Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus Day 4

Open Your Bible

Genesis 22:1-18, Psalm 130:1-8, John 1:29-34, John 3:16-21

Christmas is a visual season, full of spectacles that invite us to turn our heads and look. The lights, trees, decorations, packages, and culinary treats all call us to take in their displays in wonder. 

Pay attention to the word look in our reading today. It invites us to observe something unexpected, and to take note because what is about to happen will be unlike anything before.

A hint of the importance of looking ahead occurs in our reading from Genesis: “Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance” (Genesis 22:4).

From far away, Abraham perceived this significant place—one that would be a place of hope and provision. There he would witness God provide a ram to take the place of his son. Generations later, God would provide His own Son, Jesus Christ, near that same mountain as our saving sacrifice.

We recognize this thread of wonder expressed in His Word.

Israel, put your hope in the LORD. 
For there is faithful love with the LORD, 
and with him is redemption in abundance.
—Psalm 130:7 

Hope in the Lord. Recognize His redemptive plan. See from afar how amazing it is, both in anticipation and completion!

Abraham’s story mirrors the story God put in place to redeem us. It foreshadows the promise in John 3:17, that the baby born in the manger was not sent “to condemn the world, but to save the world.”

In John 1:29, we read John the Baptist’s exclamation, “Look!”, as he urges us to seek out and behold the unexpected and unbelievable, to look past the familiar. Throughout the passages of today’s reading, there are numerous calls to observe the threads of a bigger story unfolding before us. Each story is a piece of a greater story that points toward when the narrative is fulfilled in the flesh and bone of Jesus Christ: “Look! The Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29). 

The perfect, sinless baby we celebrate in the manger is the unblemished lamb of God who offered Himself on the tangled wood of the cross to redeem the world. Look past the familiarity of the season, and see from a distance the wonder of the stories that lead to the nativity. Lift your eyes to inspect the wonder of the promise God fulfilled when He provided the lamb, Jesus Christ, to save us.

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137 thoughts on "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus Day 4"

  1. Brandy Deruso says:

    He was born so I may live hallelujah!

  2. Isabella Chock says:

    I love how since the beginning, he’s been pointing to jesus, and through jesus the promise and narrative was fulfilled!

  3. Emily Purdon says:

    I love how from the beginning of time, God had our salvation planned out, and that everything that happened in between pointed to Jesus. In addition to that, all time as we know it continues to be centered on Him to this day. What an amazing reminder of whom our focus should still be centered around!

  4. Emily Purdon says:

    I love how from the beginning of time, God had our salvation all planned out, and that everything that took place in between pointed to Jesus! In addition to that, all time as we know it is still centered around him to this day. What an amazing reminder of whom our focus should still be centered around.

  5. Terri Baldwin says:

    Bigger story unfolding before us….seek out and behold the unexpected and the unbelievable, to look past the familiar. “Look the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!”

  6. Ashlyn Thompson says:

    ♥️

  7. Nancy Purvis says:

    I love that He was born in wood… common daily element and He died on wood for us

  8. Abbye Durr says:

    I had never realized the comparison of Abraham & Jesus. Beautiful. Remarkable. How this story foretold a greater story of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross, for us, so that we may be saved from the darkness of the world.

  9. Abbye Durr says:

    I had never realized the comparison of Abraham & Jesus. Beautiful. Remarkable. How this story foretold a greater story of the sacrifice Jesus made on the cross.

  10. Chelsea Wilson says:

    There would be no Christmas without Jesus! Let’s celebrate Him!

  11. Kennedy Schwartz says:

    awesome!

  12. lauren willis says:

    look!

  13. Melissa Plooy says:

    ❤️

  14. Tara Wilson says:

    ❤️

  15. Ashley Koch says:

    Love the comparison between the story of Abraham & what Jesus did for us!

  16. Ashley Koch says:

    Love the comparison between the story of Abraham & He’s

  17. Caroline Hall says:

    I have never realized how Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son for the Lord, but God didn’t make him go through with it. However, God gave HIS son to save the world…. What a beautiful picture of how He loves us

  18. Jessi Nash says:

    ❤️

  19. Lauren Geneva says:

    All of the details to look further than what’s right in front of you are something that resonates with me.

