The Original Witness

 

Mark's account of Christ's life (Mark 1) begins with the witness given by John the Baptist. While the other gospels provide credentials based on who Christ is, Mark shows us how others reacted to him. Christians should be confident and full of joy when speaking of our lord and savior. Are you able to tell others about the Christ who died, rose again, and lives on for you?

Jesus lived before he was born

 

As we consider the birth of Christ, John reminds us that Jesus Christ existed before the incarnation. John points us back to a time before Genesis 1, to a time before anything was created, and John ascribes all of the creative acts to the pre-existing Jesus, referred to as the "Word" (John 1). This description of Christ leaves us in wonder that the very creator of all things slipped into His creation to demonstrate His love for us.

God gives hope

 During their Persian exile, the Israelites seemed to have lost hope that they would ever return to their own land and their old way of life. Their way of worship and all that they understood seemed to change overnight. During this time God sent Ezekiel with words of hope letting the people know that they might not live to see it, but God would return Israel to their land and to their faith practices (Ez 37).

Valley of Dry Bones

Ezekiel's famous vision of the valley of dry bones (Ez 37) reminds us that God can resurrect bodies, nations, and a person's hope. The vision was given during a time when Israel was unable to participate in the rituals that defined them, but God gave them hope that their identity as God's chosen would be resurrected. What hopes or dreams have you given up? Can you trust God to resurrect them? 

Flaming together

Human nature seeks to hurt those we think are hurting us. Often this revenge-seeking leads to a dangerous cycle that only causes us more pain. As Christians, we are to love those who seek to harm us (Matt 5:43-48). While Christians should seek refuge from abuse, we are called to abstain from using the same tactics against our aggressors. How do you respond when you feel 'attacked' on social media? Do 'flame back?'

Settle in

 

Like the children of Israel during their captivity, many of us find ourselves living in a place/time that seems to undermine our identities (Jer. 29). During this time false prophets declared that the captivity wasn't real and that they would soon return to their old way of life. God used Jeremiah to help the people settle into their homes by telling them to plant gardens and seek the good of their new cities.

A great place to grow

 Isaiah 9, one of the great Advent verses, speaks to our joy at leaving the darkness of sin and ignorance. As we consider the great Light that came into our world (John 1), we might do well to remember the areas of growth we experience while waiting. How has God prepared you for the Light by allowing you to experience a time of darkness? 

Stomp-on!

     Like many of the Old Testament prophets, Amos recognized that the people who have resources tend to make rules that keep those lacking resources from ever getting them (Amos 8). God judged Israel harshly not just for their mistreatment of the poor, but also for the way they violated the laws God gave them to give the poor help and benefit. Can you think of rules that we use today to keep the poor from gaining wealth?

Amos and the truth of sin at home

 The prophet Amos was a shepherd and didn't seem to possess any political or religious power. However, God used this man to show Israel that they were guilty of the very same sins as the nations that Israel often considered "heathen" or inferior (Amos 1-2). How often do we consider those who disagree with us as inferior, when we are in actually just as guilty as they are?

 Like many countries, the United States of America sets aside a day to reflect on and give thanks for the many good gifts (like good crops, etc) God gives to us. While we are enjoying our benefits, we should also remember and give to those who have less than we do (1 John 3).

Leaving your cave

 God called Elijah out of his cave of despair so that he could receive a final mission (1 Kings 19). God seems to have consoled Elijah by reminding him that God is still all-powerful and that He still had work for Elijah. Are you able to find consolation in God's mission for your life?

Hiding Out

 

After his greatest victory, Elijah feared for his life and went into hiding (1 Kings 19). In his cave of despair, Elijah rehearsed all of the evil his country was facing and began to see an exaggerated version of the problem, where he was the only one left who loved God and that God had abandoned him. Do you have exaggerated versions of your problems? Are you feeling abandoned by God? Can you tell God how you feel?

Political power in our pulpits

 

When Samuel came to anoint David king of Israel, the people in the town became afraid (I Sam 16:4). Considering the political power he represented, it was no wonder people were concerned. As we see politicians given place during our worship times, we also might want to consider the political power presented and if truly aligns with our faith and practice.

Who are you listening to?

 

During times of transition and turmoil, it might be tempting to find comfort and counsel in the many voices that demand our attention. We might do well to consider the advice given to the child, Samuel (1 Sam 3), when he was advised to answer God's call with attentive listening.  How do you listen to God?

Saving vs hoarding

 While most Christians consider it wise to set back a portion of wealth for use in case of an emergency, there is a difference between saving and hoarding. The Israelites had to trust God every day for their provision of food while in the wilderness (Ex 16), and were unable to accumulate wealth by holding it back. How tightly do you hold onto your savings? Do you trust God for your well-being or are trusting in your savings?

The miraculous in the mundane

 Jacob experienced an unusual revealing of God while he slept in the desert (Gen 28). This miraculous vision caused Jacob to understand that the land he had slept on was special, and deserved his attention. Are you able to see the wonders God is showing you in the seemingly mundane moments of your life?

Finding God on the run

 

The Bible often describes its heroes as flawed sinners on a journey toward reconciliation and relationship. For example, Jacob's first encounter with God occurred while he was running away from his brother, who after being cheated by Jacob was now intent on killing him (Gen 28).  After many years of God's presence, Jacob becomes able to face his wrongdoing and his brother. What are you running from?

Answering in humility

 

Christians often feel we need to answer every critique or question posed about our faith. While Christians are told to "...give an answer..." (1 Pet 3:15) to those ask about our faith, we might do well to remember that being able to relate our personal experience with God and why we believe what we believe is different from being a "know it all" who has all the answers to everything. Are you able to answer in humility?

Does your humility outweigh your privilege?

 

Jesus seemed to insult the Syrophenician woman when she asked he heal her daughter (Mark 7). Jesus's response was the way Syrophenicians treated Jewish people. By exposing the possible prejudices, Jesus gave the woman an opportunity to declare herself different. Her humble response was rewarded and her Jesus granted her daughter the healing she needed. How often do you come from a place of privilege?

The undeserving...

 The core principle of Christianity is that God loved us so much, that He sent His Son to die for us, even though we did not do anything to deserve His love (Rom 5:8). How are displaying love for those who don't seem to deserve it?