Grace and Peace to you from God our Father and from Our Lord Jesus Christ.
I hope you've had a good week! It has been super busy for me. In addition to writing some new content for the website, and writing this newsletter, it is also the last few weeks of the Winter Quarter at ALTS, which means that papers and assignments are coming due. Very hectic!
I can see the light at the end of the seminary tunnel! Graduation is getting closer with each Quarter. If you would like to support me and my education, I would be very appreciative! I am currently trying to raise about $250 to cover the remaining expenses of this quarter. You can click this link to donate some money, should you feel so lead. I deeply appreciate it.
As far as the website goes, I've started the process of building courses! I hope to have the first one fully filmed, edited, and ready to go by January. My goal is the beginning of January, but really any time in January would be fine.
If you haven't yet, consider getting a paid membership! It will include all the courses at no extra cost, along with Bible Study materials and other downloadable content.
Well, it's time for the devotional!
Scripture of the week
“There will be signs in the sun and the moon and the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men fainting from fear and expectation of what is coming on the inhabited earth. For the powers of heaven will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
Luke 21:25-27, Modern English Version
Collect
Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of Your only-begotten Son, that by His coming we may be enabled to serve You with pure minds; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
Devotional Thought:
What a terrifying image our Lord gives us here of the coming judgment! The Lord, Mighty and Powerful, is coming to the Earth and men dread it! They faint from fear and expectation! What an awful thing for mankind, that the Lord would visit the Earth and dwell among us.
We are so sinful and unclean, we are so wicked and evil. Even you, Dear Reader. You do not keep the law as you should. You hide your pet sins and plan evil in your heart. And when you do keep the law, is it out of love for your neighbor and love for God? Or is it out of obligation?
Who are we, sinful wretches that we are, to have the Lord God walk among us? Like Adam and Eve, we hide among the bushes and trees to avoid the sight of the Lord. We cover ourselves with leaves and hope that He cannot see our shame.
We imagine that when the Lord comes to the Earth, that He comes in judgment. The Lord of Retribution. But in this precious Advent season we see something else about our Lord, something no one expects: He is a Lord who is all too willing to subvert our expectation.
Read with me, Verse 28:
When these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, for your redemption is drawing near.
The Lord God does, in fact, come to the Earth in Judgement. He is, in fact, the Lord of Retribution. But when He comes to the Earth, He comes as a small baby. Incarnate of the Virgin Mary, He grows in Wisdom and Stature among men. Fully God, and yet Fully Man.
And then, just a few short years into His ministry, proclaiming the Good News and love of God, He is carried away under the cover of darkness to be murdered by the Pharisees. To die a death that He did not deserve.
And here, the expectation of the Coming of the Lord is fully subverted. In His death on the Cross, Christ passes judgment on sin, and takes His vengeance on Death.
When men hear of the coming of the Lord, they quake with fear. But you have no reason to be afraid. Because you know the Lord, and you know His love. You know that He comes not to destroy you, but to destroy that which harms you. He comes to save you.
What a blessing!
Faith in Action
- Prayer Challenge: Pray each day that the Lord would help you live as a person of the Advent. That is, as a person who is faithfully waiting for the coming of the Lord Jesus.
Recommended Resource
📖 American Lutheran Theological Seminary
If you have ever thought about learning more about the Bible, or even going into pastoral ministry, ALTS has amazing programs taught by some incredibly gifted and intelligent men. There are many different degrees and programs available that will help you learn, grow, and deepen your faith! Also, as far as Master's Degrees go, I think you can get one for less than $16,000 right now - which is pretty sweet.
Community Connection
Please pray for my pastor, Rev. Joseph Christina, as he goes into surgery tomorrow (December 8th) to have a prostatectomy to resolve prostate cancer.
The Lord bless you this week,
In Christ,
Remy Sheppard
Host of Lutheran Answers
Does this resonate with you? Let me know if you'd like additions, subtractions, or changes! Just leave a comment and let me know!
