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Isaiah 7:10-25
2 Thessalonians 2:13 –
3:5
Luke 22:14-30
In the beginning of
Chapter 7 in Isaiah, the Lord and Isaiah discuss a war between Syria, Judah,
and Israel. Syria and Israel are
plotting together to invade Judah, which is ruled by King Ahaz. The Lord states that he does not wish for
this to happen and sends a messenger to King Ahaz telling him not to have fear
and that all will be well. Ahaz did not
have faith in the advice that the Lord sent him this first time, so the Lord
sent him another message. This message
was for Ahaz to ask the Lord for a sign.
He refused to ask for a sign saying that he would not put the Lord to
the test. Isaiah then tells him not to
wear out God’s patience. Isaiah tells
the people of another messenger of God that will be sent in the future that
they should listen to. Isaiah says the
following:
“Therefore
the Lord himself will give you a sign.
Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his
name Immanuel.”
The reading from Luke is
about the Last Supper. I found it
strange to read this during the Christmas season until I understood the reading
from Isaiah. Luke shows that the promises made so long ago
to the descendents of King David were being fulfilled. The reading in Thessalonians tells us that we
are chosen for salvation and is a prayer that we will accept God’s message and
spread it to others.
Prayer: Dear God, help
give us the strength and courage to spread the glad tidings of the Christmas
season to others. Please help open
people’s hearts that they will hear and accept your message. Help lead us to a greater understanding of
the love that you have for us. Amen.
Laurel Martin
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ADVENT 2007
Epworth United Methodist Church