  20. Sarah Banter says:

    Behold the unexpected and look past the familiar!! Such a profound statement.

  21. Nancy Becraft says:

    I love this!!!

  22. Andrea Anderson says:

    I have never thought about the story of Abraham mirroring the Redemption story for us. Something to study further for sue!!!

  23. Lehua K. says:

    Thank you ladies and to the author Vina for sharing your reflections on Abraham’s faith in this story! I am blown away at all of the little details and have added them to my journal.

    Some of your reflections made me think about one of my favorite books, the Dream Giver. One of my favorite parts is when the Dream Giver asks Ordinary to give Him his dream, and at first Ordinary hesitates but when he finally does, the Dream Giver makes it even bigger so that it’s HIS dream and then He gives it back to Ordinary. I know it’s not an exact parallel but I think about how Isaac was a dream for Abraham and Sarah, and then when God asks Abraham to give up Isaac, Abraham obeys and God fulfills His promise to Abraham on being the father of many nations. I am so amazed that Abraham didn’t understand logically how he could father many nations when God was asking him to give up his only biological son, but he believed and obeyed anyway because he knew God was faithful; God had told him he would have a son in his old age and he did. So like Abraham, we all can think back to moments, even little ones, where God has been faithful in His promises in our lives. And if not yet, we can definitely find many in the Bible and in the lives of those around us.

  24. Jennifer Bowman says:

    ♥️

  25. Emily-Faith Captino says:

    Today I will pray over this passage for God to hear my thoughts and know my heart:
    Lord, hear my voice.
    Let your ears be attentive
    to my cry for mercy. – Psalms 130:2

  26. Emily-Faith Captino says:

    Today I pray over this passage: Lord, hear my voice.
    Let your ears be attentive
    to my cry for mercy. – Psalms 130:2

  27. Marla Inderbitzen says:

    ❤️

  28. Courtney Heck says:

    Believe for your own ram in the thicket. God always provides!

  29. Lindsey Osterhaven says:

    ❤️

  30. Kelsey Hershberger says:

    ❤️

  31. Emilee Laughter says:

    Jesus is God. So… he has been with God since the beginning! So amazing

  32. Emilee Laughter says:

    Jesus is Giod

  33. Liz Evans says:

    Having a rough time at work and this brought me a reminder to stay hopeful.

  34. Bethan Davies says:

    Love this!❤️

  35. Slone Perry says:

    Thank you for that! Honestly, made me feel better!

  36. Slone Perry says:

    Very well said! ❤️

  37. J Lynn says:

    ❤️❤️❤️

  38. Sarah Greer says:

    LOOK! I am making everything new! — Revelation 21:5 ❤️

  39. Jennifer Fruin says:

    ❤️❤️

  40. Kim Beers says:

    ❤️

  41. Adrienne Rutenis says:

    Thank you for this perspective. This account has always had an effect on me, I now will view it the way you do, as a beautiful foreshadowing of what’s to come, which leaves me in even more awe of what perfect love is and renewed belief in God’s perfect plan.

  42. Audra O’connor says:

    Such a great reminder to look closely at how it all points to Jesus.

  43. Tara Beatty says:

    ❤️ I am praying for renewed hearts for the Lord for my family this Advent season!

  44. Laurita says:

    Que hermoso es difrutar este tiempo, Dios bendiga a cada una de las personas que hace posible Adviento 2022, ojala que pronto sus recursos estuvieran en español también sería de mucha bendición.

  45. Tamera Boyer says:

    Jn 3:17-19 is rockin me…

  46. Heidi Anders says:

    This reading has been so good. It is so easy to get distracted by everything during Christmas time and miss the true meaning. I am so thankful for His coming. I just hope He comes soon due to how cold hearted the world seems to be getting.

