Advent

December 19, 2019

Scripture Reading: Romans 1:1-7

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for the sake of his name, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, –Romans 1:1-6

We are given power by the Spirit of Holiness by Jesus Christ through his resurrection from the dead. We also receive grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among the Gentiles. Christ’s call is a call to action, a call to use all the talents and skills with which God endowed us at our creation. God is with us in all we do. While we may feel powerless, we never know when God’s power may be worked through us if we are opened to be such a vessel.

Gideon now listed as a military leader, judge and prophet was a farmer. Called to become a military leader as he worked with grain. He basically asks God if God new what God was doing calling him to such a job not once but three times. He said yes and earned those titles.

Ruth was a foreign widow who chose to travel back to her late husband’s homeland with his mother. She became the ancestor of King David and eventually of Jesus.

Amos was a sheep herder and a sycamore fig farmer from Judah who traveled to his estranged neighbors in Israel during good times when they were thriving while breaking God’s laws and advocated for social justice. He still speaks to us today.

Jesus after healing the one called Legion instructed him to stay where he was and be a voice for God in his community where most of us find our call today.

During this Advent season let us consider what the Spirit is calling and equipping us to do. God is with us.

Prayer: Lord, guide us, teach us, and strengthen us to hear and do your call. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.