Advent Devotional: Nov 28
Scripture Readings: Psalm 124 | Genesis 8:1-19 | Romans 6:1-11
“If the Lord had not been on our side - let Israel say - if the Lord had not been on our side...the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us, the raging waters would have swept us away.” (Psalm 124:1, 4-5)
It is strange to start our devotional readings with the story of Noah. People have put up their Christmas decorations and songs about “the most wonderful time of the year” are already playing. Yet here we are, reading a story about a time when human civilization had gone so wrong that God decided it was better to destroy the earth than allow us to continue on the path we had chosen.
The season of Advent begins in darkness, but not in despair. The psalmist sings God’s praises because apart from the favor of God, Israel would have been destroyed (Psalm 124:4-5). Our scripture reading today says God turned his attention to Noah in the middle of the storm (Genesis 8:1) and began reversing the effects of the flood so that Noah could live. If the Lord had not been on Noah’s side, the flood would have destroyed him and everything would have been lost.
As Christians, we believe Noah’s story points to the coming Messiah. Thousands of years later, Jesus Christ, God the Son, was born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus is the light that darkness cannot overcome. His life, death, and resurrection reverses the flood of brokenness, sin, and injustice in our world. His work will be complete when he comes again in final victory and we are raised to life with him (Romans 6:8-9). Until then, we pray: Come, Lord Jesus!
Prayer response: Lord, if you were not on our side we would be swept away by the darkness around us and within us. Thank you for remembering your people and offering us life. May we remember your mighty acts of salvation and be filled with hope, love, joy, and peace this season. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!
Readings from the Revised Common Lectionary
Scripture taken from Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011, Biblica, Inc.
Reflections by Rev. Serena J. Wolfe
