The Sons of God Shouted for Joy

Job 38:4-7 "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you
have understanding. Who determined its measurements--surely you know! Or who
stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when
the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

Being “called on the carpet”, “standing tall before the man”, “taken to task,” all describe
a similar situation. The time for being held accountable has arrived and the news is being
delivered in a very stern manner. Been there, done that, and I have a closet full of those t-shirts.
These experiences hurt, but they build character.
In researching the scriptural references to “morning stars” I found (or more likely was
pointed to) the Job 38:4-7 reference. The context of the passage is God, instead of
answering a question from Job, decides to humble Job. The whole point of this humbling
session is if Job did not understand the workings of creation, how could Job possibly
understand God’s mind and character? And we, as Job before us, beginning from a point
of ignorance would surely become lost. God uses this opportunity to educate Job, for God
loved Job as He loves all of us. God wanted Job to succeed, just as He wants you and I to
succeed. His love for each and every one of us is profound.

God uses the creation of the earth to help illustrate how vast is Job’s, and by extension
our own, lack of direct knowledge through direct observation of the creation of the earth.
We have many theories, but only God was there to speak creation into being. And what a
joyous event that truly was. Forming the earth was the beginning of creating the highest
point of creation – man. Man needed a place to dwell, and that was the earth. The stars
sang and all the sons of God shouted for joy because this was the whole purpose of
creation. Giving man life was the focus of all this effort. The best was saved for last.
And one could also argue the worst was saved for last. For the first thing that the first
man created (Adam) did was to disobey God. Sin began with the first man. And the death
from sin died with the death and resurrection of the true morning star, Jesus Christ. The
Son of God died to end what Adam started. We too shout for joy in the season of Advent
for we are looking forward in celebration to the birth of the Christ Child. Jesus is born
again in each of our hearts every year at Christmas. Let’s take this opportunity to join the
sons of God in singing with praises to God during Advent. And remember, if you can’t
sing well, at least sing loud!

PRAYER: Almighty God, creator of the universe. We sing praise, honor and glory to
You O Lord. You spoke creation into being. You formed man from the dust of the earth
and breathed life into his nostrils. We ask dear Lord that You would continue to breath
life into us through Your Word, and Your Sacraments. Help to stay focused on You. This
we ask in the name of the Morning Star, Your Son and our Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

The Morning Star Rises in Your Hearts

2 Peter 1:19 And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will
do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 

In my past I have been offered what some would call “sage advice.” This advice
sometimes came in the form of stories of how something something similar to what I was
considering did not worked well for the person offering the advice. I am probably batting
in the low 300’s for following “sage advice.” And that means I am batting in the high
600’s for having interesting experiences.

When being offered advice there are a couple of criteria that should be used as filters for
accepting, and then acting on advice being given. The first criteria would be to look
carefully at the person offering the advice. For instance accepting advice on your
marriage from a person that is not married, or has been divorced seven times, seems risky
at best. This would fall in line with doing an objective review of the advice. The second
criteria would be “does the advice ring true?” This second criteria is more subjective in
nature. And since it is subjective in nature, there is an element of uncertainty which
usually requires more investigation before rendering a decision.
The author of 2 Peter 1:19 (Peter) is one of the original disciples. His advice is to pay
attention to the prophetic word much as you would to a lamp shining in a dark place.
Using our criteria we have the person who is giving the advice being highly credible.
Peter has an experience base with not paying attention to the prophetic word from Jesus.
Remember Matthew 26:34 when Jesus predicted Peter would deny Him three times
before the rooster crows? We also know from Matthew 26:75 that Peter remembered the
prophetic words of Jesus after denying Him three times. He learned how important it was
to pay attention. The second criteria can be used to evaluate “” We can look at Psalms
119:105 and find the justification we seek. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to
my path.” I conclusion, we would do well to pay attention to those words from Peter
because the advice also rings true.

PRAYER: Father we thank You for Your Word. Our world is a dark place. We
desperately seek a guiding light. Your Word stands out, just as a lamp brings light to the
darkness. Your word gives us a light for our path that we may follow You. We give You
thanks in the name of Your Son, Jesus, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit are one
God, now and forever, Amen.

A Child of Compassion

Matthew 25: 34-36 Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.  For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'                                                                  

Advent is the time of year when we often hear the phrase “It is better to give than to receive.”  When my children were much younger they were very diligent in assembling their Christmas Wish List. I think they wanted to help me with the giving part.

In addition to being the time of year when our kids and spouses help us with determining what gifts to give to them at Christmas, Advent is the time of year to remember others in true need.  We are frequently reminded by the bell ringers at the Salvation Army red kettles in front of stores of the need to give.  We are reminded in a barrage of commercials to help children in need. We frequently receive solicitations in the mail to share our riches with those who are in need all over the world.  And at Grace Lutheran, along the back wall of the sanctuary, are pictures of children our congregation we support through Compassion International. In addition to the food and clothing given, there is a Christian education element involved too. So the daily bread of food and scripture is given to each child in need. Compassion International is a wonderful organization that I encourage all to participate in, in what ever capacity. But first, examine in your heart why you are giving.  Give yourself a gut check, sanity check, or whatever. Ponder the words of Ephesians 2:8-9 For grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  We should not be trying to earn grace. That marvelous gift has already been given. And Matthew 25:34-36 is a very good reminder that we who have much need to also give much because there is so much need out there. We who are not in need should reach out to those in need because it is the right thing to do.  We do these things out of love for our fellow man. It is all part of sharing the love of Christ that was so generously poured out upon us on the cross. We who are set free, are now free to give out of a sense of love and not out of obligation. So, take the time, pray about your giving, and reach out generously to those who are in need. And if you are wondering what we are doing at Grace Lutheran that you can contribute to, we have Hands for Uganda, Angel Tree, Christmas Food Boxes for the needy to name just three. Remember the words of Matthew 6:3 But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know that your right hand is doing…

PRAYER: Lord of all creation, we who are blessed richly ask for Your eyes in giving. Help us to see what is needed. We need Your hands in our giving. Help us to reach out where You want us to give help. And Father, we need Your words when we speak. Give us Your words so that Your love flows from our lips to all who need to hear of Your love for all mankind. Praise be to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. One God, now and forever, Amen.