It’s not hard for Christmas to turn into a celebration of everything but Jesus. Family and food, presents and lights, shopping, planning, hosting and cooking all jostle for our attention and subtly push Him out of the center. Now, don’t get me wrong: those are all wonderful things! But they’re not the most important things. And yet we’ve all experienced the ease with which they can subtly eclipse Christ, turning a holiday in which we’re meant to celebrate Him into a holiday in which we almost overlook him. Which is why we’ve provided this devotional. We want your mind and heart to be filled with thoughts and affection for Jesus every day, but especially during Advent, the days leading up to the celebration of His birth.
The whole of the Bible story is a story that orbits around Jesus, which means that everything we read in the Old Testament anticipates and ultimately points to Him. In the themes of each book, in the figures of real people, and in the events of every narrative are echoes of the person and work of the Son of God. So, in these days leading up to Christmas, we want you to join us in seeing Him in stories and characters who came before Him. Then to rejoice not only that He did come, but that He lived, died, rose and has promised to return again. He’s the point of Christmas. Enjoy opening your Bible to fill your vision and stir your heart with His glory.
Read. There are two Scripture passages for each day leading up to Christmas. One from the Old Testament, the other from the New Testament. Together, they’re meant to show how imperfect characters in the Scriptures offer us a foretaste of the perfect Jesus. Our pastors have written a short reflection for each day that’s meant to help you see how those passages fit together.
Consider. Once you’ve read the Scripture passages and devotional, take some time to work through the questions for your own reflection. These can be discussed around a dinner table or contemplated by yourself.
Pray. At the end of each page is a prompt for prayer. Use that as kindling for your own prayers or prayer as a family.
May the next 25 days give charge to your heart as you open the Scriptures and behold the goodness of Christ.
PDF version available here
A Better Adam: The Promised Snake-Crusher
In Genesis 1, the Bible story begins with God creating everything out of nothing. All of it is good, and none of it is bad, including the crown of His creation: people made in His own image, Adam and Eve. But just a few chapters later, Adam and Eve rebel against God’s Word (Genesis 3:1-7). There in the Garden of Eden, Satan the Serpent tempts them, and they give in, unleashing the curse of sin and its effects into the whole of the universe. In the Garden, Adam failed. In paradise, the Snake bested man.
But that wouldn’t always be the case. Many years later (as recorded in Matthew 4:1-11), at the outset of His earthly ministry, Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into a desert to be tempted by the Devil. For 40 days, the Snake tried his old tricks, but unlike Adam and Eve, Jesus didn’t buckle. Satan gave Him his best shots, but Jesus remained faithful. In the wilderness, Jesus endured and won. And he would later go on to make it final. Three years after the desert, Jesus gave His life on a cross and, in so doing, decisively destroyed the Devil (Hebrews 2:14). The God-Man accomplished what Adam couldn’t. For our sake and for our salvation, He crushed the Snake.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways do you find you’re most tempted to sin?
- How does Christ’s victory over the Devil encourage you in your own fight against temptation?
Prayer
God, thank You for sending Jesus to do what I couldn’t. Help me be grateful today for His strength, and help me walk in obedience to His Word by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A Better Adam: The Generous Life Giver
By one man’s disobedience, the ground that was given to bring forth blessing was made into a burial plot. God created all things and declared them to be very good. But desiring to know good and evil for himself rather than trust God’s design, Adam listened to his wife, ate of the forbidden tree, and thereby committed grand treason against the Creator. The severity of this act of rebellion cannot be overstated. God created man in His own image and gave him dominion over paradise. But rather than rejoice over the countless blessings he’d been given, Adam stumbled over a single prohibition, branding his entire family line as a breed of rebels. As punishment for such rebellion, he and Eve were cast out of Eden, exiled to labor over a cursed ground until the laborer himself returns to it in death.
Thankfully, this is not the story’s tragic ending, but rather the beginning of a much larger plan of redemption. Through Adam’s rebellion, all stand condemned before the Creator. But through Jesus’s righteousness, those once condemned in their sin can now be justified. Though Adam was disobedient, Jesus was obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). Though God’s gavel condemns those in Adam, God’s grace leading to eternal life is given to those in Jesus. Jesus Christ our Lord is the only answer to the problem of sin set forth by Adam. Jesus is the better Adam, the generous Life Giver.
Questions for Reflection
- What are some of the everyday effects that Adam’s actions have brought into the world? How are these effects answered by Jesus?
- How does your position in Christ impact your understanding of grace as it’s applied to your everyday life?
