Who Do You Say? Reading With the People of God #19Näide

The Wonder of The Incarnation
Our reading in Job 18 today expresses the theology of retribution, especially its negative dimensions. In short, the wicked are punished.
In our Revelation reading, we will complete the 6th Seal and see the 7th Seal opened. Reflect on the majesty of the idea of silence in heaven. Incredible!
The main focus today is our Lukan passage. Although technically Joseph was Mary’s husband, no sexual consummation had taken place. We should probably correctly call it “the virginal conception.” Jesus’ birth had to be greater than that of John the Baptist. If John’s birth was miraculous, Jesus’ had to be more miraculous! For our purposes may we focus on primary importance: it is not the virgin birth so much as the incarnation. In other words, it is not the ‘how” but the “what” of Christmas that is so amazing! God added humanity to Himself!
The Christ-Child would be called “holy - the Son of God” (Luke 1:35 ESV). Jesus would be set apart for a particular task. He would be anointed! The term “Son of God” does not have any Greek mythological connotations but is essentially a synonym for “the Messiah.” The title does not demand a reference to preexistence, but it certainly allows for it! May we enjoy the wonder again this season - “nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:37 ESV).
Primer contributed by Brian Mott, Ministering Elder Cornerstone Community Church Chowchilla
About this Plan

In this 19th installment, Who Do You Say I Am? explores how Scripture answers Jesus’ question, “Who do you say that I am?” Through Job, we wrestle with God’s wisdom amid suffering. 1–3 John and Jude call us to love, discernment, and faithfulness, while Revelation points to Christ’s ultimate victory. During Advent, weekly readings from the nativity story draw our hearts to the wonder of Christ’s coming. May the Spirit strengthen our faith, deepen our hope, and lead us to boldly confess: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
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