Advent: Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Old Testament Lesson

Amos 7:10-17, 24-25

This is one of the great rebukes in scripture. The king tells Amos to get away and stop preaching bad news to him, and Amos says, I'm not a priest, not a prophet, I'm just a shepherd. And, I'm just doing what God has called me to do. And, God did call, and he did do.

God calls those that are willing to go and serve, not just those that are qualified. Today, do you feel called to something? Then, do it! Don't worry about anything else. If you are called, then go! God will take care of the rest.

New Testament Lesson

Revelation 1:9-16

One thing we see in Revelation is a lot Biblical imagery from the Old Testament, but, this really isn't the forum to really dig down to that level. (Although, those that receive this from Ripely FUMC, I'm going to teach Revelation next year during Sunday School). But, the one thing that Revelation shows us is the importance of the whole of scripture. It is so important to keep things in context when reading them, and focus more on the big picture than all the small details. When we have that big picture in mind, we will be able to see what God is trying to say to us.

Gospel Lesson

Matthew 22:34-46

In this passage, we see the goal, the completeness, the whole of our faith. We see ultimately what we are put here to do; what we are grow towards, what should be the heartbeat of our faith. We see what we are here for and what the Lord wants us to do above all else. Love of God. Love of Neighbor. Those two things must be our guiding principal in all of live. Does what we do further our love of God? Does it further our love of neighbor? This is the command of God for the Christian. Love God. Love Neighbor. The rest takes care of itself.