Prayer
God, thank You for the hope that we have in Jesus. Open my eyes to better see the reality of the grace in Christ. Help me to not live in guilt, but to live under the reign of grace leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
A Better Noah: The Righteous Man
On account of Adam’s fall, the world was soaked in sin. The evil on the earth “was very great” (Genesis 6:5) and all people were “corrupt” and “filled with violence” (Genesis 6:11). But there was one man who found favor in the eyes of God: Noah. Noah was a righteous man, a rare light in the midst of a dark and crooked world (Genesis 6:9). And it was on account of his righteousness that he and his family were promised protection from God’s global flood of judgment.
While on earth, Jesus lived different from the world, too. In the midst of a crooked and wicked generation, “he committed no sin,” (1 Peter 2:22). He was blameless and righteous. But for what purpose? So that he could offer himself “without blemish” as a sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 9:14) and so that, through faith in his name, we might be credited his perfect righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Because of him we are justified—declared to be righteous—and empowered through the Holy Spirit to live a life pursuing holiness.
Questions for Reflection
- How might you be a light in a dark and crooked world?
- How does knowing that you’ve been declared righteous help you pursue righteousness in your day to day life?
Prayer
Holy and awesome God, thank you for what you have done for our sakes and for our salvation. You alone we desire to follow, to please you and do your will. Thank you for blessing us and revealing yourself to us. Amen.
A Better Noah: The Greater Builder
According to Genesis 6, Noah heard some of the most striking words to ever proceed from the mouth of God (Genesis 6:13). God was winding up to throw a flood onto the earth, a flood to execute His righteous judgment on sin. But God gave Noah grace. The Architect of the cosmos laid out a blueprint for Noah, a blueprint for an ark he was to build so that he would be saved (Genesis 6:14-16). So, Noah did all that God commanded and built an astonishing structure seven stories high and 1.5 football fields in length. The massive ark kept his family from perishing beneath the flood of God’s wrath for sin.
Like Noah, Jesus is a builder, though a far better one. He was a carpenter, but He built far more than furniture or a big boat. Through His sinless life, death, burial and resurrection, Jesus made a way for man to escape the judgment we all deserve. Jesus built an unbreakable way for not just a few households to be saved, but for all who put their faith in Him. Just as there was one way to enter Noah’s ark, now there is only one way to enter the safety of God’s salvation: faith in the Greater Builder.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways can you trust more in God’s wisdom and Word?
- How does knowing that Christ was able to create a way for humanity to be saved help you process His ability to create ways for you to overcome your current needs/challenges?
Prayer
God, thank you for creating a body for the Christ. Thank You for sending Him to earth that He may create a way for us to escape your righteous judgment. Help me to be a hearer and doer of the word, that I may be like a wise builder who builds my life on a solid foundation. Amen.
A Better Abraham: The Obedient Pilgrim
Leaving a comfortable place is hard, and most of us need a very good reason to do so. We often need life to become difficult in order for us to say goodbye to what’s familiar. Perhaps a better job, a better opportunity, or a better climate awaits us at our next location. Now Abram (later Abraham) was comfortable in the land of his ancestors. He knew where all the resources were. All their friends and family were nearby. But at the command of God, he left behind what was comfortable and familiar, setting out as a pilgrim in obedience to God’s word.
Now imagine Christ, before He put on mortal flesh, looking down from the throne of heaven to the filth of earth. He would not be leaving a difficult and uncomfortable place to find a better one. He was not going in pursuit of pleasure or praise. He left His home to fulfill a promise, break the curse of sin, and rescue those who were lost. It would involve enduring the worst we have to offer, and yet Jesus made the trip. In the greatest condescension ever, He left his throne in Heaven and, as an obedient pilgrim, entered into His creation as its most humble servant.
Questions for Reflection
- What all did Jesus leave behind when He departed heaven?
- What all did Jesus embrace as He entered earth?
- How does it feel to be asked to give up the comfortable and familiar to enter into the mess of others’ lives to serve them as Jesus would?
- How does Christ set the example for you to do this? How does Christ empower you to do this?
- How might God be calling you from a place of comfort to a place of obedience?
Prayer
God, help us to have faith to follow you, wherever you lead us. Amen.
A Better Abraham: The Father of a Multitude
One of my favorite moments as a child was when my uncle, who worked building rockets that would later enter space, showed me the night sky and explained about stars and patterns. It was difficult to do, since there were so many stars! Just as my uncle took me out to see the starry sky, God took Abram out in a field to see the stars, too. And as he did, he challenged Abram to count them all if he could. An impossible task! But as many stars were in the sky, God said to Abram, “So shall your offspring be,” (Genesis 15:5). He gave his servant a picture of the future—a future of a great people, a multitude that would come from his family—and it was glorious.
