Emmanuel: God With Us an Advent Devotional

God sees

by Becky Svendsen Harbaugh, HOPE communications director

Perhaps you know the feeling of being unseen. Whether through memories of the middle school cafeteria or more recent recollections of being overlooked, maybe you have watched the seconds tick past slowly while insecurities race through your mind. If you were fortunate, someone breached your internal isolation with eye contact and thoughtful conversation.

How healing it is to feel noticed, understood, and seen.

We know little about Hagar’s life, but Scripture shares enough that I know I wouldn’t want to switch places with her. Separated from family, enslaved, and abused, Hagar’s situation was dire. Her story highlights the messiness of this broken world. More specifically, it confronts us with the realities that 1) some people are born into more mess than others, and 2) our choices can exacerbate the mess for ourselves and others. Abraham and Sarah made a mistake and roped Hagar into it. Yet Hagar, in her position of vulnerability, was left facing the consequences. It may have been unwise or short-sighted to run into the desert, pregnant and empty-handed, but Hagar’s desperation explains her ill-conceived escape plan.

Here’s the thing: When God met Hagar in the desert, He didn’t treat her like a mistake to be flushed out. He didn’t criticize or lecture her. Rather, our all-knowing God honored her by seeking to understand. What’s your story? He asked, before giving her hope for her illegitimate son’s future. The impression God left on Hagar is unmistakable. A woman and a slave, she became the only person recorded in Scripture to give God a new name: El Roi—the God who sees me. As our world cries out for a Messiah, Christ invites us to sit with those feeling judged or invisible—and love them by seeing them. Father, thank You for seeing and loving us. May we follow Your example of being present with others. Help us remember the healing power of noticing, acknowledging, and inquiring. Use us to show the world that You are a God who sees.

창세기 16:1–13 NKRV

1 아브람의 아내 사래는 출산하지 못하였고 그에게 한 여종이 있으니 애굽 사람이요 이름은 하갈이라 2 사래가 아브람에게 이르되 여호와께서 내 출산을 허락하지 아니하셨으니 원하건대 내 여종에게 들어가라 내가 혹 그로 말미암아 자녀를 얻을까 하노라 하매 아브람이 사래의 말을 들으니라 3 아브람의 아내 사래가 그 여종 애굽 사람 하갈을 데려다가 그 남편 아브람에게 첩으로 준 때는 아브람이 가나안 땅에 거주한 지 십 년 후였더라 4 아브람이 하갈과 동침하였더니 하갈이 임신하매 그가 자기의 임신함을 알고 그의 여주인을 멸시한지라 5 사래가 아브람에게 이르되 내가 받는 모욕은 당신이 받아야 옳도다 내가 나의 여종을 당신의 품에 두었거늘 그가 자기의 임신함을 알고 나를 멸시하니 당신과 나 사이에 여호와께서 판단하시기를 원하노라 6 아브람이 사래에게 이르되 당신의 여종은 당신의 수중에 있으니 당신의 눈에 좋을 대로 그에게 행하라 하매 사래가 하갈을 학대하였더니 하갈이 사래 앞에서 도망하였더라 7 여호와의 사자가 광야의 샘물 곁 곧 술 길 샘 곁에서 그를 만나 8 이르되 사래의 여종 하갈아 네가 어디서 왔으며 어디로 가느냐 그가 이르되 나는 내 여주인 사래를 피하여 도망하나이다 9 여호와의 사자가 그에게 이르되 네 여주인에게로 돌아가서 그 수하에 복종하라 10 여호와의 사자가 또 그에게 이르되 내가 네 씨를 크게 번성하여 그 수가 많아 셀 수 없게 하리라 11 여호와의 사자가 또 그에게 이르되 네가 임신하였은즉 아들을 낳으리니 그 이름을 이스마엘이라 하라 이는 여호와께서 네 고통을 들으셨음이니라 12 그가 사람 중에 들나귀 같이 되리니 그의 손이 모든 사람을 치겠고 모든 사람의 손이 그를 칠지며 그가 모든 형제와 대항해서 살리라 하니라 13 하갈이 자기에게 이르신 여호와의 이름을 나를 살피시는 하나님이라 하였으니 이는 내가 어떻게 여기서 나를 살피시는 하나님을 뵈었는고 함이라

God promises

by Rachel Spier Weaver, HOPE recruiter & co-author of the Called & Courageous Girls series

One of my favorite women in Scripture is found in Genesis 18. Sarah, by today’s standards, would be considered a risk-taker: She traveled hundreds of miles, to 17 different locations, settling among unfamiliar cultures. She lived during a time when, in order to receive honor, women were expected to have children. But Sarah had no children. Despite finding success in other areas of life, Sarah may have felt that part of her purpose was unfulfilled.

When Sarah was 90 years old, clearly past childbearing age, she overheard three holy visitors say she would have a child within the year. Genesis 18:12 says, “So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, ‘After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure?’” She laughed. Any of us would probably have had the same reaction as we mentally clicked through the rational impossibilities.

