Friday, December 18

Luke 1:39-45
Think back to last Saturday, when we read Luke 3:15-18.

There in the desert, John makes it clear that he is not the Messiah.

But that isn’t the first time he acknowledges the distinction between himself and Jesus.

Here in his mother Elizabeth’s belly, John leaps for joy at the presence of Jesus. It’s irrelevant that John was conceived first or that he’ll enter the world first. He knows, even in the womb, that Jesus is greater.

One day, when he’s grown up, he’ll say, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me” (John 1:15). The chronology is complicated, but the point is this: though John is conceived first in a temporal sense—he is a few months older than his cousin Jesus—Jesus is actually eternal. Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh, the Word who was in the beginning, the Word who was with God, the Word who was God (John 1:1).

Somehow, though not yet born, John senses this. He senses that he’s in the presence of someone far greater than he. And he flings out his little limbs in joy. His movement is so dramatic that his mother experiences it as if he’s leaping. This isn’t a flutter or even a kick.

John jumps for joy as he meets his king.

Prayer: Jesus, you are far greater than I am. You are eternal, the king of the universe. Even as a fetus, you were nothing less than God himself. In your presence today, I will jump for joy.

Wednesday, December 16

Psalm 80:4-7
Today’s verses follow on the heels of yesterday’s. But today the psalmist’s accusations grow stronger.

It’s not just that God hasn’t been doing what he used to. Now the psalmist charges God with active cruelty—being angry despite the people’s prayers, feeding them with the bread of tears, making them the laughingstock of the neighborhood.

The amazing thing is, though, that the psalmist still turns to God. Though he is frustrated with God and believes God to be the source of Israel’s suffering, he’s also convinced that God will be the source of her salvation. The psalmist knows that Israel exists because God called her into existence. The psalmist knows that he himself is God’s creature and that his restoration will come through God alone.

Are you convinced of that? Are you convinced that God is the source of your salvation, even though the opposite may feel true?

In case you’re not, remember this: “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17). Jesus Christ has come and is already at work restoring his creatures. He wants you to have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10).

Prayer: O God of our salvation, I turn to you for help. In the midst of suffering, it’s hard for me to believe that you also bring salvation. But I want to believe. Help my unbelief. Remind me of your deep love for me, love that you have shown in Jesus Christ.

Tuesday, December 15

Psalm 80:1-3

Read over the psalm again. Hear the pleading in the psalmist’s voice: Give ear, O Shepherd! Stir up your might and come save us!

The psalmist remembers the days when security seemed easy to come by. All it took was carrying the ark of the covenant and the people of Israel were safe.

The ark of the covenant was a great gold chest topped by two gleaming angels, their wings outstretched to meet each other, marking the space where God dwelled. It housed the Ten Commandments—the covenant between God and Israel. It was not to be touched.

When they traveled through the wilderness, the ark went first, carried on poles by priests. The two cherubim perched upon the ark, indicating God’s presence and protecting God’s people. When the priests carrying the ark stepped into the Jordan River, the river’s current ceased and the people crossed on dry ground (Joshua 3). When Israel’s priests and warriors marched around the city of Jericho with the ark in their midst, the walls collapsed, and Israel captured the city (Joshua 6).

The psalmist cries out to God: You who are enthroned upon the cherubim! Where have you gone? Can you hear us? Do what you used to do: come save us!

Maybe you sense that void in your own life—the God who once seemed so near, who used to go before you and make your future secure, who protected you through your childhood and early adulthood, has seemed to disappear. You feel that you’re on your own.

Follow the psalmist’s lead. Turn to God and ask God to turn to you. Beg him. Seek him.

Prayer: O Shepherd, I’m losing hope. You used to guide me like a sheep from your flock. You used to go before me and smooth my path. Where have you gone? Listen to my cries! Muster up your power and save me! Restore me. Let your face shine.