UNOH

Grace

To know freedom through obeying Jesus and his teachings.

Readings

• Malachi 3:1-4
• Luke 1:68-79
• Philippians 3:1-11
• Luke 3:1-6

Devotion 1

Wait: Take time to sit in silence together, allowing space for God’s voice to be heard.

Read: Malachi 3:1-4

Reflection:

Two messengers are referred to in the beginning of this passage, indicating the coming of John the Baptist and Jesus the Messiah.  Both these messengers bring a prospect of hope and freedom.   For those in the West, as the celebration of Christmas approaches this concept of hope is often emphasized and embraced. As we continue reading these scriptures however, God reveals another side to this coin of hope.

Ask:

• What is the other side of this coin?
• What is the challenge for us?
• What freedom does Jesus offer and what is the cost?

Share:

• Communion

Pray:

• Share in a time of prayer
• The Lord’s Prayer

Devotion 2

Take time to sit in silence, aware of the presence of God’s Spirit

Read: Luke 1:68-79

“The Jews hoped and longed for the day when the Messiah would come.  Most believed Elijah would be the messenger who would prepare the way for the Messiah.  We find instead that Zechariah’s son John the Baptist, is the fulfillment of that prophesy.”1

Share: When has God surprised you whilst in your community, with an answer you weren’t expecting?

As Christians we are called to “walk in the ways of peace. Peace in Hebrew, does not mean merely freedom from trouble; it means all that makes for a [person]’s highest good; and through Christ a [person] is enabled to walk in the ways that lead to everything that means life, and no longer to all that means death.” (Barclay, p19)

Share: Communion

Pray:

• Thanksgiving prayers for God’s unexpected grace.
• End with the Lord’s prayer

1. William Barclay,  The Daily Study Bible – The Gospel of Luke, Revised Edition.  Edinburgh: Saint Andrew Press, 1979, 18-19.

Devotion 3

Wait: Take time to sit in the silence and reflect upon the grace of God upon you.

Read: Philippians 3:1-11

Share:

• In your community, are there things you do to hinder others coming to know Jesus?
• Consider your religious standards or expectations that may be barriers.
• Paul was willing to give up everything to come to know Christ and the power of his resurrection. What are you willing to give up in order for others to come to know Christ. How do you limit your own freedom in order that others might be free?

Share: Communion

Pray

Devotion 4

Wait: Take time to sit in silence, expectant of God to reveal himself through his Word and Spirit.

Read: Luke 3:1-6

Where do you hear God’s voice in this story?

Whenever someone special such as a king, queen or member of the royal family visits the people of a town, there is often much preparation and organizing to be done beforehand. Everyone is informed of the forthcoming visit and messages are sent throughout the community, through various different media and avenues.  Streets are cleaned, gardens tidied, security set up, children are dressed neatly and everyone waits in anticipation.  It is an embarrassment to the people of the town if they are not prepared for the royal arrival.

In Luke 3, a similar narrative is being told, however this king is no ordinary king.  He is the King of Kings.  Jesus Christ is coming and the messenger or herald chosen to pronounce His arrival is John the Baptist.  John is calling everyone to prepare themselves for the arrival of this king; to repair their lives, to make straight their paths, to clean up their minds and to repent and be baptized.  This message is not a soft, weak message, it is serious.  It is calling people to repent.  Repentance is something to take seriously, it is a pathway to  freedom, where we seek to be completely delivered and released from sinful patterns of behaviour.  There must have a change of mind as well as action.  A complete 180 degree turn from sin towards love and obedience of God.

Ask:

• As Christmas approaches and we reflect upon Jesus, is the Holy Spirit highlighting something in your life that requires repentance?  Take some time to reflect upon this question.

Pray:

• Take a few minutes to confess your area of sin to God.  You may pray silently, publicly or you may choose to write your prayer of confession down.  Pray for each person in your group.

Share: Communion