Today is the second Sunday in Advent. Traditionally, the theme is love; I hold to that tradition.
By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 Jn. 4:9-10
Our fallen human nature cannot love God; our carnal nature is at war with God (see Rom. 8:7). He loved us regardless. Love is in high demand, with the hate and evil of the past couple weeks; terrorism and evil seem to be overtaking the world, but Love overcame, and has victory over death, hell, and the grave—yesterday, today, and forever.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Rom. 5:8
God loves us. In the midst of a fallen, sinful, broken world, the love of God is displayed toward us. In Exodus, God called Moses to the top of the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments, and to receive the pattern for the Tabernacle, a pattern that designated Aaron to be the high priest. At the moment that Aaron led the Israelites into idolatry with a golden calf, God was preparing the propitiation that would redeem Aaron and the people. He did that for us as well. He loves us so much that He provided a way to redeem us—fallen, sinful, and broken people we are. He loves us that much. He redeemed us and called us His own.
See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are For this reason the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 1 Jn. 3:1
It all began in a garden, this Redemption story. In Genesis 3:15 is the protoevangelium—the first promise of the Savior that would come to redeem His fallen children. The story is recorded in the Holy Writ; beginning in Genesis and fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel. Gen. 3:15
He loved the world so much that He sent His beloved Son, to redeem you and me. When the Father could have turned away, He instead sent His Son, to dwell with us and be our God, He came and Tabernacled with us. He ordained it from the foundation of the world.
Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given Me, be with Me where I am, so that they may see My glory which You have given Me, for You loved Me before the foundation of the world. Jn. 17:24
Jesus, in His moving prayer in John’s gospel reveals the heart of God toward a fallen, broken world, and fallen, broken humanity.
Love is the reason for the first Advent. Love is the reason for the second. He will dwell with us forever.
Rest this Sabbath in the Love of God. Let your love shine in this advent season, so that we can spread His love throughout the earth. This is the reason for the season.
No comments:
Post a Comment