December 4th - The Lord's Decree
Reading of Scripture
"I will proclaim the Lord's decree: He said to me, 'You are my son; today I have become your father.'" - Psalm 2:7 (NIV)
In the midst of chaos and rebellion described in the early verses of Psalm 2, we encounter a profound declaration of relationship. The psalmist speaks of an intimate conversation between God and his anointed one, where God declares his fatherhood. This verse echoes through history, finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, whom God publicly declared as His beloved Son.
During this advent season, we often focus on the baby in the manger, but here we're reminded that Jesus' sonship wasn't just about his earthly birth. This relationship between Father and Son existed before time began. When we celebrate Christmas, we're not just celebrating a birth, but the moment when this eternal Son stepped into our world, making it possible for us to also become children of God.
The declaration "You are my son" carries weight beyond mere words. It speaks of authority, inheritance, and intimate relationship. In ancient times, a king's son would inherit not just wealth, but responsibility and purpose. Jesus, as God's Son, came with divine authority and purpose – to rescue and redeem humanity, to make a way for us to be adopted into God's family.
Think about what it means that God sent His Son – not a servant, not an angel, but His Son. This advent season challenges us to consider the magnitude of this gift. Through Jesus, we're invited into this same family relationship with God. When we accept Christ, we too become children of God, inheritors of His promises, and participants in His divine purpose.
Further Reading
"But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.' So you are no longer a slave, but God's child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir." - Galatians 4:4-7 (NIV)
Ask the Following Questions:
1. How does knowing that Jesus is God's Son (rather than just a good teacher or prophet) change how you view His coming to earth?
2. In what ways does your relationship with your earthly father affect how you view God as your heavenly Father? How can you grow in understanding God's perfect fatherhood?
3. Consider your identity as God's child through Christ. How should this impact your daily decisions and relationships with others?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son Jesus to make a way for us to become your children. Help us to grasp the depth of your love shown through Jesus' coming. Give us hearts that trust you as our perfect Father and lives that reflect our identity as your children. May we share the joy of being in your family with others this advent season. In Jesus' name, Amen.