Just as God showed Abram the starry skies, God points us through His Word toward His Son, Jesus Christ, who is our picture of the future. God promised Jesus that he would give him a great multitude of people, too. In Revelation 7:9-12, the Bible describes such a multitude, a massive people pulled from every nation, tribe and tongue. In him, we belong to the family of God and are, by grace, answers to his ancient promise.
Questions for Reflection
- What are some of the promises that God has made in his Word that might bring you comfort today?
- How does God’s Word help you see the promises of God and move you from discouragement to encouragement?
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that you care about us. You are there to encourage us in our discouraging moments. Help me never to take my eyes off you. Kindly show me the picture of your promises as I read your Word. In Jesus’s name we pray. Amen.
A Better Isaac: The Miracle Child
Put yourself in Abraham’s shoes. Abraham is a hundred years old; his wife is ninety. Nevertheless, God promises that not only would they give birth to a son in their old age, but that their descendants would then give birth to kings. It is no wonder Abraham laughed. The aged Abraham was on the receiving end of an impossible promise. But remember who gave the promise: God. God insists on the impossible to push Abraham to an even greater degree of dependence on Him. So, not only is Sarai’s name changed to Sarah, but her status is also changed. She is no longer a barren woman but a bearer of nations and kings. The impossible becomes reality, and she gives birth to a miracle child named Isaac, and through Isaac a great nation arises. But for what purpose? What is unfolding here in God’s overarching plan of redemption?
Fast forward to Matthew’s Gospel and we witness an even greater miracle. Matthew begins with a familiar name: Abraham. From there, we see God’s promise to Abraham unfold with a long list of his descendants, many of whom did serve as kings. Abraham’s lineage concludes with the birth of Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah. But this, too, is no ordinary birth. In fact, the bar has been raised! Isaac was born from elderly parents, but Jesus was born from a virgin named Mary through the Holy Spirit. Isaac’s name means “he laughs,” referring to Abraham’s response to God’s promise, but Jesus’s name means “the Lord saves,” referring to the fulfillment of God’s promise to save His people from their sins. Jesus truly is Immanuel, “God is with us.” He is not just another king in Abraham’s lineage; rather, He is the King of kings that saves us from the wages of sin by paying the penalty with His own life on the cross.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you seen God work out the unlikely in your own life?
- How might reflecting on the saving work of Jesus help you in times of uncertainty?
Prayer
God, thank you for sending Jesus to save us from our sin. Restore in us a heightened sense and appreciation of the joy of our salvation in Christ. In times of uncertainty and hopelessness, remind me of Your faithfulness to work out all Your redemptive promises. Amen.
A Better Isaac: The Sacrificial Son
Isaac was miraculously born to Abraham and Sarah, but in Genesis 22 God asks Abraham to do the unthinkable: to sacrifice his only son. Abraham carefully follows through with each step of God’s instructions until, at the final moment, God Himself provides a substitute sacrifice in Isaac’s place. This exchange took place on a mount that was called, “The Lord will provide,” (Genesis 22:14).
Fast forward many years to another mount: the Mount of Olives. Jesus has carefully followed God’s instructions leading up to a sacrifice. Now He finds Himself faced with a looming task before Him: the sacrifice of His own life on a cross — a horrific instrument of torture and death. Jesus wrestles in prayer, asking God if He would remove the cup of suffering that awaits Him. And yet, Jesus submits to his Father, saying, “Not my will, but yours be done,” (Luke 22:42). Like Isaac, He would be placed on wood to be sacrificed. But unlike Isaac, Jesus had perfectly obeyed God’s will every minute of His entire life. The next day, Jesus, God’s sinless son, would put away sin once and for all by the sacrifice of Himself (Hebrews 9:26). The Lord has gloriously provided for us through His only Son, Jesus Christ: the best sacrifice ever.
Questions for Reflection
- How are you encouraged by Christ’s sacrifice for you on the cross?
- How does remembering Christ’s willing sacrifice help you to live sacrificially for him and for others?
Prayer
Father God, thank you for providing Jesus as a sacrifice for my sins. As Jesus willingly sacrificed His life, show me how to submit to you and live a life of sacrificial service to you and others. Amen.
A Better Jacob: The Zealous Groom
Genesis 29 opens with Jacob, one of Isaac’s sons, joyfully continuing his journey after communing with God at Beth-El. Jacob comes upon a humble girl named Rachel, and he desired to serve her. Jacob made clear the affection he had for Rachel to her father, Laban, and asked to serve him for seven years in exchange for her hand in marriage. Laban agreed, and the seven years he worked seemed like just moments to Jacob due to the love for his bride to be.
