Dec 2, 2013
Focus Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12
God loves us all.
“God loves us all.” We have heard this in church and before that in Sunday School so often that it is hard to see just how amazing that is. Three of our readings today speak about how it is not just the religious, or the wealthy, or the righteous or for the descendants of Abraham, but for the poor, the needy, the sinner and for all peoples and nations. God’s love will bring justice and peace for all. This love is for all the world even though some may chose to reject it. This love calls us to repent. This love calls us to “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed” us. It also calls us to live with hope. As Paul puts it “I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in him. Then your hope will overflow by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, NCV) If we live with this truth that “God’s love is for all” burning in our hearts, imagine what the world could be like.
Questions for thought or discussion.
What gives you hope? What part does God’s love play in giving you hope? If every person believed that “God’s love is for all” what would the world be like?