Evangelical Lutheran Diocese of North America

Saturday after Ad te levavi, The First Sunday in Advent

Posted on December 8, 2018 by Pastor Dulas under Devotions
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Scripture: Deuteronomy 18:15-19 (NKJV)
 
15 “The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from your brethren. Him you shall hear, 16 according to all you desired of the LORD your God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Let me not hear again the voice of the LORD my God, nor let me see this great fire anymore, lest I die.’
 
17 “And the LORD said to me: ‘What they have spoken is good. 18 I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. 19 And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him.'”
 
Devotion
 
This is one of those texts of Holy Scripture that clearly lays it all on the line. Christ Jesus became ‘the’ Prophet who spoke God’s Word, and for those who refuse to hear Him their very handling of that Word of God will be required of them; it will hold them accountable.
 
God speaks His Word of Promise to His people throughout time. He promised Adam and Eve that the Seed of the woman would crush the head of the serpent. God blessed Noah and his sons, and promised to never send another flood. God blessed Abraham and promised, “in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.” Through Jacob, God blessed Judah: “The scepter shall not depart from Judah.” The Word of God given through Balaam reiterated the blessing bestowed on Judah.
 
As we know from Scripture, God kept that promise by sending His Son. Jesus came into this world, took on our flesh, and fully atoned for the sins of the world—fully meriting forgiveness and salvation. Now, through faith in the promise of forgiveness of sins for Jesus’ sake, believers are rescued from sin, death, and the power of the devil, and are declared justified (righteous in God’s sight).
 
Through the mouth of the greatest Prophet, Jesus Christ, He spoke a promise for everyday: “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Jesus keeps that promise through His Word and Sacraments. Through His Means of Grace Jesus comes to us with the promise of His making full atonement, assuring forgiveness of sins and life eternal to all who believe. What blessed Advent remembrance to begin not just this Church Year, but each and every Church Year!
 
Pray Psalm 111
1 Praise the LORD!
 
I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright and in the congregation.
 
2 The works of the LORD are great, studied by all who have pleasure in them. 3 His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever. 4 He has made His wonderful works to be remembered; The LORD is gracious and full of compassion. 5 He has given food to those who fear Him; He will ever be mindful of His covenant.
 
6 He has declared to His people the power of His works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. 7 The works of His hands are verity and justice; All His precepts are sure. 8 They stand fast forever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness. 9 He has sent redemption to His people; He has commanded His covenant forever: Holy and awesome is His name.
 
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.
 
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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