  47. Angie Mills says:

    @GRACE CALL & @CARLA POWERS

    I have always seen Isaac as a willing participant in this account. He was old enough to carry the wood for the burnt offering and he was old enough to think ahead and realize that there was no ram for the burnt offering. He trusted his father’s response and he did not resist his father when he was placed on the altar. Isaac, the promised son, points straight to Jesus, the Promised One, who willingly laid down His life for us. I don’t think Isaac had any hurt feelings toward Abraham or feelings of betrayal. I think that Isaac realized his father was obeying Almighty God and Isaac wanted to do the same. Have no idea what he was truly feeling, but this is the opinion I have based on my Bible reading. Isaac seems like a quiet, faithful follower of God. Later in his life, when Abimelech kept stealing his wells, instead of fighting, he just moved on. When Abimelech finally came to discuss things with Isaac, Isaac was quick to forgive and make a treaty.

  48. Rebecca Homan says:

    ❤️❤️❤️

  49. Angie Mills says:

    Listening to my playlist and Laura Story’s song “You Are Love” came up. It reminded me so much of today’s Bible reading.

  50. Katherine Smith says:

    Reading John 3:17 today made me realize this: Jesus wasn’t sent into the world to condemn it, but that’s exactly what the law was sent to do. God sent the law first, and then Jesus to fulfill it and save us from condemnation. Hallelujah!

  51. Stacey Pitman says:

    My little group of neighbor she’s met today for our first Advent Study. We are working with the hard copy of this study. It is considerably more reading than we usually do in a week.
    A few of us are facing significant difficulties, but I noticed today that even the most down among us, spoke strongly and clearly when it was her time to read. The Word is a blessing and a balm to our souls.
    We planned a little Christmas party where we will make all the foods and do all the crafts from the study…. How fun is that.
    Thank you how beautifully you put this book together.

  52. Isabel Tate says:

    God’s provision in the Bible is very clear and the fact that he has every little bitty thing planned out in the Bible is incredible and how he has everything laid out for our life is crazy to me

  53. Christine F says:

    ❤️

  54. Natalie Claflin says:

    A special thing I noticed in tonight’s reading was when Isaac called to Abraham and said, “my father.”Abraham responded, “Here I am my son.” If Abraham is a picture of God the Father and Isaac the son, then we can trust that when we call to “our Father” he responds with “here I am.” He is not far from his children.

  55. Grace Call says:

    I think about this all the time! How gut-wrenching this situation was. How afraid and hurt Isaac must’ve felt – how sorrowful and filled with guilt Abraham must’ve felt.

  56. Jan says:

    SLONE PERRY, I have often wondered the same thing about myself. There is no way to know what we would do until faced with the situation, but I also wonder, what am I doing now? Am I living my life to suit myself or to honor God? Do I put away selfish desires for worldly things and pleasures and look for more ways to serve, or am I more interested in my own pleasure and comfort? If we are faithful in these ‘little things’ I believe we will be faithful in the big things that come our way.

  57. Gina Felter says:

    John 3:17 is the nugget of truth that has become my focal point. In ministry, or any type of service really, when I grow weary and am less than charitable it is John 3:17 that draws me back into His purpose and thus the purpose of my service. If he does not condemn, who am I to condemn? I? Lift your eyes to inspect the wonder of the promis God fulfilled

  58. Hannah Storay says:

    ❤️❤️

  59. Kimberly Z says:

    @Katie Megee praying for you! As I too long for things to move in my life I understand how hard it can be to hold on to hope. As somebody who needs the constant reminder that God is working in all of our lives I know he is with you too. Hang in there!

  60. Amanda Robertson says:

    He doesn’t have to, but He WANTS to. ❤️ l often call Jesus “the Giver.” Because life is a gift and the Giver is good. Time and time again He gives to me, just because. I hope this encourages you!

  61. Mercy says:

    All the nations of the earth will be blessed by your offspring because YOU have obeyed my command (Genesis 22:18). By the obedience of ONE, many are blessed. When the opportunity of obedience represents itself, may we be reminded that the blessings of many can depend on our obedience. Until the time that His Word came: the Word of the Lord tried him (Psalm 105:19). May we survive the trial by God’s grace. Thank you so much dear sisters for praying for us (@SEARCHING I love you! Thank you so much!!!❤️). We are slowly recovering from a wicked cold. My baby is doing better. Praise Jesus for grace and praise Jesus for you. Sending love and prayers for you dear she’s and for your family’s safety, good health, peace and joy. May He provide for your every need. Be blessed dear sisters.

