enjoyable addition to your study of God’s Word today. You will also want to check out their blog for today for even more insight into the passage. – love and blessings from – mefromthensideout
Today’s post is taken from the Journal for the Love God Greatly Advent Study, The Promised Messiah. You will find this study and all of the others at lovegodgreatly.com – It is a remarkable site of teaching and opportunity to grow in faith and understanding of God’s Word, with an emphasis and passion to spread the Word of God to every tribe and tongue. Please take a minute to check it out and be sure to like and follow them – and me, if you don’t mind 🙂
Scripture: Genesis 12:3 and 22:18; Psalm 72:17; Gal 3:6-16 / SOAP: Gal 3:8-9
8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel to Abraham ahead of time, saying, “All the nationswill be blessed in you.” 9 So then those who believe are blessed along with Abraham the believer.
Genesis 3:8-9
Have you ever heard or sung the song “Father Abraham”? It’s an interactive song that teaches children, and in my case adults, that as believers we are part of the family of Abraham. Which, as Paul points out in Galatians chapter three is a vital part of our heritage in the family of God. Knowing this part of our heritage does not change who we are in Christ but it does give us a broader understanding of who and how we are in Christ, much like the popular ancestry studies of today help us understand our physical heritage.
Father Abrham had many sons, many sons had father Abrham I am one of them and so are you – so let’s just praise the Lord…
I was saved when I was a very young girl, five or six years of age, but it wasn’t until my late twenties that I began to understand the depth of the grace of God. Until then it was a word relegated to a verse that proclaimed the means of my salvation, “For it is by grace you are saved through faith, it is a gift of God, not by works so that no one can boast.”
My heritage by blood is gentile but by the grace of God I have been covered by the blood of Jesus Christ! By faith I am now numbered among the sons and daughters of Abraham.
MefromtheINsideout!
What does it mean to you to be part of the family of God? Do you remember a time when you weren’t part of the family?
Ah! This descriptive picture of Jesus is far more pleasing than the one of His suffering that we looked at last week. These promises of who He would be, His title, His throne, His reign, His forever kingdom are all a far cry from the stable we picture with cattle and hay at His birth or the scene of the suffering Savior weighed down with sins not His own. Yet all are descriptions of promises fulfilled or yet to come, and all of them leading us – pleading for us even – to worship Him – the infant, the crucified, the risen and ruling King!
My mind cannot fully grasp the truths of this announcement but my heart rejoices with Mary at the message Gabriel brought her. It was a message of a Messiah promised long ago, a message of hope that would change the world. Born a child and yet a King, born to die but yet to live – and to reign forever. Son of the Most High God yet born to man. Born in a lowly stable but given the throne of his father David. May every heart receive Him and every tongue confess the name of Jesus Christ the Lord.
I do not own the rights to this music
How are you worshipping Christ during this Advent season?
Throughout Scripture we find examples and lessons about or from the Shepherd. One of my favorites and I would dare say – one of the most familiar ‘shepherd reference’ is Psalm 23, in the Old Testament. The Psalm is written by David, a shepherd himself, who writes a beautiful and inviting description of God as His Shepherd. He describes Him as one who protected, led, and cared for him, and who encouraged, renewed, and comforted him. David’s words make it clear that God was the one in whom David placed his hope and confidence.
Like David, we too have a Shepherd, in whom we can place our hope and confidence, knowing that He will not only leave the majority of His sheep to look for even one that is lost, but that He laid down His life for the sheep. He is tender and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. He is a protector and comforter and intercedes on behalf of His sheep to the Father. He leads us by example and is one day coming back for all who belong to Him. You can trust Him and turn to Him when you feel lost or when you you need forgiveness. Remember He is your redeemer, your comforter, encourager, and friend. He is Your intercessor between God and a true love of your soul.
An Invitation –
Is Jesus your Shepherd? – Check out these TRUTHS and choose Jesus today
As for me I know that my Redeemer lives and that as the last he will stand upon the earth.
Job 19:25
Whenever I read this verse, I am reminded that while the Church is a collective body of believers, we are also individual believers, invited into a personal relationship with God, the Father, Son, and Spirit. Why is this important? Because, like Job, we must know the One on whom we have believed. We must know what we believe and why – so that we do not blindly follow others or buy into their lies and false accusations against ourselves or our God.
Listen again to the words of Job: “As for me,I know that my Redeemer lives …” It’s almost as if I can hear the emphasis and inflection as he voices them. I can hear that not only is Job confident that God lives, but he believes with all his heart that God will one day appear to vindicate him from the charges his friends have lodged against him. You see, after Job’s tragic losses, three of his friends told him that his suffering was the result of his sin. Then they basically hounded him to repent so that God would bless Him again. Nice friends, right? Job’s confidence wasn’t that he was a perfect man but that he was innocent of the charges they had applied to him – he was equally confident that God was not punishing him for something he had done. Just in case we ourselves are wondering if their accusations could be true, consider the words at the beginning of the book, where Job was described as “blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.” Gotquestions.org offers this explanation of the verse: “There is a difference between being sinless, which no one is, and being a person of integrity who genuinely wants to please God.” We can, like Job, rest assured that our God is not a vindictive or mean God. He is loving and kind, full of mercy and grace, and long-suffering. Lest we doubt this at anytime – may He help us to remember that even when we were sinners, enemies of God, Christ died for us – then rose again from the grave – so that, like Job said of God -we can confidently say of Christ –I know that my Redeemer lives and that as the last he will stand upon the earth.
