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Advent devotions 2007

November 29 - A worthy message indeed
By Amy Showalter, a junior Bible and religion major from Harrisonburg, Va.

Scripture: Romans 13:11-14 (NRSV)
Scroll down for complete scripture.

Devotional:
At first it might seem odd to consider this passage in the light of Advent. The general call to "live honorably" (and it’s more explicit explanations) seem out of place as we anticipate Christ’s arrival. It reads almost as a rebuke, a form of communication usually absent from the jolly red and white of this commercial holiday.

But when I look to the passages which precede it, I begin to discover a message worthy of this season of expectation. This passage falls on the heels of a reiteration of the Golden Rule. Paul writes, "Love your neighbor as yourself." Romans 13:9-10: "Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law." This often overlooked "love" passage follows the more famous one which speaks of respecting one's government.

I begin to understand today's passage only when I see it in reference to the passages it follows. Paul tells us we fulfill the law through love. We respect the government’s authority, but ultimately recognize loving our neighbor fulfills the law. To love our neighbor is to make all other law unnecessary. To love our neighbor is to follow God even when our world tells us otherwise. This is God's dream, this is the message for which Paul calls us awake: Love your neighbor. This is the message and fulfillment we anticipate and commemorate each Advent as we await the one who has taught us to love (as well as lovingly rebuke). This is the message which will turn the world.

Scripture: Romans 13:11-14 (NRSV)
Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of light; let us live honourably as in the day, not in revelling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarrelling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.

Posted at 21:37 #