Some might conclude it would be impossible to love a future bride more than Jacob. However, we have come to see a groom in Jesus Christ whose zeal for his bride, the church, far surpasses Jacob’s. As Ephesians 5:25-27 says, Jesus loved the church so much that he gave himself up for her. He gave his life for her. And one day, the Bible says, every believer in Christ will be presented to her groom with splendor, given holy and without blemish. Jesus’ zealous work leaves the church swept off her feet, looking forward to the day she is presented to Christ without the stain of sin.
Questions for Reflection:
- Why is the zeal of Jesus for the church something easy to be forgotten or overlooked?
- How does viewing Jesus’s zealous pursuit of His bride bring you encouragement?
Prayer
God, thank you for sending your Son Jesus to give himself for us. Fill my heart with gratitude today and help me to look forward in hope to the day we are presented to Jesus without blemish. Amen.
A Better Jacob: The Blessed Shepherd
After working for his father-in-law, Laban, for 14 years, Jacob was ready to strike out on his own (Genesis 30:26). He had his own family to care and provide for, so Laban gave him a parting gift: all the speckled and spotted (read: weakest and worst) sheep in his flock. Laban was greedy and stingy and was trying to cheat and swindle his own son-in-law. But God blessed Jacob. He gave him wisdom and knowledge so that he “increased greatly and had large flocks” (30:43). God gave his shepherd more sheep.
Later in the Bible, Jesus is given a similar title. He’s called the “good shepherd” (John 10:11) who loves and cares for His people (who are called His sheep). And He’s the kind of shepherd who not only died for His people (John 10:15) but who seeks to increase His flock (John 10:16). He longs for more sinners to confess their sin and trust in Him so that they might be saved from their sin and find comfort in His care. And God will see it happen. Though not all people will come to Him in faith, God is growing His Son’s flock. So much so that one day there will be gathered together in Heaven “a great multitude” that no one will be able to number (Revelation 7:9). On that day, the blessed Shepherd will know the joy of being with His sheep forever.
Questions for Reflection
- How does it comfort you that Jesus is your Shepherd?
- Who do you know who doesn’t yet belong to Christ by faith?
- How might God use you to increase His flock?
Prayer
Lord, use me to boldly bear witness to the goodness of Jesus and treasure Christ as the Shepherd who loves and cares for me. Amen.
A Better Joseph: The Favored Son
Joseph’s brothers certainly hated him. The brothers knew that Joseph was highly favored above them because of both his performance, his abilities, and his beloved mother, their father’s true love. One day, Joseph told his family about a dream that God had given him. In the dream, they were all bowing down to him. As you can imagine, none of his family members liked his dream—especially his brothers! They were so upset that they eventually considered murdering him. In the end, they were dissuaded from taking his life, but instead sold Joseph into slavery to Egypt. He would go through great suffering only later to become their provider and savior in a famine, and the provider and savior of a vast number of others.
Joseph, Jacob’s favored son, is a foreshadow of the coming Christ, the ultimate favored son. At His baptism, Jesus was greatly honored by God when the clouds opened and a voice from heaven said: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” (Matthew 3:17). And this ultimately favored Son would go on to become the savior of all who believed in Him as Lord.
Questions for Reflection
- Joseph’s brothers were so jealous it made them murderous, but later Joseph’s forgiveness saved them and their children. How does this comparison relate to Jesus?
- How was Jesus treated by his brothers who knew in their hearts that he was favored?
- How do we become favored by God?
- Even though we are favored by God, we are called to participate in suffering for Christ’s sake. How can we endure that?
Prayer
Lord, Jesus, we know that you suffered on our behalf, and it resulted in our salvation. We are eternally grateful for that. We thank you that, in Christ, we have become greatly favored! We pray that you would give us hearts to forgive those who have hurt us just as Joseph forgave his brothers and offered them forgiveness. Help us offer to others the redemption and highly favored status that we have in Christ Jesus. Amen.
A Better Joseph: The Exalted Son
After being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph’s story could have ended. But God had different plans for him. The Lord established Joseph in the house of Pharaoh in Egypt so that he could help God’s people during a time of famine and drought. God worked human evil for His good purposes. Joseph was so highly regarded in Egypt, no one could “lift up hand or foot” without his consent (Genesis 41:44); and all were to bow before him, wherever he went. Joseph went from being his father’s favorite, to being left for dead and sold into slavery, to being highly exalted in one of history’s greatest dynasties. Only God could have orchestrated such a reversal.