Spoiler Alert: In JOB 42, God not only made clear His anger at the three friends, but he also spared them greater consequences for their words of accusation because of His respect for Job. Not only did He vindicate Job (just as Job had declared would happen), but God also blessed Job exceedingly, abundantly with more than he could have ever asked or even imagined. –
So the Lord restored what Job had lost after he prayed for his friends, and the Lord doubled all that had belonged to Job. 11 So they came to him, all his brothers and sisters and all who had known him before, and they dined with him in his house. They comforted him and consoled him for all the trouble the Lord had brought on him, and each one gave him a piece of silver[w] and a gold ring. 12 So the Lord blessed the second part of Job’s life more than the first. He had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys. 13 And he also had seven sons and three daughters. 14 The first daughter he named Jemimah, the second Keziah, and the third Keren-Happuch. 15 Nowhere in all the land could women be found who were as beautiful as Job’s daughters, and their father granted them an inheritance alongside their brothers. 16 After this Job lived 140 years; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. 17 And so Job died, old and full of days.
Job 42: 10-17
Clearly, reading through the book of Job, it is evident that God was living and active in Job’s life – and we have every reason to share in the confidence that He is living and active in our lives as well.
These are just a handful of verses that attest to this truth and should fill us with the confidence to say – My Redeemer lives, I do not walk alone, I do not face the challenges of this life alone … and one day I know He will return!
Going Further
Check out this beautiful devotion that was in my inbox the morning I studied this passage. Oh, how I love His personal involvement in my life – from the timing to the sentiment – He knew I needed the renewed assurance and courage that comes from knowing that the Creator of all is my ally.
Worship in Response to the Word
I do not own the rights to this video –
Know These Truths
If you would like to know my Redeemer, please visit the following link – I would love to introduce you to Him. 🦋
He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.
4 Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! 5 But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. 6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all.
Isaiah 53:3-6
There are several passages to read to day but none very long and all of them examples of Christ taking the infirmities, griefs, weaknesses… sorrows, pains, and sufferings from others. It was an action born out of yielding to the Father’s will and of love for those He came to save, including us.
I would encourage you to read the verses out loud and slowly. Then read them again and replace the pronouns “we” and “our” with ‘I” and “my.” Let it soak in until you can taste and see the love and goodness of our God and Savior. This passage is a perfect demonstration of God’s love and faithfulness to us! It is the vividness of the depth and riches of His love as He poured out on Christ the wrath and punishment that so clearly belonged to us! Oh the grace and mercy we see played out in His Word when we pay attention, when we read, not just with our eyes, but with our mind and heart engaged in the unfolding love story. It is then we see that He didn’t suffer at His own doing but because all of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have chosen our own paths over God’s. We have turned our backs on Him and looked the other way. We’ve seen Him despised, and we have not cared. Yet, even still He willingly carried our weaknesses and was weighed down by our sorrows. His troubles were not a punishment from God or for His own sins but rather it was our sin and rebellion that caused Him to be wounded. As Isaiah wrote, “The Lord laid on Him the sins of us all.”
Oh the sweet deep love of Jesus who willing took our place and what great and faithful love our God continues to lavious on us without fail. I don’t think I will ever completely understand it, but oh what it does for my mind and soul to read these truths and others like them and to know the trustworthy and committed characters of our God and Savior. When we see them for who they are and what they’ve done our natural application of the Scriptures will be to respond in praise, worship, and prayer. – To the eternal glory of our God and King!
By his will we have been made holy through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest stands day after day serving and offering the same sacrifices again and again—sacrifices that can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, he sat down at the right hand of God,
Hebrews 10:10-12
Leviticus 16 is a tough but interesting and enlightening read, worthy of your time. However, realizing some will forego the chapter and zero in on the SOAP passage, I am sharing some commentary from gotquestions.org that I found helpful in seeing and understanding the provision of “the first” sacrifice and the beauty of “the second.” However, to see the true beauty we must read the full passage from Hebrews 10 –
For the law possesses a shadow of the good things to come but not the reality itself, and is therefore completely unable, by the same sacrifices offered continually, year after year, to perfect those who come to worship. 2 For otherwise would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers would have been purified once for all and so have no further consciousness of sin? 3 But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins year after year. 4 For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. 5 So when he came into the world, he said,
“Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me. 6 “Whole burnt offerings and sin-offerings you took no delight in. 7 “Then I said, ‘Here I am:I have come—it is written of me in the scroll of the book—to do your will, O God.’”
