Monday, December 12
Isaiah 29:1-14 and Jude 1-25
Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 24-25
Thinking back over the last three years versus thinking back over the entirety of my life, I see a pattern that has emerged. My life and the lives of others around the world have been changed. A lifetime of trouble, heartache and pain was seemingly condensed into a three-year period. The outcome – a gradual turning away from the one true God of our fathers, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Jude warns us of the dangers of false teachers and their impact on Christians around the world. Medical doctors, public health officials, and mental health professionals all professed to have the answer to issues permeating our homes and disrupting our daily activities. These answers helped many of us make it through the COVID-19 pandemic. These same answers presented subtle alternatives to whom we should trust. Over time, some questioned the need to attend church—even to celebrate our resurrected Savior.
The Scriptures we read today offers a reminder…a warning of sorts, of the ways in which we may each stumble when we allow others to influence our understanding of the Word of God, causing false doctrine to creep into our lives. These doctrines may be medically and psychologically sound, balanced enough to give us an understanding that seems right. Yet apart from Jesus Christ our Lord, even the seemingly best of intentions can distract us from eternal joy.
This season reminds us to step away from busy lives and reflect on the significance of Christ’s birth. During this advent season, remember to pray and be in God’s Word to build up our immunity to the distractions of this world through faith, to wrap ourselves up in the love of God, and to wait for the mercies of God that lead to eternal life (Jude 21). As we anchor ourselves to the Rock, there may be times when we are down or a little delayed, but in Christ, we are never defeated.
DR. KEN HARRIS
School of Business, CUW
About this series
“Advent Anticipation: the arrival of our Savior” is a sampling of biblical meditations composed by members of the CUWAA community. It is our prayer that you will take time during the Advent season to read and reflect upon God’s Word and await the coming of Jesus with newfound enthusiasm and anticipation through the Holy Spirit.