How many times have we scoffed at the promises of God, resting in our own logic? Each day we are reminded of brokenness: tyrannous, oppressive governments; power abused; the anguish of mental and physical illness. Sometimes brokenness feels distant; other times it creeps into our families, our own selves. Our responsibilities to remain steadfast and persist in good work (Galatians 6:9) exist in tandem with the realities that God Himself is at work and His promises remain true.

Recalling stories like Sarah’s, I regularly find myself saying, “And yet.” She was 90 years old, and yet Sarah had a son. The world is broken, and yet, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). We witness oppression all around, and yet, “He will rescue them from oppression and violence, for precious is their blood in his sight” (Psalm 72:14).

Praise God, for His promises are true!

God, we praise You that in every circumstance and season, Your promises are true. Help us to remember and cling to Your promises when we are overwhelmed by the weight of brokenness. Our faithful God, we put our trust in You.

창세기 18:1–15 NKRV

1 여호와께서 마므레의 상수리나무들이 있는 곳에서 아브라함에게 나타나시니라 날이 뜨거울 때에 그가 장막 문에 앉아 있다가 2 눈을 들어 본즉 사람 셋이 맞은편에 서 있는지라 그가 그들을 보자 곧 장막 문에서 달려나가 영접하며 몸을 땅에 굽혀 3 이르되 내 주여 내가 주께 은혜를 입었사오면 원하건대 종을 떠나 지나가지 마시옵고 4 물을 조금 가져오게 하사 당신들의 발을 씻으시고 나무 아래에서 쉬소서 5 내가 떡을 조금 가져오리니 당신들의 마음을 상쾌하게 하신 후에 지나가소서 당신들이 종에게 오셨음이니이다 그들이 이르되 네 말대로 그리하라 6 아브라함이 급히 장막으로 가서 사라에게 이르되 속히 고운 가루 세 스아를 가져다가 반죽하여 떡을 만들라 하고 7 아브라함이 또 가축 떼 있는 곳으로 달려가서 기름지고 좋은 송아지를 잡아 하인에게 주니 그가 급히 요리한지라 8 아브라함이 엉긴 젖과 우유와 하인이 요리한 송아지를 가져다가 그들 앞에 차려 놓고 나무 아래에 모셔 서매 그들이 먹으니라 9 그들이 아브라함에게 이르되 네 아내 사라가 어디 있느냐 대답하되 장막에 있나이다 10 그가 이르시되 내년 이맘때 내가 반드시 네게로 돌아오리니 네 아내 사라에게 아들이 있으리라 하시니 사라가 그 뒤 장막 문에서 들었더라 11 아브라함과 사라는 나이가 많아 늙었고 사라에게는 여성의 생리가 끊어졌는지라 12 사라가 속으로 웃고 이르되 내가 노쇠하였고 내 주인도 늙었으니 내게 무슨 즐거움이 있으리요 13 여호와께서 아브라함에게 이르시되 사라가 왜 웃으며 이르기를 내가 늙었거늘 어떻게 아들을 낳으리요 하느냐 14 여호와께 능하지 못한 일이 있겠느냐 기한이 이를 때에 내가 네게로 돌아오리니 사라에게 아들이 있으리라 15 사라가 두려워서 부인하여 이르되 내가 웃지 아니하였나이다 이르시되 아니라 네가 웃었느니라

창세기 21:1–6 NKRV

1 여호와께서 말씀하신 대로 사라를 돌보셨고 여호와께서 말씀하신 대로 사라에게 행하셨으므로 2 사라가 임신하고 하나님이 말씀하신 시기가 되어 노년의 아브라함에게 아들을 낳으니 3 아브라함이 그에게 태어난 아들 곧 사라가 자기에게 낳은 아들을 이름하여 이삭이라 하였고 4 그 아들 이삭이 난 지 팔 일 만에 그가 하나님이 명령하신 대로 할례를 행하였더라 5 아브라함이 그의 아들 이삭이 그에게 태어날 때에 백 세라 6 사라가 이르되 하나님이 나를 웃게 하시니 듣는 자가 다 나와 함께 웃으리로다

God renames us

by Andre Barkov, HOPE Ukraine managing director

About 70 years ago, my grandfather, who lived in the former Soviet Union, changed his name from Mendel Barak to Mikhail Barkov. The decision might seem foolish or inconsequential, but these few letters mattered greatly. My grandfather adopted a new name to protect himself and his family from pervasive anti-Semitism in the Communist State. He guarded his identity so closely that our family learned of the change only decades later following perestroika, a period of political and economic restructuring in the Soviet Union in the late 1980s. I was 27 years old when I first heard my grandfather’s true name.

In contrast, when my mother-in-law, Nadia Tomashivska, moved to the United States, an immigration official suggested shortening her surname to Thomas. Nadia refused, desiring to preserve her Ukrainian heritage.