  62. Jennifer Anapol says:

    I pray that I wouldn’t take this season for granted, but that I would look at the Christmas story with the kind of wonder and awe that it deserves.

  63. Carla Powers says:

    I so appreciate all the comments and insight today! I’ve often wondered how does Isaac move past this ordeal? How does his relationship with Abraham recover from such a betrayal? Can you imagine the conversation that must have ensued after he released Isaac from his bonds? Although I’m sure he was extremely grateful for the substitutionary ram, he also had to be dumbfounded that his father was willing to take his life. But as always, God provided a way out – a chance for their relationship to be reconciled just as He provides a way for us to be reconciled to our Father!!

  64. Dorothy says:

    Abraham’s faith in God is amazing. For the longest time I wondered how Abraham could believe in God enough to be willing to sacrifice his son that he had been waiting a long time for. Then in 2003, when I lost one of my son’s, I realized the faith Abraham had. God will help carry me and all of us through all of our griefs and cares. All we have to do is turn them over to Him. I believe the first few years were the hardest. No the pain hasn’t gone but it has eased some because I remember God, Christ and the Holy Spirit “have my back” all I have to do is ask for their help and support.
    Lord of All Creation, be with all of this holiday season as we remember the birth of You Son. Comfort those who have recently lost a loved one and will have an empty place. Fill them with Your Holy Spirit. Be at their side as they navigate these hard days. In Your One and Only Son’s Name, amen.
    Sisters be blessed and reach out to God and Christ in the bad times and the good times.

  65. Deeann Henderson says:

    ♥️

  66. Debby Blake says:

    ❤️

  67. Gillian Carne says:

    God Himself will provide, powerful and faithful, what a perfect reminder from whom all things come and where we are to cast our eyes for our needs and even wants. I look up to the hills (to the world) from where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth!

  68. Sarah Adams says:

    ♥️

  69. Kyle Hopkins says:

    Great insights @SophiePaulson! Thank you! In addition to your reflection, I loved the SRT app reflection by Vina Mogg— of paying attention to the word LOOK. Until now, I’ve never seen the connection between Abraham’s story of sacrifice and Jesus’s sacrifice. Also “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son” Gen 22:8. Yes, indeed!! Hallelujah!!

  70. Brooke Maruska says:

    Abrahams faith is so incredibly inspiring and

  71. Rebekah G says:

    Slone Perry,

    Those are good questions to wrestle with but often we cannot know the grace that God would give until the moment we need it. Let the fear and question cause you to look to Jesus and not to yourself. You will never find the peace and comfort you need in looking at your own abilities but rather cling to Jesus and what He has accomplished for those who love Him.

  72. Slone Perry says:

    I’m not sure how to word this; every time I think of Abraham and this story, I always think about what I would do if someone put a g** to my head and asked if I was a Christian. Knowing that I would be shot if I said yes… would I have the courage to say yes… I would hope in that situation I would. However even talking about it, terrifies me and makes me question myself. Would I have that type of obedience?

  73. Slone Perry says:

    I’m not sure how to word this; every time I think of Abraham and this story, I always think about what I would do if someone put a g** to my head and asked if I was a Christian. Knowing that I would be shot if I said yes… would I have the courage to say yes… I would hope in that situation I would. However even talking about it, terrifies me and makes me question myself.

