Jesus, the Servant King

“Thus says God, the LORD,  who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it.” Isaiah 42:5 (ESV)

We enter the most blessed seasons of Thanksgiving, Advent, and Christmas. For me, this year, God’s faithfulness, grace, and mercy in seasons of change have been recurring themes. The year began with news of a church member’s passing, then a friend’s Lewy body dementia diagnosis, which has devastated his family. By contrast, in answer to fervent prayers since Easter, God, in His sovereign will and provision, has brought a miraculous healing to a church member and drawn a new believer into God’s family. In each instance, I am thankful to God for providing comfort and the blessings of servants who are instruments of His grace and mercy.

The encouragement and challenge for me is to be fully available in my heart and mind, to respond to scripture reading, praying, and, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, to joyfully serve for God’s glory. The transition from fall to winter has always been a time of encouragement. Every year in the fall since I was a child, I look up to the evening sky, anticipating the arrival of the winter constellations. Perhaps, because it signifies that Christmas is not far away, and the joy of the birth of Jesus is at hand, and that our Savior came as the willing sacrifice for our sins.

It has been a year of challenges and blessings. Whether in the face of opposition or ongoing strife in each of our lives, God is faithful. How will I be an encouragement and help to others that God places in my path? How will I bring glory to God today? Who is the Holy Spirit leading me towards? How will I respond?

On the evening of November 11th, there was a rare display of the Northern Lights. I was reminded of God’s glory and His created order, and am encouraged to keep looking up. What a blessing! Psalm 19:1 reads, “The Law of the LORD is Perfect to the choirmaster. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” Amen!!

Let’s pray.  Gracious Father, You are holy, sovereign, omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, righteous, faithful, and truthful. Please forgive and have mercy on us when we fall short of who you are calling us to be. Thank you for the blessing of our leaders, members, fellow servants, churches, and ministries in the Upper Midwest Conference. Father, we are so thankful that you sent Jesus to us as the Savior of the world and the Servant King. Thank You for calling us and giving us the desire to serve You. Thank You for Your comfort, patience, mercy, love, forgiveness, guidance, peace, and grace. Jesus, please help us to be humble, thankful, enthusiastic servants of Your grace and mercy, and to be Your light in the darkness as we bring our lives as a daily offering of worship to the King. In the name of Jesus, the Christ! Amen.