No greater reversal has ever occurred than that of Jesus: death on a Roman cross to being seated on a heavenly throne. Jesus is the Father’s one and only Son; beloved in every way (John 3:16), yet who left the perfection of heaven to become a servant (Philippians 2:7), taking on human flesh for the purpose of dying for the sins of the world. He now reigns from heaven as King, preeminent over all and holding all things together (Hebrews 1:3 and Colossians 1:17). He’s been given a name that “is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth” (Philippians 2:9-10). Unlike Joseph, Jesus willingly took on the form of a servant, endured the cross, and died for our sins. And, after such an accomplishment, the Father exalted His Son to the pinnacle of all existence. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
Questions for Reflection
- God used what his brothers meant for evil for Joseph’s ultimate good. How does that encourage you today?
- We may not physically bow our knees before Jesus now, but we will one day. How can you live today displaying your recognition that Jesus is Lord over all things?
Prayer
God, thank you for not withholding that which was very precious to you—your Son, Jesus. Help me to submit all the areas of my life to his ruling power by obeying his Word, growing in his likeness, and encouraging others to do the same. Amen.
A Better Moses: The Mighty Deliverer
In Exodus 3, Moses encountered God through a burning bush and told him that he was going to deliver His people from slavery in Egypt (Exodus 3:8). God’s people had fallen out of favor with Egypt in the generations following Joseph! But God saw it all. He couldn’t ignore the pain and suffering of His people because He loved them (Exodus 3:7-8). So God called Moses to carry out His plan, the plan to deliver his people from slavery and bring them into a good land, a land flowing with milk and honey.
Centuries later, God would send another deliverer, Jesus Christ, one greater than Moses. Moses was able to bring freedom to one group of people, but Jesus would offer freedom to all mankind. Moses rescued the Israelites from the bondage of Egypt, but Jesus delivers people from the bondage of sin and death. And Jesus doesn’t only set people free from their sin, but makes them slaves of righteousness (Romans 6:18). He has transformed his people’s hearts so that they would grow to love what he loves and live according to God’s Word.
In this season of Christmas, let’s rejoice that our King Jesus has delivered us from the dominion of sin and death, and now we can live freely pursuing His righteousness.
Questions for Reflection:
- Though we have victory over the power of sin, we’ve not yet been delivered from the presence of sin. What’s a sin you need delivering from? How does what God has done through Christ give you encouragement?
- In what ways might your being a “slave to righteousness” make a practical impact on your life?
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for rescuing me from sin and death through faith. I was once powerless and hopeless, but now I can rejoice that you have given me the power to be an obedient child and find hope in your righteousness and not my own today. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
A Better Moses: The Selfless Intercessor
After experiencing the miracle of God getting them out of Egypt, the people of Israel didn’t believe that God could bring them into the Promised Land. They complained, wept, grumbled and even turned violent in ingratitude and unbelief (Numbers 14:1-10). God responded justly to their sin in righteous anger (14:11-12), but Moses interceded on their behalf (14:13-20), and on account of his petition, God relented from the punishment He was going to bring upon them (14:21). The Israelites were saved from destruction through the work of an intercessor.
Which is true of every Christian believer. Right now in Heaven, Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God interceding for His people. But He’s not pleading for our salvation (as if God’s on the fence about it); He stands as proof of our salvation, that through faith in His death and resurrection, we’re no longer condemned in our sin but redeemed by His blood. He lived the life we couldn’t, He died the death we deserved, and He bore God’s wrath on our behalf. Where we had no hope, Jesus stepped in. He rescued us from destruction. He is our Intercessor: he has saved us “to the uttermost” (Hebrews 7:25) and “lives forever” as proof of it.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the Bible say will happen to those who don’t put their faith in Christ as Savior from their sin?
- How does that make you grateful for the intercessory work of Jesus on your behalf?
Prayer
God, thank You for Jesus, who has done for me what I couldn’t do for myself: saved me from my sin and enveloped me in love. I love you. Amen.
A Better Joshua: The Undaunted Leader
After wandering the wilderness for forty years, the time had come for Israel to cross over the Jordan into the land the Lord had promised to their forefathers. Their leader, Moses, on the other hand, would not be joining them. By this time, not only was Moses one hundred and twenty years old, but after disobeying the Lord’s instruction at the waters of Meribah (see Numbers 20), Moses disqualified himself from entering the land of promise. Knowing this, Moses’ parting words to Israel were for them to be strong and courageous, not in their numbers or might, but in knowing that ultimately it was the Lord who would go on ahead to prepare a place for them. Although Moses’ time had come to an end, the Lord was with them. So, Moses passed the baton to Joshua, who undauntedly led Israel across the Jordan River, trusting that the Lord had already gone ahead to prepare a place for them.
We, too, ought to be strong and courageous. In John 14, the disciples’ hearts were troubled by the announcement of Jesus’s imminent departure. But Jesus explained that He was not abandoning them, but that He was going to prepare a place for them. Just as the Lord led Israel to the land of promise through Joshua, so too the Lord Jesus has prepared a place for us, a place of supreme rest in the eternal household of God. And Jesus accomplished this not by merely crossing over a river, but by crossing over into death itself. He was raised to life victorious, and one day He will come again to lead us to our promised land forever.