  74. Christina D says:

    This advent study and the thoughtful comments from my sisters in Christ have already impacted me in such a big way! My life has been uprooted this year and I feel like that has caused me to look past the familiarity of the advent season and story and look with fresh eyes at the miracles in history and going on all around us every day. The Lord with provide! That is the song of my heart! ♥️

  75. Heidi says:

    God has myself and my husband both on an Abraham-track as of late and it’s intentional. Seems every reading/podcast/etc includes something from this story! We are going through struggle after struggle wanting to stay obedient to what/where He’s called and we keep facing hardship and difficulty. While we have had a few instances so far of our “ram” being provided at the last second, what the enemy keeps taunting me with is the (truthful) fact that God doesn’t HAVE to. If God never provided another thing for me for my days on this earth, He would still be in the right to choose that. The Lamb was sacrificed on my behalf and I’ve been placed in undeserved right-ness with Him. The enemy is using a truth to spark fear – he’s using it as a weapon, not just a fact. Still we keep pressing forward and trying to keep faithful to Him in this season. We walk in TRUST in Him based off of prior proof that He is trustworthy. We walk in FAITH in Him in the areas we don’t have any real previous experience of what He will do. We maintain hope in the fact whatever occurs this side of eternity will be vindicated and made right when all is said and done, our final advent is over, and our King has returned to rule in perfect love, in perfect circumstances.

  76. Linda Garver says:

    I too like to think that Abraham went i

  77. Linda Garver says:

    I related to what

    Said about the mess of feelings. Definitely

  78. Linda Garver says:

    I related to what you

  79. Sophie Paulson says:

    I always think it’s interesting that the mountain was named “The Lord WILL provide,” not “The Lord provided.” Another signpost that God would provide Jesus!

  80. Sophie Paulson says:

    This story about Abraham always used to trouble me. In some ways, it still does. But a few things have helped me appreciate its significance over the years: First, verse five, which ends with Abraham telling his servants, “WE will come back to you” (emphasis mine). Abraham didn’t go expecting Isaac to die, he went expecting God to come through. That is pretty amazing. Another thing that has helped me is a line from another SRT reading: Martin Luther praised Abraham’s blind faith, but “Abrahams faith was not blind… it was rooted in seeing God‘s faithfulness to him. And so… when it seemed that by following God‘s instructions God‘s other promises would be void —Abraham acted in faith.” Lastly, when I struggle to understand why God would even conduct such a horrific test, this quote from C.S. Lewis has helped: “The reality of Abraham’s obedience was the act itself; and what God knew in knowing that Abraham ‘would obey’ was Abraham‘s actual obedience on that mountain top at that moment. To say that God ‘need not have tried the experiment’ is to say that because God knows, the thing known by God need not exist.” Anyways, I hope one or all of these observations helps someone who, like me, can struggle to understand what was happening in this passage. May our faith ignite because of Abraham’s obedience and God’s faithfulness!

  81. Erin Wells says:

    Look!

  82. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

    God tested Abraham. He said to him “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. (Genesis 22:1) The things that stand out to me in this passage – first, everything that was about to happen was a test. I feel that often times when hardships happen in our lives we tend to blame them on Satan. But not everything that “appears” to be bad is and just because it’s hard, doesn’t mean it’s not from God. Second, when God called Abraham responded. Which caused me to think – when God “calls” to me, do I respond? Am I even listening to God in the first place so I’ll hear His call?

    Third, as someone else already pointed out, Abraham said to his servants, “we will worship and then we will come back to you.” (Genesis 22:5) Abraham had complete faith and trust in God. He truly believed that if he offered his son in obedience – that God would raise him from the dead! What faith he had! Which makes me wonder, how big is my faith? If God asked me to offer everything to Him – would I? What am I too tightly hanging on too? Is there anything I would not do for God? So much to ponder!…Loving the Advent studies!

    Have a blessed Wednesday all you She’s!

  83. Angelica JoyInman says:

    Amen! I am praying this with you!

  84. Mari says:

    Good morning sweet sisters! Today what stood out to me was when Isaac asked Abraham where was the lamb for the sacrifice and he answered “God himself will provide” So grateful for those times we walk through the unknown, knowing that some how some way God will provide and not necessarily financial. I really liked and took note what Cindy Hanna (above) mentioned and it stood out to me as well that Isaac carried his “the wood” for his own sacrifice. And God provided. Loved this! I’ve been reading this Advent study with the instrumental music to “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” making this study SO sweet. I’m loving this study. I love this sweet time with Jesus and love spending it with all of you!

