Jacob experienced a glimpse of God’s glory and a reminder that God keeps his promises (Genesis 28:10-19a). God eradicates all darkness and knows us better than we know ourselves (Psalm 139). Do not fear (Isaiah 44:6-8)! God’s steadfast love offers mercy and favor (Psalm 86). The Holy Spirit bears witness that we are God’s children through Christ (Romans 8:12-25). All creation patiently waits for evil to be defeated at the end of the age (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43).
Unrestrained appetites can cause God’s people to turn away from the things that are most important (Genesis 25:19-34). Those who are in Christ Jesus have been set free from the law of sin and death and called to walk, not according to the flesh, but according to the desires of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-11). God’s Word illumines a righteous path (Psalm 119:105-112) and waters a seed of everlasting hope (Isaiah 55:10-13). We must acknowledge our need for His forgiveness and blessing (Psalm 65:1-13), for a seed planted in fertile soil produces good fruit (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23).
God raises up those who are humble (Psalm 145:8-14) and surprises his loved ones with companionship (Song of Solomon 2:8-13) and the promise of future blessings (Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 and Psalm 45:10-17). In the context of God’s care, we struggle to be released from the burdens that we place on ourselves and are prone to do the things that we shouldn’t do (Romans 7:15-25a). In the midst of this struggle, Christ still invites us to serve him in humility. He is the King of Peace (Zechariah 9:9-12), and in his service, we will find rest and strength for the journey (Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30).
Abraham demonstrated complete faith in God’s promises and God provided redemption and life (Genesis 22:1-14). Like the saints who came before us, we may bear pain in our souls and question how long we will have to endure trials, but we will remember God’s faithfulness and confess his steadfast love (Psalm 13 and Psalm 89). Even in exile, God sends a word of peace that he will fulfill in time (Jeremiah 28:5-9). Remember that through Christ we have been freed from sin and we live under grace. Therefore, present your whole life and body to God (Romans 6:12-23) by fleeing from sin and offering hospitality in Christ’s name to others (Matthew 10:40-42).
God cares for those who are treated unjustly. They are offered living water and assurance of God’s grace (Genesis 21:8-21). Call to God in the day of trouble. He rules the world and all nations shall bow before him (Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17). Violence, destruction, and terror may surround God’s people, but evildoers will not prevail (Jeremiah 20:7-13). Cry out to God, and at the acceptable time, he will answer in accord with his steadfast love (Psalm 69:7-18). Those who have been baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into his death. Since he has been raised from the dead death no longer holds authority for those who have been found in him (Romans 6:1b-11). Jesus’ followers need not fear anything, for they are precious to God and freed to follow him, even when it requires sacrifice (Matthew 10: 24-39).
God’s promises are often fulfilled in mysterious and unexpected ways. Like Abraham and Sarah, we walk in faith, patiently waiting on God and trusting in his word (Genesis 18:1-15, 21:1-7). He leads his children out of bondage and makes them his treasured possession (Exodus 19:2-8a). Sing praise to God (Psalm 100) and actively commit yourself to the Lord, acknowledging his good gifts (Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19) and the grace he has provided through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1-8). The disciples of Jesus are sent to courageously proclaim the good news in the midst of persecution and danger (Matthew 9:35-10:8).
We look forward to Christ’s second coming (Mal 4:1-2a) and the promise of new heavens and earth (Isaiah 65:17-25). God is our salvation (Isaiah 12) during times of judgment (Malachi 4:-12a) and has done marvelous things worthy of praise (Psalm 98). In anticipation of future glory, we should continue working hard and doing what is right (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13). Stay alert during times of persecution and confusion. Stand firm in the confidence that God will protect and care for his people (Luke 21:5-19).
Eternity and Resurrection “We know that our Redeemer lives (Job 19:23-27a)! We walk in the paths of righteousness, always kept close by the Lord in “the shadow of his wings” (Psalm 17:1-9). We give thanks to him (2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17) and look forward to being resurrected and living with him (Luke 20:27-38).” – Thomas Oden, in Ancient Christian Devotional
Walking the Talk We should do good, seek justice, defend the fatherless and care for the widow (Isaiah 1:10-18). We confess our sins and give thanks that God fogives us (Psalm 32:1-7), pray that we will be worthy of God’s calling (2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12) and are thankful that Christ came to save the lost (Luke 19:1-10). – Thomas Oden in Ancient Christian Devotional
Pursue God with Humility and Faith God promises to restore and save his people (Joel 2:23-32 and Psalm 65). We are prone to wander from God (Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22), but through Jesus Christ, he saves us and gives us the strength to walk in faith (2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18). Humble yourself before the Lord (Luke 18:9-14) and long for his presence (Psalm 84:1-7).
