Fourth Week in Advent: Friday

Old Testament Lesson

Jeremiah 31:10-14

We see in this passage the rejoicing that the Lord will give to his remnant when they return to Jerusalem. That is God’s will; that is what He most desires. He doesn’t desire to punish us; though He will. He doesn’t desire that we are filled with dream and gloom towards Him. He desires that we rejoice, for He longs to save us. He gave us His son that we might know Him. He gave us His son so that we might be forgiven of our sins. He longs to know us. Fear the Lord, but fear Him with joy, for He longs to give us that joy. He reaches out to us to draw us into salvation. Dancing and Joy that is His will for the remnant, and for those that believe. In the coming days, may the hearts of God’s children be filled with that joy and knowledge of the salvation of our God.

New Testament Lesson

Galatians 3:15-22

Paul continues writing to the Galatians about the Law. They had come to the belief that they salvation comes not the work of Jesus Christ, but in their keeping of the Law. Paul is reminding them that they saved through faith and now he talks about Abraham. God called Abraham and promised to bless him and his offspring. That promise was given before the Law was given. So, the Old Testament Law does not invalidate the promise. God’s promised to Abraham was that through him, all people would be blessed, and that blessing was ultimately Jesus Christ. Abraham was not saved by the Law or by what he did, but through the promise of God. God’s promise of salvation is to those that believe. Now, this belief must show itself in action, but that belief must come from. God longs to save us, God longs to give us His promise, God longs that we might live free. Imagine that, no chains to bind your feet, no cuffs to bind your hands; freedom! Do you live free today in God’s grace? Or are you still bound to sin? Or are you still bound “works salvation” where if you’re just good enough, God will love you? God loves you because He created you. He longs to know you, and gave His son so that we can be forgiven. We can be free, we can be the Child of God. Will you stay bound or will you believe and know that joy that comes from being one of God’s children?

Gospel Lesson

Luke 1:67-80

This is Zechariah's song of praise to God after the birth of his son John. He sings of how God has fulfilled His promise of salvation to His people, His promise from years ago. He has show mercy; He has remembered His covenant with His people. He has freed His people and

rescue[d] us from the hand of our enemies,
and to enable[d] us to serve him without fear

Through belief we are saved, and we are saved to something. If we struggle with purpose of life, or just feel hopeless in life in general, how are spending our lives. Are we chasing our own stuff or are we chasing what God has for us. He came to save us to something. We not saved merely for ourselves, but for Him. He came that we could serve the Lord our God without fear. Thing about that, the Lord God of heaven longs to have you in His service. He could use anyone for anything, but He wants to use you and me! How blessed are we! How thankful should we be! The babe born in Bethlehem came not just for forgiveness, not just for love, but came as well so that we could serve the Lord without fear! Are you afraid today? Do you live in an unholy fear of God today? You don’t have to hide your head from God today. He longs to know you and love you. Show your face to Him today, receive His grace and love, and serve Him without fear today.