  85. Molly Rohrer says:

    As part of our morning I have my kids do some copy work using Bible verses. (We homeschool). Today I rattled off their “verse of the day” as I prepped my own space to dive into Day 4 here with you all. I had given them Psalm 130:5! When I arrived at it I exclaimed, “Look guys – I have the same verse in mine!” It solidified what stood out to me: The LOOKING and WAITING of the grand story of God’s passionate desire to be with His people again! And now we are here waiting in between the 2 Advents looking in anticipation for the 2nd Advent when we will look at His coming a final time! Come, Lord Jesus! We are watching and waiting in anticipation and hope – for you have proven yourself faithful in all Your promises! What a gift of peace that we can rest in, even in the moments of doubt and discouragement. YOU ARE COMING BACK!!!

  86. Olivia Metcalf says:

    I pray this advent season to be as present as Abraham was. ❤️

  87. Olivia Metcalf says:

    I pray this ad

  88. Gloria Garcia says:

    I can’t imagine how Abraham must have felt knowing he was about to sacrifice his son but even through his feelings he was obedient to God. And God provided a ram. I pray I will obey God even when I feel scare to step out of my comfort place.

  89. Allison Bentley says:

    Lord keep my eyes fixed upon you so that when an opportunity arises I say “Here I am”! Help me to look and not see fear but strength with You by my side. Help me to remember Your Word so that I will trust in Your provision! Amen

  90. Churchmouse says:

    I love setting up my Jesse tree for Advent. It reminds me of all the OT prophecies and their fulfillment in Jesus. The gold thread of God’s redemptive plan is evident and I’m grateful to be reminded of it every Christmas season. It takes the familiar Christmas story and provides its back story. Which impacts my story and yours!

  91. Vina Mogg says:

    @tracigendron, thank you for sharing your heart story. You have walked through the deepest pain imaginable, and I pray these scriptures we study today strengthen and comfort you during this season.

  92. Cindy Hanna says:

    For the first time in reading this passage I took note that Isaac carried the wood for his own death… even as Jesus carried his wooden cross. Isaac was bound before before being placed on the altar… Jesus was bound as well. I’ve always known this was a foreshadowing of Jesus’s crucifixion but didn’t take in the parallel in the finer details.

  93. Kate Savoie says:

    What really hit me was Abraham’s faithful obedience and assurance that God would provide. He was present and open (“here I am”) but also knew that God’s promises would not fail, even to the point of putting Isaac on the alter. Before even going up he told the mean “the boy and I will go over there to worship, then WE’LL come back.” He knew what God had promised and knew that whatever God intended, he would still have his son and that his obedience was needed in that nomment. Just as Abraham rested calmly in his promise, we rest calmly in the promise of the salvation through Christ.

  94. Traci Gendron says:

    The perfect, sinless baby we celebrate in the manger is the unblemished lamb of God who offered Himself on the tangled wood of the cross to redeem the world. Look past the familiarity of the season, and see from a distance the wonder of the stories that lead to the nativity. Lift your eyes to inspect the wonder of the promise God fulfilled when He provided the lamb, Jesus Christ, to save us.

    This year I am focused on just what this season means for us. I’m usually caught up in the typical “to do list” of the season. It’s only been a year since my son went to be with Jesus. The thought of sacrificing your son, as Issac was willing to do, had to be the most painful experience. I know as I told the doctors to take Tanner off all life support just how indescribable that is. But God is good to us. He helps us heal. He makes the pain tolerable. I pray that we all see the “reason for the season” this year. I’m so thankful for all of you!

  95. Jordyn C says:

    Praying for you Katie!

  96. Gwenna Pelz says:

    ❤️

  97. Donna Wolcott says:

    What jumped out at me this morning was the words “then we’ll come back to you”. I have read this story of Abraham and Isaac many times but for some reason I didn’t notice the response Abraham made to the young men with him. To have the faith of Abraham!

