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When Jesus Moves In: An Advent Reflection
The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. —John 1:14, The Message When Read More
Sandra Stogsdill Brown | Read Mark 8:34-38
Some things are just counterintuitive. For example, if we want more energy, expending it through exercise generally gives us more energy than resting too much. If we want to steer a canoe to the right, we paddle on the left. Or to protect ourselves against a disease, we inject ourselves...
God, thank you for all the surprising, often counterintuitive ways that you work in our lives. Give us the courage to lose our lives for your sake. Amen.
We cannot earn God’s love. Going back to the time of Abraham, God’s blessing has been based on faith. God chose Abraham for a covenant not because Abraham was perfect but because he believed God. The psalmist reminds his audience of their ancient relationship with God and expresses the hope that it will continue through future generations. In Romans, Paul reinforces the centrality of faith. Following the law was not bad, but no one should believe that following the law could earn God’s favor. Some of Jesus’ disciples share with him an experience that mystifies them. Trusting God means surrendering everything in faith.
Read Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16. What is the basis of your relationship with God? How comfortable do you feel in it?
Read Psalm 22:23-31. Where do you find hope in troubling times?
Read Romans 4:13-25. How easily do you live in God’s grace? In what areas do you find yourself “reckoning” your righteousness?
Read Mark 9:2-9. When have you found it difficult to believe in things you may not fully understand? What helps you to trust in God?
Respond by posting a prayer.
