Second Sunday of Advent: Obedience in the Face of Uncertainty

Read: Luke 1:26-38 and Matthew 1:18-25

Devotional:

Have you ever been given an instruction that didn’t make any sense? I’ve found myself in this situation a number of times, particularly when relying on GPS to guide me to a new location. GPS often gets confused in rural areas or in busy urban spots. After circling the same building ten times or driving into multiple dead end roads in the countryside, I always end up tired and frustrated. This isn’t the path I wanted to take, nor the destination I had in mind!

While GPS is manmade, and therefore flawed — as is the driver who may or may not have typed the wrong location at times — the One who guides our life path is perfect. However, when God leads us places where we don’t want to be, we often feel tired, frustrated, and confused. We may even try to run in the other direction!

Mary and Joseph already seem like really amazing people before they receive their callings. Joseph’s original plan before hearing from the angel is honorable and loving. However, they still are human. Based on the angel’s first words to Mary, she likely was afraid of him (who wouldn’t be?). And Joseph’s initial inclination in the face of troubling circumstances was to make his own plan and rely on his own understanding of the law. When we are in the face of the unknown, it’s okay for us experience the natural feeling of alarm, and then try to take control of our situation by planning and strategizing.

However, we must also learn from Mary and Joseph’s response after God gives them new instructions. God doesn’t tell them all the details of how His plan will work out and He doesn’t promise that their lives will be easy and free from public ridicule by obeying Him. However, He promises that He will use them for His glory and they can trust in Him. They rely on these promises by immediately obeying God and even rejoicing over the chance to fulfill His new covenant for their people — really, for all of us! I don’t know about you, but I am really thankful they obeyed.

What emotions do you experience when you are in an unknown, potentially unsettling or even dangerous, situation? Is your natural response to turn to God and ask for His wisdom and peace? Do you cling to your own understanding or try to escape difficult situations?

Obedience is hard because it requires us to admit that we are not in control and we do not know everything. God is the only one who can lead us to the path of righteousness and without Him, we would be lost forever. Obedience also can mean letting go of our dreams, at least for now. Mary and Joseph likely looked forward to a joyful wedding and time as a couple. While their marriage began chaotically, they not only experienced greater love than they ever could’ve imagined, but they also allowed all of us to experience life-shattering love that redeems us.

Your dreams are beautiful and valid. By being a creation of God, you are designed to think of such incredible aspirations. But if you as the creation can imagine a beautiful life, just think of what your Creator has in store for you! His dreams are higher than our dreams, and when we truly trust in Him, we will be able to appreciate those dreams too.

Questions:

• What is at least one dream you have seen come to fruition in your life? It can be as “big” or “small” as you want!
• What is one dream you have for the future?
• What is one step you can take to offer that dream to God and rely on Him with the results?
• Are you in a time of uncertainty or difficulty? If so, what is one act of self-care you can take to rest and reflect on how God might be leading you in this time?
• If not, think of someone you know going through a hard time, perhaps even being ridiculed by others, as Mary and Joseph were likely treated. How can you show them love this Christmas?

Sing:

What Child Is This?

Hark! The Harold Angel Sings!