Questions for Reflection
- What kind of strength and courage do we gain when we follow Jesus’s lead in our lives?
- How does this reminder that Jesus prepares a place for us and will one day come again impact your life today?
Prayer
God, thank you for being the perfect leader of my life. Continue to guide my steps and strengthen my troubled heart in times of uncertainty. Open my eyes to see more of the ways your sovereign hand is before me. Amen.
A Better Boaz: The Gracious Redeemer
The book of Ruth provides us with a beautiful picture of redemption. The story begins with a family that is heartbroken and full of despair because of loved ones who had died. Naomi lost a husband and two sons. Ruth lost a husband and had no children. As a result, these two women were left vulnerable and alone. Naomi even changed her name to Mara, which means bitterness, and declared that the Lord has dealt bitterly with her. But even though she felt abandoned by the Lord, he did not forget her. In the midst of her pain and sorrow, a man named Boaz came along as her kinsman redeemer and provides for them both at great cost to himself. Boaz gave Ruth and Naomi food from his fields, bought the land of his relative to protect their future wellbeing, and in the end, married Ruth, providing her with a son and Naomi with one of the greatest gifts in the world, a precious grandchild.
Redemption is defined as securing the release or recovery of a person or thing by paying a price. Boaz was a gracious redeemer, and through his lineage we find an even greater redeemer, Jesus. Boaz paid for one family with his money and resources; Jesus pays for the sins of all who put their faith in Him by His blood.
Questions for Reflection
- Can you relate to how Naomi felt? Have you experienced circumstances in this life that have made you feel as if the Lord’s hand was against you?
- How does knowing the redemption that Jesus has already provided for you give you hope in times when you feel abandoned by God?
Prayer
Father God, thank you for the redemption that you have provided in Jesus. I know that my sin held me captive and your Son’s blood provided the payment for my release. Help me to remember what you have done for me when I feel abandoned and alone. Amen.
A Better David: The Conquering King
No king in Israel’s history achieved more military success than King David. He was like an Israelite wrecking ball! Many armies rose up against him but quickly fell down before him. Why? Scripture says, “The Lord gave victory to David wherever he went,” (2 Samuel 8:14). After one of King David’s many victories, the Bible says that “he measured [his enemies] with a line, making them lie down on the ground. Two lines he measured to be put to death, and one full line to be spared. And the Moabites became servants to David and brought tribute,” (2 Samuel 8:2). In Moab that day, knees bowed, and tongues confessed David as master. God’s enemies fell at the hands of God’s king.
Revelation 19 reveals that this will happen again but on a far grander scale. The King from glory will descend to strike down God’s enemies but not on a regional scale — on a global scale. He will assume His rightful place as Ruler of all nations. This is Jesus Christ, the unimpeachable King who conquered the grave by His resurrection and who will return and be coronated soon, globally.
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways does this world appear to be suffering due to a lack of godly leadership?
- How do you imagine life will be for you when Jesus descends from heaven, erases all evil, and becomes Ruler on earth?
Prayer
God, thank you for the reality that suffering, sin and evil all have an expiration date. Thank you for the reality that Christ’s return is not only inevitable, but will also usher in blessing for us that is unimaginable. In light of that truth, help me to persevere in walking according to your Word, as I look forward to His glorious return. Amen.
A Better David: The Compassionate King
In 2 Samuel 9, we see a grand gesture of compassion from King David given to the house of Saul (a house that had set itself against him). Instead of wiping them out, he sought someone from Saul’s family to which he could show kindness for “Jonathan’s sake,” (2 Samuel 9:1). Jonathan was David’s beloved friend. So Mephibosheth, one of Jonathan’s sons, was brought to King David, and King David blessed him. “You shall eat at my table always,” he says to him (2 Samuel 9:7).
This compassion shown to Mephibosheth was all on account of one man: Jonathan. In a similar way, even though we’ve made ourselves enemies with God, it’s because of one Man that we receive God’s compassion, too. We’re saved from our sins and loved by God for Christ’s sake, who, like David with Mephibosheth, has shown us kindness. By grace and through faith, he’s lifted us up and given us a seat at his table.
Questions for Reflection
- Do you find it difficult to think of God as compassionate? Can you recall a time when you’ve experienced God’s compassion?
- Have you run to Jesus before, fallen before Him confessing your sins and experienced Him lifting you up?
Prayer
Father, we thank you for your surprising compassion. We, like Mephibosheth, are undeserving of the kindness you’ve shown us. We made ourselves your enemies, but you sent your Son to save us from our sins. Help us see that you are the compassionate King that we need today. Amen.
