November 30, 2010 – Bride Price
Scripture: Genesis 24: 52-53 (NIV)
When Abraham’s servant heard what they said, he bowed down to the ground before the LORD. Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewelry and articles of clothing and gave them to Rebekah; he also gave costly gifts to her brother and to her mother.
Devotion:
The above verses may seem strange for an Advent devotion. But read on and I think you find that my mind processes are not all that strange.
This is one of the very first references to "gift" in the Bible (at least in the NIV). I find it interesting that basically Abraham's servant is paying a bride price for Rebekah (at least maybe a token of what is to come). It is an interesting aspect of this idea of gift.
I believe this a foreshadowing of the price that Christ would ultimately pay for His bride. One may not see this as something uniquely Jewish or Christian but I believe it also points to another of God's gifts to us – the spark of divinity that ties us to Him; no, I don't think we are divine in any sense but it is that aspect of our nature when God created us "in His image" that connects us to Him. When God breathes life into us, His Spirit dwells within us and we move in the stream in some small way, though imperfect. The "bride price" is something that I believe shows God's plan for His ultimate gift long before it came to light in the life of man.
Father, You paid more than gold and silver jewelry and articles of clothing and costly gifts to buy us back. Your gifts are many and various, from the gift of being created in Your image to the gift of Your Spirit that brings us life. May we come to you as a pure bride, receiving and cherishing the gifts of Your love. In the Name of Jesus, our Redeemer. Amen.
Well, I could start this off the same way as last year – I still have not kept up with this blog like I would like – I could say I have a better excuse that last year but still.
I wanted to again share some Advent devotions even though I'm not writing them for a church as I have in the past. In fact, they aren't even written yet since I'm not printing them this year. The theme for this year is "Gifts".
Again, I hope you enjoy them, maybe they'll make you think, and I hope they add to your celebration of Advent and Christmas.
Be well,
Steve
Here's the first one:
November 29, 2010 – Gifts
Scripture: Ruth 2: 13
May I continue to find favor in your eyes, my lord,” she said. “You have put me at ease by speaking kindly to your servant—though I do not have the standing of one of your servants.
Devotion
Kathy and I usually alternate between our families for Christmas and Thanksgiving. Due to our finances and Kathy's work schedule, we didn't get together with her family at Thanksgiving. It's always an interesting time – we celebrate Thanksgiving on Thursday and usually open Christmas presents on Friday (followed by going out later to one of the latest movies that we all want to see). It's always amazing how we can amass such a large pile of gifts and in a few hours have them all unwrapped and put away (so as to not lose or misplace pieces, parts, or what-not).
Gifts are mentioned from Genesis to Revelation in one form or fashion. Gifts are given for brides, for peace, for many different reasons. We view gifts differently in each stage of our life and this is seen in the gifts and the giving of them also. In this season of gift-giving (and receiving), I want to look at various aspects of gifts – some very much related to Christmas and some not – at least not apparently. I want to look at how we give and receive and how God gives and receives gifts (What gifts does God receive? I'll share some of that later).
Ruth finds favor with Boaz and receives the gift of his kindness and care. She is comforted and put at ease and yet feels unworthy of the gift. How often do we feel unworthy of the gifts we receive? Why? Because we can't give a gift that is just as good? Because we haven't earned it? Maybe Ruth earned Boaz's respect and care but that was not her motivation in her actions.
Are we good enough to receive gifts? Is that our motivation?
Our Guardian and Our Redeemer, may be continue to find comfort in Your words as you continue to show Your Favor to us, though we are not worthy. May we see Your gifts with fresh eyes and may we share our gifts with others. Amen
Started this last night then the computer crashed ;-(
I haven't written in a while – moves, hospital visits (for Dad), holidays, and life in general have gotten in the way. I do intend to do my Advent devotions again so you'll see a few more tidbits in the next month.
How was your week? I know that it was Thanksgiving week here in the US? How was that for you who celebrated? Our family was together but we saw Dad go back to the hospital on Wednesday (he had just come home the Wednesday before). We received word that our uncle Jerry passed away on Tuesday (my sister Tina, my niece Alexis, and I made the trip down and back on Saturday for the funeral). We celebrated Thanksgiving in shifts – eating and visiting Dad in the hospital. Doesn't sound like a good week does it?
But somewhere in the midst of all this, I realized that as much as I complain about my life and my problems, I must admit that I am blessed. I've got a great family, a wonderful wife, and though money is tight, we are not going to go hungry. Scripture says, "Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and forget not His benefits". I guess this is all part of my thoughts for this Advent season – I've been thinking about gifts and giving.
My hope and prayer is that we all can look past the circumstances and truly see what really matters. We are blessed and we can be a blessing (I thank all the friends who are blessings in my life!). As we move from Thanksgiving to Christmas, I pray that you will remember to bless and praise the Lord and forget not all of the benefits, all the good things that He has given you and I.
Be well,
Steve
