Down to Earth: A Christmas Devotional JourneySample

Day 10: The Rescue

Reflection

Let’s go back to the tax queue in 1st-Century Judea.

As the people shuffle closer to the booth, the desire to throw off Roman rule burns deep in many of their hearts. They want that Messiah, that David Figure, that Individual who is equal parts Mighty Warrior and Tactful Diplomat, ready to rescue the descendants of Abraham. Rescue is indeed on the agenda – but not in the way they’d expected.

In today’s passage, after the Angel of the Lord tells Abraham not to sacrifice his son Isaac, the Angel then reaffirms God’s Covenant with Abraham. His descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky and the sand on the beach. And because he has obeyed the Lord, all the nations on Earth will be blessed through his offspring.

Or, if you like, all people who call on the Lord will be rescued through his offspring. The shackles of sin that had been affixed to Humanity in the Fall would be spectacularly shattered with three nails, two bits of wood, and one sinless Savior. Our Heavenly Father and His willing, down-to-earth Son Jesus hold nothing back.

God came down to Earth to rescue Humanity from the forces of evil. And more than that, He will redeem it all. All our working, resting, and being will be made new.

Prayer

God of The Rescue, help me to remember the Cross this Christmas, and celebrate not just Your Arrival but also Your whole Rescue Mission.