The Third Week of Advent: Friday

Old Testament Lesson

Zechariah 7:8-8:8

The Lord commands that we take care of those that are in need. We are commanded to care for the widow, the orphan, the alien. These are the ones that have no power in society, these are the ones that are forgotten, they don’t have their own reality shows. We find them in nursing homes, Head Start Centers, working menial jobs. We as Christians and as the church are commanded to go, to care, and to serve. God doesn’t always call us to the bright light. Most times He calls us off the stage to take of those that are most in need.

The second part of this passage is about God keeping his word to a remnant in Israel. God always had a remnant. No matter how discouraged way may feel, God always has a remnant. The question comes, are we part of it? Do we obey? Do we serve? Do we live? God will save His people. The question is, are we in that number?

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 5:6-14

Jesus is worthy of our praise. He is due our praise. For He is the Lamb that was slain. His blood has purchases people in all the world to serve him and be faithful to Him. He is the one that is worth. He is he object of our praise. He is the one that will be praised for all eternity. And we will join the creatures in heaven and lay before the lamb in praise.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 25:14-30

The devotional guide I’m using has a different theme of prayer each day of the month, and on the 16^th of the month, is the “poor in spirit.” So, it is ironic that on the day to pray for own poverty in spirit, we have this text that ends with the saying to those that have much more will be given and to those that have little it will be taken.

I’ve struggled with this passage, and at this point in my life, the only peace I can make with it is that what the Lord demands of us is faithfulness. That is what He asks. He has given each talents and graces and given us each the chance to use them. The question becomes, do we use them? If not, they will be taken, and God will use someone else. Dr. Davis said in college to his classes, “Don’t think you’re God’s last hope.” If we do no use what God has given, He will use someone else.