A Better Solomon: The Wise Judge
If you could have anything for Christmas, what would you ask for? God gave Solomon that opportunity — “Ask what I shall give you,” (1 Kings 3:4). In an act of humility, Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead His people. And God gave it — more than anyone before or after Solomon. At the height of his kingdom, Solomon had more riches and wisdom than anyone, and people flocked to hear from him (1 Kings 10:23-24). And yet, despite all his wisdom, Solomon’s heart turned away from the Lord (1 Kings 11:4).
Paul tells us that, “In the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom…” (1 Corinthians 1:21). All the wisdom in the world (even God-given wisdom) was not enough to truly know God. But it was God’s wise plan that through another King, one who lived in squalor rather than splendor, He would give His wisdom in power to His people. But Jesus's wisdom seemed like foolishness to the people. Instead of being a king on his throne, He was a king on a cross. But through the folly of Jesus' cross, the foolish and weak things of this world are blessed beyond all the riches and wisdom of Solomon (1 Corinthians 1:26-31).
Questions for Reflection
- Why is the cross of Jesus foolishness to the world? How is it contrary to worldly wisdom?
- As Christians, Jesus is our wisdom. How does Jesus help us to live wisely?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for saving me through the folly of the cross, that my boast might be in Christ alone. Help me to live according to your wisdom, rather than in the wisdom of this world. Amen.
A Better Elijah: The Courageous Confronter
In 1 Kings, the prophet Elijah was called by God to confront the most powerful man on earth: King Ahab. Ahab and his evil wife, Jezebel, were formidable and influential, violent and brash, hating God and anyone who followed Him. But God gave Elijah courage to call Ahab out for his sin and defy his false gods to his face. When he did, Elijah didn’t soft-pedal the truth or mince his words. He said what was true despite the danger it would bring.
Though we know that Jesus is kind and compassionate, that doesn’t mean He isn’t confrontational. While on earth, He didn’t downplay sin or wink at evil. In Matthew 23, he offered a strong and grim rebuke to those who looked good on the outside but who were rotten on the inside (Matthew 23:27-28). He, too, didn’t soft-pedal the truth or mince words. He said what was true despite the danger it would bring. And it did bring danger. Jesus was rejected and crucified by those exact people He confronted. And yet for all who respond to Him differently — who humble themselves beneath His conviction and trust Him for their salvation — they will find joy and forgiveness. Jesus doesn’t ignore sin, but He is ready to receive any who repent and come to Him in faith.
Questions for Reflection
- Is there sin in your life you’re refusing to acknowledge?
- How is it kind of Jesus to point it out to you?
Prayer
God, thank You for showing me my sin and opening my eyes to Jesus. Help me humbly receive correction and gladly make much of Him for the whole of my life. Amen.
A Better Elisha: The Mighty Miracle-Worker
Today, loans are often used to pay for things like vehicles, education or mortgages — investments for the future. But in the ancient world, loans were a means of surviving in the present! That was exactly the case for a widow in 2 Kings 4. The wife of a prophet had become a widower in danger of losing it all — even her two children! So, she turned to a prophet named Elisha for help. Yet, Elisha’s response was surprising. He didn’t miraculously produce gold to pay her tab; instead, he called her to action, challenging her to set aside her sole possession, a single jar of oil, and gather from her neighbors as many empty vessels as she could. She heeded the challenge, trusting in God’s provision. As a result, the oil multiplied, filling every vessel, thus enabling her to pay off her debt.
Fast forward to Luke 9:10-17, and an even greater object lesson on God’s provision is revealed. Jesus and His disciples withdrew to Bethsaida for some much-needed rest, but word spread, and a massive crowd followed. Nevertheless, Jesus taught and healed many in need, but as the sun began to set, an even more basic need arose: hunger. And in compassion, Jesus provided food for them all. Whereas Elisha multiplied oil for a widow in need, Jesus multiplied a feast for a crowd of five thousand households! Such a mighty miracle reveals the love of God in response to human need. Christ is both the architect of the cosmos, as well as the provider for those in need. He teaches us the way of the kingdom, while also caring for our basic needs on the journey there.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you seen examples of God’s provision in a time of need?
- What do miracles like the feeding of the five thousand teach you about following Jesus?
Prayer
God, thank you for all the many ways you provide for me. In every season, whether in seasons of plenty or in seasons of need, help me to better recognize your providence in my life. Above all else, grant to me a heightened sense of your presence in my life, that I may follow after you. Amen.
