2nd Week of Advent: the Really Good News -- GOD with US!
/But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Luke 2:10 NIV
"The Good News isn't just that Jesus died for our sins. The Good News is EMMANUEL...GOD WITH US!" So declared Deb at the end of our Bible Study.
As John and I drove home that evening, we reflected on her statement. We recalled a conversation we had had years before when we were discussing what the heart of the gospel ("Good News") is. The Good News isn't just that our sins are forgiven so we can go to heaven someday (and now we just do the best we can in the meantime).
The heart of it all is GOD is with US! In Christ's own Person, heaven and earth meet and kiss, so to speak! In His very own Self, God and Man are forever joined.
Because of His Person and His Work, Jesus Christ, the Eternal Son of God, joins those of us who were once enemies, alone and without hope, to the Living God. Now we are friends of God, His children...dare we even say it? in union with Him! GOD with US! And that is truly News that is GOOD! And there's a Bible word for that -- reconciliation.
For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation. Colossians 1:21-22 NIV
This week, rejoice in the truly Good News: GOD with US! No more chasm* between God and us...Emmanuel has come! (Romans 5:1-11 and 2 Cor 5:16-21)
Readings for the 2nd Week of Advent:
Sunday -- John 5:17-24
Monday --John 5:25-47
Tuesday -- Matt 9:32-38
Wednesday -- Mark 8:27-38
Thursday -- Mark 9:33-37
Friday -- Mark 10:13-31
Saturday -- Luke 19:28-40
*Navigator Bridge illustration This diagram is very familiar to many Christians. But whether it's familiar or new to you, why not rehearse afresh the glory of our reconciliation through the Incarnate Christ, our Emmanuel.
PS Dear friends,
If you are struggling to feel connected to the Lord, though you may know in your head you belong to Him, please consider reading and exploring The With-ness of our God: Relationship in Every Dimension. This volume reveals a God who is intimately and securely united with us through faith in His Son Emmanuel. In it you will find manna for your heart, not just your head. You will discover there not only simple, practical instruction, but also meditation, stories for application, questions for journaling and just pondering...and more.
Or maybe you aren't struggling but just want to go deeper...this is for you too. You can dive into the deep or stay on the surface...your choice.
Christmas is also a good time to not only read and meditate on this topic, but also to share it with others as a gifts.
And the book is very accessible and affordable. You can purchase on online at Amazon and other retailers (see links at The Withness of our God). It's available in paperback or hardback. And I've priced the ebook at the lowest possible price, $3.99.
So please take a look and consider walking with us on this journey into The With-ness of our God: Relationship in Every Dimension.
And thank you for your grace!
