Advent 2024 – Day 21

Oh the suffering that comes to humanity because of the work of satan and his minions. He shows himself to be against us not for us. And Jesus and God are the only Ones who can overcome him and free us from their power. And we could all afford to have our faith made stronger. Yet the work Jesus will do to connect us to God is to die and then show His victory over death by being raised. But the disciples just didn’t get it. And how neat that Jesus made the means to pay His and Peter’s taxes. And what a neat little miracle it is…a coin in a fish’s mouth..that Peter has to catch. May Jesus provide a way for us to pay our taxes also! And to a group of people that wondered what would make them the greatest, how shocked they must have been to see a child as the example. Someone who doesn’t understand much and can’t do much, but they trust easy and are dependent on others for their care and protection. It Is exactly what we need to be before God. And I like the thought of being childlike, but not childish. Scripture would certainly reflect that idea. And we will never avoid offending and wronging each other with the things we say and the things we do. How crucial it is that Jesus gives us a prescription to deal with it. And it is always to go to the person. What a solution that is so we don’t have to wonder if people have something against us but we are all given the responsibility to address people when that happens. And what wisdom there is in going alone at first, keeping things between the people involved. But people may not agree or see it the same way or want to do different, so how helpful to get two or three others to add their perspective and accountability. And what influence there should be that the whole church brings to make things right/bring people to task. But in the wisdom of the greater body of Christ/a church family, it will further show who is right or who really isn’t willing to accept God’s way.