Advent Week Four: “Exchanging Distrust (Terror) for Love”
Weekly Supply List:
- Journal or sketch pad
- Pen, pencil, or markers
- Your imagination
- 5-10 minutes a day
- Advent wreath, optional
Weekly Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-16 (Good News Translation)
10 The Lord sent another message to Ahaz: 11 “Ask the Lord your God to give you a sign. It can be from deep in the world of the dead or from high up in heaven.” 12 Ahaz answered, “I will not ask for a sign. I refuse to put the Lord to the test.” 13 To that Isaiah replied, “Listen, now, descendants of King David. It’s bad enough for you to wear out the patience of people – do you have to wear out God’s patience too? 14 Well then, the Lord himself will give you a sign: a young woman who is pregnant will have a son and will name him “Immanuel.’ 15 By the time he is old enough to make his own decisions, people will be drinking milk and eating honey. 16 Even before that time comes, the lands of those two kings who terrify you will be deserted.
Invitation: Before jumping in. Take a minute to be silent, and surrender any thoughts, fears, or worries to the Lord. Read Isaiah 7:10-16 out loud.
Reflection: Verse 13 mentions King Ahaz is wearing out God’s patience. Have you ever felt like you were down to your final shred of patience before losing your temper? What actions do you take when your patience is wearing thin?
Contemplation: Reread verse 14. When His patience should be wearing out, what does God’s response tell us about who God is?
Discussion: Isaiah directs King Ahaz to ask the Lord for a sign, but King Ahaz refuses. God wants Ahaz to trust him. Can you think of a time in your life when it was difficult to trust God?
Prayer Exchange: Lord, Your mercies are new every morning. When we fall short, you are there. When we are worn thin, you are there to renew us. Your goodness and beauty are always present in our lives. Amen.
Contributed by Sam Sahyouni, Youth Pastor