8 When he says above, “Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sin-offerings you did not desire nor did you take delight in them” (which are offered according to the law), 9 then he says, “Here I am: I have come to do your will.” He does away with the first to establish the second. 10 By his will we have been made holy through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest stands day after day serving and offering the same sacrifices again and again—sacrifices that can never take away sins. 12 But when this priest had offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, he sat down at the right hand of God, Hebrews 10:1-12
Stop and Reflect: How does reading this make you feel? share your answers in the comments
I personally love that Jesus emphasizes that He came to do the will of God. By doing the will of God, Christ was doing away with the yearly sacrifices that were to be reminders of the people’s sins but never a true and lasting payment. Only Jesus, the true and perfect sacrifice can take away our sins “once and for all.” But don’t miss the icing on the cake, so-to-speak – because Jesus carried out the Father’s will with His body and His blood we, who have believed, are made Holy through Him – no longer separated from God.
For a child has been born to us, a son has been given to us. He shoulders responsibility and is called Wonderful Adviser, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
His dominion will be vast, and he will bring immeasurable prosperity. He will rule on David’s throne and over David’s kingdom, establishing itand strengthening it by promoting justice and fairness, from this time forward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will accomplish this.
Isaiah 9:6-7
In our larger passage, verses two through five are a message from the prophet Isaiah that tells of a time when God will send light back to Israel. War will cease and Israel’s enemies will no longer rule over them. Verses six and seven tell us how that will happen.
Oh the beauty of a promise kept and of hope given. Through God’s Word we have seen the child, the son that Isaiah spoke of, born to a virgin who called His name Emmanuel. We have seen Him on a cross bearing the weight of sins that belonged to the world. We have watched as God let Him die and listened as He cried in agony, “My God, My God – why have You forsaken Me?” We’ve peered into the tomb with Mary and the others to see the grave clothes but no body and then watched as He later ascended into heaven. Perhaps we’ve even doubted with Thomas but then realized the reality of His presence and cried out as Thomas did, “My Lord, and my God!” By faith we now believe that He sits at the right hand of God’s throne interceding on our behalf. And by faith we believe and wait with great anticipation for His promised return. Yes, oh yes! There is beauty in a promise kept and that beauty comes in the hope, peace, and strength that come from knowing Him .
Feel free to share your thoughts (observations, application …) about today’s passage – in the comment section
Reflections on Today’s Journey
Who is Jesus to you?
Why is He such an important person?
Why do so many people still follow Him?
Going Further
For more insight on today’s reading be sure and ready today’s blog from the LGG Team
A Love God Greatly Devotion from The God Who Restores, p 116
This devotion was written by the Love God Greatly Team as part of their 2022 Advent Study, The God Who Restores. It is a beautifully written ‘commentary’ on Micah 5:4; and great encouragement to the beginning of the final week before Christmas. May it be a blessing to lead you away from the hustle and bustle of the seasonal celebrations and rituals of Christmas; and may it spark a light that will draw your attention to the redemptive love, peace, mercy, joy and hope that God intended HIS gift of the Messiah to be.
borrowed from Love God Greatly, The God Who Restores p. 116 – Advent 2022
Father, Your Word makes it clear that all have sinned and fall short of Your glory, and having done so our payment should be death; but in this first week of advent You have reminded us that You are a loving, good, and gracious God, who has given all who believe in Your Son – life instead of death! And with that promise comes the hope of eternity with You in Your Kingdom – the New Jerusalem – yet to come! As we wait for our Redeemer’s return, may Your Spirit teach us and keep us faithful to pray for peace, prosperity, and security for Your people, both here and around the world – Thank You for the Love God Greatly ministry that not only enhances our relationship with You, but for the focus they place on reaching and transforming women with Your Word in every nation and tribe! You know me Father, You know my passion for all things Christmas – but the trees and lights and shopping, the hurry and busyness to get things done clamor for our attention daily. Help me/us to make sure to not allow – what can be the joys of the season – to distract me/us from the first advent – the coming of the Christ child – the reason for the season.
Thank You for the encouragement of Advent to focus and refocus our hearts on Your promises God. The promise we read of in week one, of peace and of no more tears or sorrow or pain and suffering, was one we can never hear enough. However, to those who are currently in challenging seasons of their lives, it was a particularly wonderful reminder and source of encouragement.
Jesus, help us to live today and every day, preparing for Your return. Help us to know what boundaries to set in order to be guarded from trading the peace You came to bring for the busyness of the season and the demands of every day life.
Holy Spirit – Prepare our hearts as we begin the second week of Advent. As Jesus did with His disciples, open our minds to understand The Word that we will read, and help us to grow by it, to live it out, and to share it for the glory of Your Holy and powerful Name! – Amen, so let it be!
Me From the Inside Out 