Friday, December 6, 2013

Advent Devotional Day 6: If the Shoe Fits. . .

December 6:
B.C. verse: Luke 1: 11-17
A.D. verse: Joshua 1:5-9; Psalm 56: 3-4
Christmas Hymn: “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear”
Hymn for today: “We Won’t Be Shaken” by Building 429

With a name like Richard Santana, he sounds as though he should be a rock star; in truth, he IS a pretty big deal. Even though Richard’s connections to First Covenant Church had been established long before, our family met Richard three years ago when we went on a mission trip to Ecuador. For lack of a better description, Richard’s official function was travel guide/interpreter. Throughout the ten days of the trip, Richard wound his way into the fabric of our family to become an important part of our lives.

While his life’s story is as colorful as his personality, Richard, a native Ecuadorian, is currently in the United States on an educational visa. His intention is to get a pastoral degree from North Park University in Chicago so that he can return to Ecuador with a thorough theological background to teach and equip others to become spiritual leaders and pastors.  

Even though it sounds simple, Richard has met plenty of challenges along the way. He has had to leave his entire family and everything he knows to enter a new, foreign culture. He has struggled to learn (to the point of fluency) a second language. Plus, he has had to rely on the generosity of churches to support him and his educational expenses. Even though the situation has looked grim and impossible at times, not once have I seen or heard Richard waver in his conviction. He is “all-in” for God and is 100% confident that he was meant for this time and for this purpose.

In today’s reading, an angel gives Zechariah the 411 regarding his future son. His name will be John. He will be a joy and delight. He will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will never drink wine or any other fermented beverage. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit (an unprecedented proclamation) even BEFORE he is born. “He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God by turning the hearts of parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous” (v. 15-17).

The name, “John,” is derived from the Hebrew “Yochanan” and means “Yahweh is gracious.” It also translates into meaning “Jehovah has been gracious; has shown favor.” In considering John’s future responsibilities, this is a tremendous vote of confidence to that end.

In fact, the angel’s location as he delivers the message confirms John’s name and importance to God. “Then, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense” (v 11).  The spatial detail of the angel being on the right side of the altar is significant. In the Biblical world, the “right” side is a place of honor and authority; it exalts one above another. Likewise, the angel delivers the message by the altar of incense, which accompanied a meat offering on the Day of Atonement. The angel’s placement is not accidental. It is a visual confirmation to both Zechariah and us concerning John’s significance. The fact that John will never be allowed to have liquor emphasizes the fact that he is special and separate – consecrated for God’s purpose.

In short, John had been specifically chosen to fill some mighty big shoes. Even before he was born, it was clear that his life would not be an easy one; he would have to buck the system, take the harder, less traveled road, and spend his life trying to convince others to do a 180. Yay. Sounds like fun. Nevertheless, this is what God had ordained for John from the very beginning; this was his calling and life’s purpose.

As I see it, Richard is a sort of modern-day John the Baptist. In spite of the difficulties and challenges, Richard continues to move in faith, pushing ahead and never looking back. He believes that this journey and his purpose are ordained by God.

Where there is faith, there is no room for fear. They cannot co-exist. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9). “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid” (Psalm 56:3-4). Why are you here for such a time and place as this? What shoes have you been asked to fill? If you can contemplate that question with excitement instead of fear, you are ready, and it's so on.

Daily Challenge: Become an organ donor. Do it today; don’t put it off for tomorrow.

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