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: Read Isaiah 7:10-16 out loud. If you are in a group, consider reading the passage using the following script. You will need 3 readers: a Narrator, Isaiah, and Ahaz.
Narrator: The Lord sent another message to Ahaz:
Isaiah: Ask the Lord your God to give you a sign. It can be from the deep in the world of the dead or from high up in heaven.
Ahaz: I will not ask for a sign. I refuse to put the Lord to the test.
Narrator: To that Isaiah replied,
Isaiah: 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? 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.’ By the time he is old enough to make his own decisions, people will be drinking milk and eating honey. Even before that time comes, the lands of those two kings who terrify you will be deserted
Reflection: Throughout the Old Testament God’s people were ruled by a few good kings and a lot of bad kings. Unfortunately, Ahaz was one of the bad ones. And yet, God keeps sending him messages meant to comfort and instruct. Why do you think God is so committed to helping Ahaz?
Contemplation: Take a few moments to remember a time when God sent you a message. How did he communicate – a sense, words, lyrics to a song, nature? What did he say to you? How did it feel to receive the message? What helped you to trust that it was from God?
Discussion: History is filled with examples of good and bad leaders. What makes a bad leader bad? What qualities define a good leader? Where do you see images of God in your list?
Prayer Exchange: Thank you, God, for speaking to us even though we aren’t perfect. Thank you for being good in every way. Help us to hear you more clearly. Amen.
Contributed by Michelle Baur, Spiritual Director