 The Word of Grace Devotion for December 9, 2019
A Light Isaiah 9:2, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” Beloved, the prophecy given in Isaiah 9:2 depicts the Messiah coming as a great light to a land of darkness. The fact that Jesus began His ministry in Samaria and Galilee, rather than in Jerusalem and Judea, emphasizes the fact that His Gospel of salvation was for the entire world. It was no coincidence of history that the “light of the world” first proclaimed Himself in Galilee of the Gentiles. Indeed He also has come to us when we were at our darkest. When Jesus came to earth there was an explosion of light. When He came, the skies overhead were illumined by a wondrous star (Matthew 2:2), and when He began to teach He called Himself the “Light of the World.” (John 8:12) When He rose from the dead, it was at the moment of sunrise. And when we get to heaven, we’ll find no need for a lamp or light, for the Lamb is its light. Jesus brings spiritual light, for His presence banishes the darkness of sin and shame and guilt. Jesus brings emotional light, for His presence cheers His people. Jesus also brings everlasting light because He gives eternal life. Beloved, Jesus is the light of the world and he desires to light up our lives with His light! He does not desire that we continue to walk in darkness but in His light. He also wants us to be a light to this dark world. Matthew 5:14 says, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be shaken.” Beloved, just as Jesus has lit up our lives, He wants us to light up the lives of others. I would encourage all of us to look for opportunities this season to bring light to dark place! I pray that you will have a blessed week! I love you and I will be praying for you! In Him, Pastor Joe
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 The Word of Grace Devotion for December 2, 2019
The Fullness of Time Galatians 4:4-5, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” Beloved, God always has a plan. We may think that God acts arbitrarily but in fact He always has things under control and has a plan for our future. Take for example our salvation. God had it all planned out. Galatians 4:4-5 tells us God’s plan. When the time was right, “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” The “fullness of time,” refers to God’s perfect timing. Jesus was not going to come before or after but he was going to appear right on time. Historically, we know that this was the perfect time for Jesus to come to earth. There was a common language, Greek, so that the Gospel could be preached. There was a Roman road system, so that the early evangelists could travel from town to town. There was peace, the Pax Romana, which allowed the evangelists to go from town to town relatively safely. But above all, there was great anticipation among the Jews expecting their Messiah and in addition, people’s hearts were yearning for a Savior. Beloved, we live in a similar time. People’s hearts are yearning for a Savior. It is readily evident because people are searching for acceptance and fulfillment in everything under the sun not realizing that they desperately need the true Son. They look for it in drugs and alcohol and money and possessions and sex but none of it is fulfilling. They are yearning for fulfillment and only Jesus can fill them. Beloved, the time is right for many to come to Christ. May we open our hearts to reach those who desperately need the love of Jesus and the gift of eternal life. The fullness of time has come! I pray that you will have a blessed week! I love you and I will be praying for you! In Him, Pastor Joe |
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