GPS for the week of November 29, 2020
Using your phone? Try a new app: www.bible.com
“Incarnation: Presidents And Kings”
Welcome to Advent! All through December, Adam Hamilton in his book “Incarnation” will be leading and teaching us in both worship and study. You have the choice of how in-depth you choose to go. Just by being present or watching online worship, you are participating. To go deeper, utilize this GPS each day in your personal devotions. To go deeper still, purchase a copy of the book online or at the church office. And finally, you have the option to join one of our online Zoom study groups. Be watching for weekly Zoom invitations!
Prayer: Eternal God, through the ages your people have longed for a righteous ruler who will speed up the day your will is finally done on earth as in heaven. I Jesus, your Anointed One, you anointed us to do your will as citizens of your kingdom. By your Spirit, keep us strong and hopeful as his faithful and obedient subjects. Amen.
Monday 11.30 “Presidents & Kings” Luke 1: 26-38
“Incarnation” pp. 15-18
For the last year we have been simply swimming in the overwhelm of political races. Our nation has witnessed on a daily basis the political process. In this it is important to be reminded that as Christians we are invited to pay attention not to just our presidents but also to our King. In Jesus we are able to make sense of the world and offer change that truly makes a difference. Who in our twenty-first century culture and society is considered to be “royalty” and why? How do these “royals” compare and contrast with Jesus?
Tuesday 12.1 “Christ/Messiah/King” 2 Samuel 7: 1-11a
“Incarnation” pp. 18-23
Anointing is used regularly in our faith through baptism, confirmation, and healing prayers. God was promising an anointing to David. How have you seen anointing used?
Wednesday 12.2 “David the Archetype” 2 Samuel 7: 11b-16
“Incarnation” pp. 24-29a
David was the “archetype” king, meaning that he was the one who set the pattern and standard for kings who were to follow him. In the centuries following his reign, the people waited for more like him to become king. This was known as a “messianic hope”. Kings were anointed into power and might with the hope that they would bring peace and prosperity. How do we look to our leaders today with a similar hope?
Thursday 12.3 “Presidents & Kings” Isaiah 9: 2-7
“Incarnation” pp. 29b-34a
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.”(vs 2) We are constantly looking toward our political and community leaders to be our light. We give thanks for those who truly lead us in positive ways but realize that many become a disappointment and a let-down. Another way to look at the world is through the eyes of God, not expecting a leader to do something for us but rather asking God how we can do something for the world around us. God becomes our light, our beacon. How and why do you think that Jesus’ early followers believed him to be that light?
Friday 12.4 “Jesus’ Anointing” Luke 7:36-48
“Incarnation” pp. 34b-36a
Jesus broke the mold. He did not do things in traditional ways following peoples’ traditional expectation. He was anointed into humbleness, not into power. He was crowned with thorns by soldiers torturing him, not by royalty inviting him into a position of privilege. How does scripture show what Jesus thought it meant to be king?
Saturday 12.5 “Return & Triumph”
Revelation 19: 11-12a, 16
“Incarnation” pp. 36b-42
This passage shares a vision of Jesus’ “triumphant return” as king, when his rule will break the world fully and finally. What does Revelation’s imagery make you think and feel about Jesus’ kingship? How consistent do you think Revelation’s vision of Jesus as King is with the nature of Jesus’ kingship as seen in his life and ministry? Why?