Advent Lectionary Readings
Isaiah 11:1-9
Micah 4:8-13
Luke 7:31-35
"To what can I compare the people of this
generation?" Jesus asked. "How can I describe them? They are like
children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends,
'We played wedding songs, and you didn't dance, so we played funeral songs, and
you didn't weep.' For John the Baptist didn't spend his time eating bread or
drinking wine, and you say, 'He's possessed by a demon.' The Son of Man, on the
other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, 'He's a glutton and a drunkard, and
a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!' But wisdom is shown to be right
by the lives of those who follow it." Luke 7:31-35
Is our generation any different? How would Jesus
describe us? Are we like those children playing games? Are we complaining? Complacent? Distracted? Self-centered? Just focused on
being entertained or on the current political situation. We should be fans…but
fans who are fanatical about Jesus—about being His disciples and going out to
spread His word. Living our best to show how Jesus changes our life.
The Pharisees
thought Jesus was a friend of tax
collectors and other sinners. Just because He spent time with those types
of people He was judged to be like them. Who do people think of as your
“friends” and are you considered like them? Would you consider becoming a
friend to someone thought to be a cheat…as the tax collectors were judged? How
about being a friend to sinners…or homeless? Could you do that? What would God
think of you if you reached out to His children who are less fortunate than
you?
 |
| We are like our friends. |
We are known
by our friends. People judge us…right or wrong…with whom we keep company. We
become like those we “hang out” with. Hasn’t that always been the warning…“Be
careful who you become friends with?” Wise people choose wise friends—or we can
assume they win “wise friends” and conversely, those with wild friends will be
“wild” as described in Proverbs…
The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life; a
wise person wins friends. Proverbs
11:30
Young people who obey the law are wise; those with
wild friends bring shame to their parents. Proverbs 28:7
Do you want
to be known as “good” or “evil?”
Dear friend, don't let this bad example influence
you. Follow only what is good. Remember that those who do good prove that they
are God's children, and those who do evil prove that they do not know God. 3 John 1:11
Prayer ~ Lord, I daily search my heart...and
repent of my thoughts, words and actions that are not pleasing to You. It is
appropriate to seek you...and live to please You during this Advent season in
preparation to forever being with You. Protect those in Israel—may they come to
know You, Jesus, as their Messiah. Give them Your peace.
Daily Bible Reading: Titus
Advent Random Act of Kindness - Make hot
chocolate to share--top with whipped cream!
Only
6 Days Until Christmas
© 2018 photo and
text by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All
scripture quoted from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.
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