Advent Day 5
21 Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he stayed so long in the temple. 22 When he came out, he could not speak to them. They realized he had seen a vision in the temple, for he kept making signs to them but remained unable to speak.
23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”
Luke 1:21-25
We are anticipating the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, our Lord. This is advent. And this year we are following Luke’s gospel as he passes on to us the eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life.
To be childless in many world cultures is to be in disgrace. It’s interesting when you consider the Genesis 1 purpose of humanity. Almost like a lingering memory of what we were made for.
Why is it a disgrace or shameful to be childless? Well, mostly, it’s because you are considered to be cursed by God.
But here we see a glimmer of what is to come. A promised child of God takes away Elizabeth’s shame.
So it will be with Jesus, but in a way far greater than any might imagine. He will take away the shame of sin and our disgrace for failing to live according to God’s purposes.
And He’ll do it by taking that shame and disgrace onto Himself at the cross. Through Jesus we are restored to fellowship and community with God. What a thing.
For Today:
Pray:
23 When his time of service was completed, he returned home. 24 After this his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and for five months remained in seclusion. 25 “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.”
Luke 1:21-25
We are anticipating the birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, our Lord. This is advent. And this year we are following Luke’s gospel as he passes on to us the eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ life.
To be childless in many world cultures is to be in disgrace. It’s interesting when you consider the Genesis 1 purpose of humanity. Almost like a lingering memory of what we were made for.
Why is it a disgrace or shameful to be childless? Well, mostly, it’s because you are considered to be cursed by God.
But here we see a glimmer of what is to come. A promised child of God takes away Elizabeth’s shame.
So it will be with Jesus, but in a way far greater than any might imagine. He will take away the shame of sin and our disgrace for failing to live according to God’s purposes.
And He’ll do it by taking that shame and disgrace onto Himself at the cross. Through Jesus we are restored to fellowship and community with God. What a thing.
For Today:
- Do you feel shame at your sin?
- Why are we separated from God because of sin?
- Rejoice today that you have community and fellowship with God through Jesus!
Pray:
- Praise the Father that He is holy and gracious.
- Give thanks for Jesus who takes away our shame.
- Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others rejoice today in your shame taken away.
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