This week we will start a new series called “The Light Breaks In” that will guide us through advent. In John 1 Jesus is described as the light that breaks into the darkness, that pushes back the darkness. Each week in this series we are going to look at places in our lives and scripture where Jesus breaks in, and pushes back darkness in unexpected ways, times and places. This week reflect on the unexpected love Jesus shows to Peter after denying him three times.
As Abram traveled, his family drew the attention of other nations, as they would pass by and through. Abram felt a tension that we all know well. Do I need to take matters into my own hands or do I wait for God’s guidance on this?
When God steps into Abram’s life he has a big ask and promise for him. God promises to make a great nation out of his family. The ask: leave his lucrative life, pack up what he can travel with and head out that way. No clear sense of his final destination, just pack up, and start moving. Take the next faithful step, trusting that God will reveal the next step on the way to the first one.
Throughout the old testament the Israelites were instructed to set up cities of sanctuary for those fleeing from unjust punishment. Joshua 20 can teach us what it means to care for others and what it means to build our lives for the purpose of serving others.