A Better Josiah: The True Law-Giver
In 2 Kings 23:2, we’re told that King Josiah read from the Book of the Covenant. This book, which refers to the first five books of the Old Testament, was lost in the house of the Lord for many years, forgotten by God’s people. But after finding it, Josiah had it read for everyone, and a great revival broke out among them. He boldly declared that he would keep all the commandants found in God’s Word (and charged God’s people to do the same!). But even though he was a great King, he died, and afterward, God’s people went astray.
Josiah read aloud God’s Law, and it brought conviction. The Bible tells us Jesus came to fulfill the law, to do what neither Josiah nor any other king could. Jesus perfectly obeyed every commandment found in God’s Word, and through faith in his name, we’re credited his perfect righteousness. Not only that, but he’s given us new hearts that want to obey and a Holy Spirit who will help us do it (Ezekiel 36:26-27).
Questions for Reflection
- How have you seen God help you in your efforts to obey his commands and law?
- How does knowing Jesus obeyed God’s Word perfectly encourage you when you don’t?
Prayer
Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus. Thank you for showing me grace even when I fail. Help me to live in the hope I have in the work of Christ, my Lord. Amen.
A Better Jonah: The Obedient Prophet
For the second time, Jonah was issued a call from God to go to Nineveh and deliver a message. Jonah had not obeyed the first time, seeking to escape by manipulating God’s judgment. This time Jonah obeyed, went to Nineveh, and called out, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” Miraculously, from the greatest to the least, the people of Nineveh believed God. Through Nineveh’s belief, we see that God has been working in his sovereign mercy to see those outside the people of Israel saved from his wrath over their sin.
In Matthew 4:12-17, Jesus heard that John the Baptist had been arrested, and he withdrew to Galilee, fulfilling the prophecy spoken by the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 9:1). Like Jonah, Jesus had a difficult message to share, “Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” But as he obediently went and proclaimed it, he made clear that where the Gospel goes, light goes. Whether Gentile or Jew (Colossians 3:11), all who call on the name of Christ will be shown sovereign mercy and be saved from their sin.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it tell us about God that he can do work in anybody?
- How does the surprising response of the Ninevites give us hope in our proclamation of the Gospel today?
Prayer
God, thank you for being kind, merciful and loving to all the people you have made. Would you help me to love people of every tribe, nation and tongue as you do and share your mercy with all. Amen.
A Better Daniel: The Faithful Exile
Daniel is one of the most faithful Old Testament saints. He was taken from his homeland in Israel to live in a culture that was hostile to his faith. But he remained faithful. Despite his righteousness, through sly legal maneuvering people sought Daniel's life by trumping up charges against him that led to his execution by the lions' den. But God rescued him from the jaws of death that God might be glorified (Daniel 6:22). The pagan king himself required all peoples and nations and languages to praise God (Daniel 6:25-27).
Daniel's life as a faithful exile points us to Jesus. Jesus was from another place. Being God, He existed for all eternity in glory with the Father. He became heaven's exile and was born of a virgin to live on earth. Even though He was sinless, men conspired against Him and persecuted Him. But Jesus remained faithful even to death on a cross. Though He died, God rescued Him from the pit of death that He might redeem a people from every people, nation and language who would bring glory to God for all eternity (Revelation 7:9-10). Jesus is leaving us on earth to be the same kind of faithful exile — to bring glory to God in a place that is not our home. Though we may face persecution and hardship, we can rest in Jesus's words that we are His and that He is praying for us every step of the way (John 17:9).
Questions for reflection
- What are the difficulties that you face as an exile living in this world?
- What comfort and encouragement do you find in these verses to live faithfully in this world?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that Jesus was faithful and obedient to the point of death on the cross so that I could be redeemed. Help me to live like Him as a faithful exile and bring glory to you among all peoples. Amen.
Good News of Great Joy
After a very long wait, God sent His Son to earth. He kept His promise. The One to whom every Scriptural story pointed and in whom every Biblical promise would be fulfilled arrived. On the first Christmas, in a musty barn in the city of Bethlehem, Jesus was born. And at His birth, Heaven rejoiced. “Fear not,” a host of angels told some shepherds, “for, behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, who is Christ the Lord,” (Luke 2:10-11).
Good news. Great joy. All people. That’s what we celebrate at Christmas: that Jesus came to earth to live, die and live again so that all who come to Him in faith would be saved from their sin and receive the promise of Heaven. It’s the best news in the world. It’s what brings the most joy in the world. And as Christians, it’s not only what we celebrate every day, but especially today. He’s the point of Christmas.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14)
Questions for Reflection
- How can you make today a celebration of Christ?
- What are some rhythms of life that will help you celebrate Christ beyond today?
Prayer
God, thank you for sending Jesus to save us from our sins. Help us love Him from the heart, live for Him all our days and wait patiently for His promised return.