Advent 2024: Days Eighteen and Nineteen

Advent Day Eighteen: If Jesus Had Not Come, We Would Not Know His Gentleness

Once a people lived under the care of a powerful and gentle King described in Isaiah 40:11 like this,

“He will tend his flock like a shepherd;

he will gather the lambs in his arms;

he will carry them in his bosom,

and gently lead those that are with young.”

But the people responded with treachery, believing the grass would be greener on the other side. The villain who misled them, held them captive in his lifeless, unsatisfying land. The people were no longer gently led, but cruelly driven.

What if Jesus had not come? We would have no hope of escape to return to life and godliness where delight and pleasure are found; where relationship with the King means indescribable TLC.

But Jesus did come!

Our Shepherd came as a Lamb to live, die, and rise again for our redemption. He offered the invitation our souls could not have lived without,

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you,

and learn from me,

for I am gentle and lowly in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

Our lives should reflect the fact that we are lead by a gentle King, not driven by a cruel taskmaster.

Our warning comes from James 3:17 while we still have time to draw near to Him for salvation and remain there to learn from Him,

“But the wisdom from above is first pure,

then peaceable,

gentle,

open to reason,

full of mercy and good fruits,

impartial and sincere.”

Lord, praise You for inviting us into this! May many choose Your gentleness, that we might reflect it wherever we go.

Advent Day Nineteen: If Jesus Had Not Come, We Would Not Know Self-Control

Once a people lived in perfection. Every impulse, emotion, or behavior achieved delight and honored their Creator. But the Serpent lured the people into sin, and like a harmful virus, it caused them to crave disastrous things.

What if Jesus had not come? Satan’s plan would continue over those created in God’s image. We would forever be controlled by impulses meant to harm us, not help us. As Proverbs 25:28 reveals, we would forever be like a city broken into and left without walls.

But Jesus did come!

“She will bear a son,

and you shall call his name Jesus,

for he will save his people from their sins.”

Matthew 1:21

He came and brought salvation, providing the gift of the Holy Spirit who gives us self-control. God is always in control and never does anything outside of what’s best. He offers the same for us.

“…in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us,

who walk not according to the flesh

but according to the Spirit.”

Romans 8:4

Our flesh wants to take the reins, but we’re to tell our flesh what to do. We want to strengthen our spiritual muscles by growing in reliance on Christ. That will weaken our flesh from roaring over us and driving us into sin.

Our warning is in Genesis 4:7 where God says to Cain,

“If you do well, will you not be accepted?

And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door.

Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”

Lord, may we see sin as the horror it is with devastating consequences. May we not lean on our own power, but choose the self-control found in You!