Advent devotions 2007

Wed, 5 Dec 2007

December 6 - Coming to restore unity
By Phil Schmidt, a junior Bible and religion major from Berne, Ind.

Scripture: Romans 15:4-13 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
Paul is speaking on practical terms in this section of his letter to the Romans. The first several chapters of Romans speak about the theology of Christianity, and now Paul is emphasizing to the diverse Roman church how exactly to practice this theology.

Paul refers back to the Old Testament several times in a row to emphasize the steadfastness of God and the unity in worshipping God together. These references point to several places where all nations are to join in the hope of God and in worshipping God. Paul is pointing to these passages, saying that Christians can respond to this message by living in unity with one another so that all people can praise God with one voice.

The centralizing theme of this unity is Christ, our Lord. Jesus welcomes all people into free communion with God who is the God of hope, and this hope is sustained by the power of the Holy Spirit. In this season of Advent, we wait and hope expectantly for our Savior to come and turn the world upside-down. This passage fits in nicely because all people can participate in the steadfastness and encouragement of God through Christ Jesus. Jesus was born to restore unity with God and unity between all people so that all may worship God with one voice.

In this season, we can take heart that Christ is coming to restore unity! Let us lift our voices together as one in praising God, our Creator, Redeemer and Sustainer. And now, may the God of hope fill each of us with all joy and peace in believing, so that we may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Scripture: Romans 15:4-13 (NRSV)
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,

'Therefore I will confess you among the Gentiles, and sing praises to your name'; and again he says,

'Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people';

and again,

'Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him';

and again Isaiah says,

'The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the Gentiles;

in him the Gentiles shall hope.'

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.


Posted at 18:13 #



Disclaimer:
The views and beliefs expressed in the devotional piece prepared by each individual reflect their own spiritual growth journey and thoughts, and while created in a campus environment that encourages thoughtful questions and reflection on biblical Scripture and contemporary Christian themes, do not necessarily represent the official institutional positions of Goshen College or Mennonite Church USA.