December 17th - Sanctuary and Stumbling Block

Reading of Scripture

"He will be a sanctuary; but for both houses of Israel he will be a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall. And for the people of Jerusalem he will be a trap and a snare." (Isaiah 8:14)

During Advent, we often focus on the comforting aspects of Christ's coming – the baby in the manger, peace on earth, and God's love for humanity. Yet Isaiah reminds us that Jesus' arrival would also be deeply challenging for many people, particularly those who thought they had God figured out.

Think about a time when you were absolutely certain about something, only to discover you were wrong. Maybe it was a scientific fact you learned in school that was later disproven, or perhaps a longtime friend who turned out to be different than you imagined. It's unsettling when our certainties are challenged. This was the experience many had when Jesus arrived – not as the conquering king they expected, but as a humble servant who would turn their understanding of God's kingdom upside down.

The image of a sanctuary and a stumbling stone seems contradictory, yet it perfectly captures the dual nature of Christ's impact. For those who embrace Him with humility, recognizing their need for grace, He becomes a place of refuge and safety. But for those who cling to their own righteousness or expectations, His presence becomes an obstacle they cannot overcome.

This Advent season invites us to examine our own hearts. Are there ways we've tried to put God in a box of our own making? Have we sometimes missed His presence because He didn't match our expectations? The beauty of the gospel is that even when we stumble, the very stone that caused our fall can become our foundation if we're willing to build upon it rather than reject it.

Further Reading:

"As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says: 'See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.'" (1 Peter 2:4-6)

Ask the Following Questions:

1. What expectations do you have about how God should work in your life? Are there any areas where these expectations might be preventing you from seeing His actual work?

2. When has God showed up in your life in unexpected ways? How did this experience change your understanding of who He is?

3. In what ways might you be trying to make Jesus fit your preferences rather than allowing Him to transform you according to His will?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, during this Advent season, help us to see You as You truly are, not as we wish You to be. Give us humble hearts to recognize when our expectations become stumbling blocks to experiencing Your presence. Thank You for being both our sanctuary and our foundation. Guide us to trust You even when Your ways surprise or challenge us. May we find refuge in You and help others to do the same. In Your name we pray, Amen.