Third Thursday of Advent

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 9:18-10:4

Key Verse: Woe to those who decree iniquitous decrees, and the writers who keep writing oppression. ~Isaiah 10:1

These eight verses take us again into God’s heart where we see some of the things that are vitally important to God and are a part of what it means to be faithful to him. In particular we are reminded of God’s Fatherly love for those in material need: the needy, the poor, the widows and the fatherless (Isa 10:2). This is another theme that has recurred throughout Isaiah’s writing up to this point and the connection seems clear: a significant part of faithfulness to God is caring about those things God cares about, in particular the care of those who are in need. There is judgment for those who fail to care for those in need around them. This theme is reiterated by Jesus (Mt. 25, elsewhere) who in the flesh reveals God’s heart to the world. In some Christian traditions Advent (as well as Lent) have been designated as special times to be intentional in fasting and almsgiving – times of limiting our own consumption and giving to those in need. These traditions do so in part to fulfill this aspect of faithfulness.

Reflect: Who are the people in your own community who are in need? In what ways has God equipped you to help meet those needs? Will you ask God to show you one specific way that you can make a difference in the life of someone in need this Advent season? Will you do it?

Heavenly Father, you looked upon our need for a Savior and spared no cost by sending your only Son, Jesus to redeem the world for you. You demonstrated costly generosity for those in need. Teach me to have that same posture as I see the needs of those around me. Use me as your hands and feet to bring relief and hope to people who are desperately in need of it. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

For Further Reading: 2 Peter 2:10b-16 Matthew 3:1-12 Psalm 50