Behold. Our King.
In the days leading up to Christmas, we place ourselves in the seat of those who waited, yearned, and sought the Lord for the promised King. And we marvel anew at the faithfulness and deep love of God in the realization of his promises in Jesus.
This advent, we invite you to join us in the practice of scripture reading, memory, and prayer as we journey through the prophecies of the Messiah and their fulfillment in the birth and life of Jesus.
Pray:
As we enter into a time of reading Scripture, ask, “Lord, would you allow me to slow down and hear your voice today?”
Lord come. Reveal to me, in new ways, the miracle of Jesus. Let me stand in awe of you more truly than before. Because Jesus came to earth and altered a world where people spoke to you through prophets, I can boldly come into your presence. Let me understand with a deeper knowing what it would have been like to receive a message that proclaimed a new way of communing with you. Your message shared a shift to the whole world. One day we could be with you forever because you chose to be with us. We would recognize you: God with us, by a miracle only you have the power to make it possible. Glory to you alone.
Scripture:
Take your time reading through the passage. Read the passage 2 or 3 times, each time asking the Lord to speak to you as you meditate on His word.
Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz: “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” And he said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
Isaiah 7: 10-14
In God’s faithful and steadfast love He shared a promise. And in His kindness, He offered a sign for generations after to confidently know it came to fruition. In Jesus, humankind’s access to God would be altered forever. In His sign, God ensured that He alone would receive the glory. There would be no doubt that this prophecy’s fulfillment would come about by any other means other than the power of God.
Memorize:
In Psalm 119, the psalmist writes, “Your word I have hidden in my heart so that I might not sin against you.” In memorizing scripture we place our minds in submission to the Lord. Focusing on God’s word aligns our thoughts with truth and helps us live our lives transformed in the likeness of Christ.
Isaiah 7:14
Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.