  98. Rebecca W says:

    Abraham was asked to do the unimaginable! But he had seen the miraculous hand of God in his life over and over and had to believe that if God asked it, he must listen and obey. But how terrifying those moments must have been leading up to the sound of the Lord’s angel calling his name! I need to have the faith of Abraham and always be listening for the voice of Jesus. Keep looking to the One who comes to save!
    Have a wonderful Wednesday Shes! ❤️❤️

  99. Kaela Kelly says:

    I’m right there with you, I have a 2 year old and this gets me every time.

  100. Susan Lincks says:

    I will keep my eyes on the Lord and be ever thankful for His love.

  101. Amber Flynn-Jared says:

    ❤️

  102. Eboneé Elem says:

    @Lexi Reiff – Beautiful post! Thanks for sharing your point of view! I’m not a parent so your post was an excellent reminder of the gravity of what Abraham was willing to sacrifice and what our God went through with sacrificing on our behalf.

  103. Susie H says:

    I often wonder what Isaac’s take away was from this day? It had to be a “Rock your world” kind of day.

    Looking forward to see what Jesus brings to this day.

  104. Michelle Baier says:

    I can’t even imagine how hard it was for Abraham to tie his son and draw his knife. I imagine Isaac was crying and pleading with Abraham who was also crying. But then God stepped in. Yay God!! And many years later God would watch his own son die for our sins in that same location. God loves each of us so much and I want to live in a way that makes God proud and Jesus’ sacrifice worthwhile.

  105. Michelle Patire says:

    @Lexi Reiff- congrats on your coming baby girl!!! That is so amazing. May the Lord continue to inspire your faith and call you deeper! <3

    God reminds me today that the good things we long for He can test us with or even take away. That we should always love Him more than those things, even when His promises to us are fulfilled, and we receive them.
    I don't know what's ahead, but last night, I wrote a song on this very thing. About waiting on God for much and how I will see His face when each thing comes to pass.

    Wow. God is good and intense ! Lol. My heart is thankful but also in fear of how you just can't predict God. Not a bad fear, but a fear that is aware of my sin nature. His grace continues to abound. I am most thankful for that. "…Where sin abounds, grace abounds much more" — Romans 5:20

  106. Lexi Reiff says:

    Ooof. I’m pregnant for the first time (just had the 20 week scan yesterday!) and this passage hit differently…I can’t imagine being asked to offer my daughter in my womb up as an offering, and not only that, but to tie her down and axe her with my own hands. I really admire Abraham’s obedience and the mess of feelings he must have had in that moment (especially after alllll he and sarah had been through on their journey following God so far)…AND it helps me see the feelings that God the Father also felt when offering his own son as the perfect lamb for all creation. This was more eye-opening than joyful for me, but helpful in tie the weight of the firstborn sacrifice to the immensity of God’s love for his people.

  107. Nancy Singleton says:

    Just thinking of Isaac & John, both “miracle” babies, & a part of Jesus’ story. Jesus, the supreme “miracle” baby, come to set the captives (you & me) free!!

  108. Bethany Tozer says:

    ♥️

  109. Rea Queen says:

    I love psalm 130:5-6 that says “ I wait for the Lord; I wait and put my hope in his word. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning-more than watchmen for the morning.”
    I’m thinking about how intently a watchman on the wall would wait for the first light of dawn to break over the horizon, how focused he would be to look for enemies coming in the darkness and how he would hope for the morning to come quickly. Hoping for an uneventful night. Psalm 130 says we wait for, hope in, watch for the Lord, the Light of the world, MORE THAN that watchman. We are engaged in our waiting, our hoping. We can trust His care and provision for us even if we wait, even while we wait.

  110. Kelly Wallace says:

    ❤️

  111. Rea Queen says:

    I love psalm 130:5-6 that says “ I wait for the Lord; I wait and put my hope in his word. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning-more than watchmen for the morning.”

  112. MaryGrace Morrison says:

    ❤️❤️❤️

  113. Shelley Brummett says:

    ❤️

  114. Jody Striker says:

    Praying grace, strength and encouragement for you today, Katie. ❤️

  115. Jody Striker says:

    I appreciate this reminder to be watchful for what God is doing and to keep my eyes on Him. So encouraging and helpful!

