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Lent Devotions
February 10, 2016: A Theophilus Near You
Luke 1
I too decided . . . to write an orderly account for you (v. 3).
Luke’s Gospel is special in many ways, not the least of which is that it is the only book of the Bible written by a gentile with obvious concerns for gentiles. Right at the outset Luke introduces us to a friend named Theophilus whom he knows and will carry along in his heart as he writes. Luke also tells us why he writes—so that Theophilus “may know the truth concerning the things about which [he] has been instructed” (v. 4). Somewhere, somehow, a gentile named Theophilus, whose name means Lover of God, came to know and love the Lord, and now Luke intends to contribute to his spiritual well-being by both informing and deepening that love.
Do you have a “Theophilus” in your life to love toward the Lord? Throughout history God has used basic kindness and concern for those outside the faith to effect a change of heart. I want you to give serious consideration to connecting with a Theophilus near you. C. S. Lewis is reported to have said, “If I had one piece of advice to give young people it would be to do all that they can to live near their friends.” As you read these devotionals, consider a friend with whom you might share them. If you do not, then who will?
Prayer: Make us available, Lord, to a Theophilus in our lives.
Today’s devotional was written by Tim Brown, president and Henry Bast professor of preaching at Western Theological Seminary. This Lenten series comes from Words of Hope, whose mission is to build the church in the hard places through media. To learn more about the organization or subscribe to Words of Hope’s daily devotions, visit www.woh.org.
Advent Devotion
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Advent Devotions
Thursday, December 24
Isaiah 9:2-7
I’ve always savored the near-coinciding of Christmas and the northern hemisphere’s winter solstice. The darkest day and the coming of the Light. At what other time of year are we in more need of that light? The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.
Oh, how we need that light. We are sunk blue-low with hopelessness. Like the days, our spirits wane. Sometimes it’s funky brain chemistry and a barren landscape that bring on the melancholy. Sometimes it’s the news feeds and newspapers that leave us in despair. Will the clouds ever break? Will the sun ever return?
You just wait:
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them a light has shined!
Oh, yes, those clouds are breaking. Yes, that sun will soon be blazing. All at once, the light will come.
And that Light, shining in the darkness, will never go out. The darkness will never overcome him. Praise the Lord.
Prayer: My soul waits for you, Lord, more than those who watch for the morning. Your light is on the horizon. A new day is dawning! A day when you will dwell with us, now and forever. Come soon, Lord Jesus!
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Advent Devotions
Advent Devotions:
Wednesday, December 23
1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
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I love how Eugene Peterson puts it in his commentary on 1 Samuel: “Most of us get bigger without getting better.” It’s too often true. There’s no required correspondence between the growth of our bodies and an increase in our spirits. Growing up doesn’t necessarily mean growing wiser.
So it’s pretty remarkable that Samuel does “grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and with the people” (v. 26). As the boy grows older and taller, he also matures spiritually and socially.
He’s in good company. Centuries later, the gospel writer Luke uses that same language to describe two very significant children. One is John the Baptizer, who “grew and became strong in spirit” (Luke 1:80). The other is Jesus, who “grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him” (Luke 2:40).
All three boys had unusual beginnings. Samuel was born to Hannah, who struggled with infertility. John was born to Elizabeth, who was old and had never had children. Jesus was born to Mary, who was so young she wasn’t even married and was still a virgin when she conceived!
All three boys were set apart even before their births, and the lives of all three were dedicated to God. All three were prophets of one sort or another, proclaiming the coming kingdom of God.
In these final days before Christmas, let’s dedicate ourselves to God. Let’s turn over our lives to him so that we can play a part in ushering in the kingdom. As another year passes, let us grow not only older but more and more like Jesus.
Prayer: God, I don’t want to just keep growing older without becoming more like you. I don’t want to find myself at the end of my life no more mature than the day I was born. Make me like Samuel, like John, like Jesus himself—devoted to you, filled with wisdom, and growing strong in spirit and in favor with you.
The Advent devotions follow the Common Lectionary texts. You may use the devotions in a number of ways, but you are encouraged to do the following: 1.Read the passage through at least once. (Each devotion includes a link to the Scripture passage for the day.)
2.Reflect on the passage and pay attention to how God might be using it to speak to you.
3.Read and consider the devotion.
4.End in prayer. You may begin with the prayer offered at the end of each devotion or pray your own prayer.
Advent Devotions
Tuesday, December 22
Colossians 3:12-17
I know, I know. It’s three days before Christmas. If you’re like me, you’re probably still scrambling to finish up your Christmas shopping. You have no time to let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.
That’s all the more reason to let it. Let this word of Christ dwell in you. Go back and read Colossians 3:12-17 again. (I skimmed it the first time, too.) Settle into the passage and let it settle into you.
Do you hear those most amazing first words? As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved.
God’s chosen ones! Do you know who else God chose? God chose Israel to be his people. He chose Mary, the favored one, to deliver his Son into the world.
And he chose Jesus. Jesus is the ultimate chosen one, the ultimate beloved (Matthew 12:18).
We are among those God has chosen. We are among those God has called beloved. And as God’s chosen ones, we’re among those God calls to a life of faithfulness, a life of forgiveness, a life of love and thankfulness and wisdom.
Everything following verse 12 directs us in how to live, but those instructions are rooted in our identity as chosen ones. God’s love for us isn’t dependent upon our ability to follow his commands. But our character and our lives do rest fully on being God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved.
We are chosen. We are beloved. Let’s get that word into our hearts, and let’s live like it.
Prayer: I’m stunned, Lord, that you would choose me. I don’t fathom your ways, but I’m grateful that you call me your beloved. Along with all of your chosen ones, help me to live a life of faithfulness.
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Advent Devotions
Monday, December 21
Psalm 148
In case we had forgotten, the coming of Christ will affect more than just us humans. We’re not the only ones who will rejoice when he arrives.
The heavens will praise him: the sun and moon, constellations and celestial bodies!
The weather will praise him: rain, snow, wind, and hail!
The earth will praise him: hills and mountains, fruit trees and cedars!
The creatures will praise him: the birds of the air, the wild animals on the land, the sea monsters of the deep!
The people will praise him: rulers and ordinary folks, women and men, young and old!
Christ’s coming has cosmic implications. Since the fall, the whole of creation has been subjected to futility, is bound to decay, and groans with longing (Romans 8:20-22). But when Christ comes again, that creation—from microscopic yeast spores to bioluminescent sea creatures, from house cats to planets, from ice crystals to the blazing sun—will be set free.
Praise the Lord!
Prayer: Creator and Redeemer, you are marvelous. Your works are wonderful. Remind me that I’m not the only one who is affected by sin in the world. And I’m not the only one who will benefit from your salvation. As I notice your creation today, I join your creatures in praise.
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St Croix Reformed Church 
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