A Hope Fulfilled - Advent DevotionalSample

In Luke 1, the angel Gabriel appears to two individuals to announce the impending births of their respective children. These two individuals could not be more distinct. The first is an older man of favored heritage, chosen by God to serve in the temple, and who prayed many years for a child despite his age and a barren wife. The next is a young, betrothed girl, a virgin, from a small town who, by all reason, never worried about her ability to have children. Age, gender, heritage, vocation, bodily development, and desire all separate these two individuals. Yet, when told of their soon-to-be-born children by the angel, each responded similarly.

Zechariah, the soon-to-be-father of John the Baptist, asked “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.” Mary, the soon-to-be-mother of Jesus, asked “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” Although similar questions are posed, Gabriel’s responses are as different as the recipients. Zechariah, the experienced and righteous one, was rendered mute until the day of his son’s birth due to an implied unbelief. Mary, the young and inexperienced one, was given one of the most beautiful and affirming responses in all of scripture, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore, the child to be born will be called holy – the Son of God.” The comparison here is not meant to imply that experience and righteous living are wrong, for of course they are good things, but to say that humble submission to the word of God is favored above all else.

During this Advent season, especially during the week ahead, let us receive the word of God with all humility, ready to obey quickly, and rejoice. Despite difficult circumstances and the unknown, we can have faith in God because of his incarnate Son, Jesus, who is our hope fulfilled.

Prayer

Most High God, during this season of Advent, overshadow me with your grace and favor. By your Spirit, empower me to humbly submit to your word quickly. When I do not see a way forward, open my eyes. When I do not trust you are working, help my unbelief. Jesus, thank you for lowering yourself so your people may be lifted high. Amen.

Matthew F. Chandler, M.Div., serves as director of instruction for the Regent University School of Divinity.