  116. Tammy says:

    What really stands out to me is how Abraham and John are truly expectant and aware. They were observant and ready to respond to God’s move because they were expecting it to happen. Abraham looked and listened and always responded with “here I am.” He was ready for whatever God told him to do. And so was John. He saw Jesus coming; he saw the spirit descending. They did not have to try to get his attention, they had it because he was not distracted by other things. And John responded with his testimony, so others wouldn’t miss what was happening. This is how I want to live — ready and waiting for God to move.

    I have also seen the prayer requests on this thread and am praying.

  117. Aimee D-R says:

    Lotd You will provide. Forgive my doubt, reward my faith. In Jesus name. Amen

  118. Katie Megee says:

    Ladies, please pray with me for a situation that has been completely unchanged for seven years. It has been extremely hard lately to hold on to hope, to know God is working, and to persevere in prayer. I’m thankful for the reminder that He is weaving a much larger story that I cannot know. And I truly believe there is foreshadowing if my spiritual eyes are open. Pray that I will be able to LOOK, and see Him in this in a fresh new way this season. Thank you!

  119. Sherrie Miles says:

    Beautifully written ♥️

  120. Taylor says:

    The Lord WILL Provide. Such a good reminder <3

  121. Chrissy DohertyFrank says:

    Love the little threads God has woven throughout his story. Look!

  122. searching says:

    These verses draw my attention to the importance of keeping my eyes on the Lord and my ears tuned in to His voice.

    LEXI B – praying for your friend and all who love her

  123. Patty P says:

    ❤️

  124. Angie Mills says:

    In the New Testament reading, we see that God provides His One & Only Son, Jesus, to be the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 3:16; John 1:29). God provides eternal life & salvation to those who believe in Jesus (John 3:16-17). He provides the Holy Spirit through Jesus’ baptism (John 1:33). He provided the Light through Jesus His Son (John 3:19). He gives truth and light to those who believe (John 3:21). He provides works that are accomplished by Himself to those who believe (John 3:21).

  125. Jessie Fehland says:

    Thank you Lord for these words today! This community is such a blessing. ❤️

  126. Brenda Mc says:

    Thank you, Lord God, for your faithfulness! You provide all of our needs in your perfect timing! Help us continue to keep our eyes on You!

  127. Elaine Morgan says:

    ❤️

  128. Patti McLean says:

    Yes! Look behind us to remember the promises that he has already fulfilled, look to you today to remember and see his faithfulness, and look ahead at the anticipation of his coming promises! So good 

  129. Patti McLean says:

    Yesss!! Look behind to remember His fulfilled promises, look today to see his failtfulness and look ahead in anticipation

  130. Lauren Johnson says:

    Amen!!! Thank you ❤️

  131. Krystal Goode says:

    ❤️

  132. Nikki Carter says:

    Looking forward and upward towards my savior that paid it all for me! God is good, and todays reading was especially sweet!

  133. Krista Branch says:

    God always provides the Lamb. We only need to look ahead in anticipation.

  134. Mindy Shiffert says:

    Here I am, God.

  135. Kelly (NEO) says:

    “Hope in the Lord. Recognize His redemptive plan. See from afar how amazing it is, both in anticipation and completion!”

    Anticipating His return in glory and splender! Maranatha (right, JLJ?)

  136. TIna says:

    Looking ahead.

    Looking beyond what is in front of me.

    Looking forward.

    Looking to and for the One who came and will come again, BECAUSE HE PROMISES TO..

    Looking…

    BUT GOD..

    Happy Wednesday! Wrapped in hopefilled love and hugs..❤

  137. Jo says:

    John’s excitement at seeing Jesus is almost tangible, saying “look, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. This is the one I told you about… ” I can imagine him pointing and urging everyone around him to look in the right direction so that they don’t miss the opportunity to look on the Lamb of God. Jesus would not have shrunk back, He knew that it was time to reveal who He truly was. We need to keep our eyes fixed on the evidence of His walk with us in our lives, tell others about what He continues to do, and ultimately how great our excitement will be when we see our long awaited Messiah return to take us home, hallelujah! Maranatha, come, Lord Jesus!