2009 Advent Devotions from the MB Biblical Seminary Community

December 11, 2009
Matthew 23:27-39

Recognizing God's Voice

When Christmas nears, we often feel joyful anticipation. We look forward to celebrating the coming of our Savior. We do not often spend these days with a prophetic warning ringing in our ears. Jesus, however, issues a series of woes to the scribes and Pharisees who exalted themselves as model law observers and teachers. In their anticipation of the Messiah, they declared themselves righteous and eagerly awaited praise and reward. Jesus has a different assessment: he calls them hypocrites. These so-called holy men are in fact full of the filth of death. These self-proclaimed respecters of prophets are in fact prophet crucifiers - Jesus' death will confirm his accusation against them. These men think they are ready to welcome the Messiah when he comes; yet when he is in their midst they test and try to trick him, they plot against him, they "kill and crucify [him]... flog [him] in [their] synagogues and pursue [him] from town to town." Instead of recognizing a prophet when they hear one, they eliminate any voice that challenges their own authority and way of life.

As we journey through this Advent season - one of longing and hopefulness - may we recognize the voices God speaks through, voices that will guide us in preparing for and participating in the in-breaking Kingdom of God and its salvation. They call us to repent and seek faithfulness - justice, compassion, humility. These voices may sound uncomfortably urgent and challenging, but they are gifts from the God who sent the great gift of his son, Jesus. "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord."

Michelle Ferguson, MA
Registrar

To read the complete devotional guide, visit: http://www.mbseminary.edu/news/2009-11-15