Good news
Day 471, Tuesday, Nov. 25
Luke Chapters 2 – 3
The prophets foretold a day of the Lord that would bring both judgment and salvation—judgment for the disobedient and salvation for the faithful.
Even before the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus, John makes it clear that Jesus will bring both judgment and salvation.
Beginning in 3:16 we read, “‘I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is at hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.’ And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.”
It’s interesting to note that both chapters 2 and 3 start with a reference to historical events taking place in the Roman world. Much like chapter 1 placed the birth of Jesus firmly in the Jewish tradition, these mentions place it in a broader view of world history as well. Jesus is the savior of the Jews, but he is also savior of the whole world.
-Rev. Mark Fleming
Tuesday meditation
Psalms 33:1-11
Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.
For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love.
By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the people of the world revere him. For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.
The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.
Prayer focus
God, we thank you for both your righteous judgment and your gracious mercy.