In biblical times, like in my family, names carried great significance, telling something of who a person was or would become. Jacob meant “deceiver.” When Jacob encountered God, he asked for a blessing, and he received a new name. In His sovereignty, God renamed Jacob “Israel” (“he struggles with God”), emphasizing not his fallen nature but his divine encounter.

When we encounter God, we, too, have the opportunity to cast off our old names—Skeptic, Liar, Thief, Manipulator—and embrace new identities as Follower, Disciple, Believer, Servant of God. God renames us because He has a different agenda for us.

In Acts 11:26 we read that the disciples were first called “Christians,” a name we are honored to bear today. May we, like Israel, be forever reminded that we are not who we were. May we “live a life worthy of the calling [we] have received” (Ephesians 4:1) as we follow Christ into a broken world, sharing our own stories of transformation and redemption for the glory of Him whose name we bear.

Lord, we are surrounded by and complicit in the brokenness of this world. Thank You for changing our names, helping us cast off who we have been and embrace who You would have us be. Help us to live as people who have been redeemed and renamed.

창세기 32:22–31 NKRV

22 밤에 일어나 두 아내와 두 여종과 열한 아들을 인도하여 얍복 나루를 건널새 23 그들을 인도하여 시내를 건너가게 하며 그의 소유도 건너가게 하고 24 야곱은 홀로 남았더니 어떤 사람이 날이 새도록 야곱과 씨름하다가 25 자기가 야곱을 이기지 못함을 보고 그가 야곱의 허벅지 관절을 치매 야곱의 허벅지 관절이 그 사람과 씨름할 때에 어긋났더라 26 그가 이르되 날이 새려하니 나로 가게 하라 야곱이 이르되 당신이 내게 축복하지 아니하면 가게 하지 아니하겠나이다 27 그 사람이 그에게 이르되 네 이름이 무엇이냐 그가 이르되 야곱이니이다 28 그가 이르되 네 이름을 다시는 야곱이라 부를 것이 아니요 이스라엘이라 부를 것이니 이는 네가 하나님과 및 사람들과 겨루어 이겼음이니라 29 야곱이 청하여 이르되 당신의 이름을 알려주소서 그 사람이 이르되 어찌하여 내 이름을 묻느냐 하고 거기서 야곱에게 축복한지라 30 그러므로 야곱이 그 곳 이름을 브니엘이라 하였으니 그가 이르기를 내가 하나님과 대면하여 보았으나 내 생명이 보전되었다 함이더라 31 그가 브니엘을 지날 때에 해가 돋았고 그의 허벅다리로 말미암아 절었더라

God accompanies

by Luke Harbaugh, HOPE church representative

As a young Christian, I grew to love so-called “sacred spaces.” I anticipated God’s presence inside prayer rooms, retreat centers, and stained-glass cathedrals. Conversely, God’s tendency to reveal Himself at the most unexpected (and inconvenient) times could make me uncomfortable.

In Exodus 3, Moses finds himself in the wilderness—a location known throughout the Bible as a place of desperation, wandering, evil, and even death. In fact, Moses led his flock to the “far side” of the wilderness to a place called Horeb, which literally means “wasteland.” If ever a place deserved to be called godforsaken, Horeb seems to fit the bill! Yet unbeknownst to Moses, he stands on the Mountain of God, where he will have more than one life-changing encounter with the God of Israel.

When God speaks through the burning bush, Moses is surprised to find God accompanying him beyond the walls of convenient and well-marked “sacred spaces.” God instructs Moses to go to another seemingly godless place: the chambers of Egypt’s great and powerful Pharaoh. Moses feels overwhelmed and underqualified, but he will not have to go alone. God Himself will accompany Moses and guarantee his mission’s success. God promises Moses that he will one day worship on this very mountain, with all God’s people free and by his side.

This Advent season, remember that the very place that seems godless or godforsaken may be just where God shows up. “God with us” is not just a name but a reminder that God’s presence goes with us into and beyond the wilderness. Let us not eschew the profane, the mundane, or the wilderness journey, but instead let us watch and wait expectantly to find God’s presence accompanying us through it.

God, attune us to Your presence. Teach us that no place or person is beyond Your reach. Thank You that You accompany us into the wilderness and beyond. Give us courage to go where You direct us, knowing that we never walk alone.

출애굽기 3:1–12 NKRV

1 모세가 그의 장인 미디안 제사장 이드로의 양 떼를 치더니 그 떼를 광야 서쪽으로 인도하여 하나님의 산 호렙에 이르매 2 여호와의 사자가 떨기나무 가운데로부터 나오는 불꽃 안에서 그에게 나타나시니라 그가 보니 떨기나무에 불이 붙었으나 그 떨기나무가 사라지지 아니하는지라 3 이에 모세가 이르되 내가 돌이켜 가서 이 큰 광경을 보리라 떨기나무가 어찌하여 타지 아니하는고 하니 그 때에 4 여호와께서 그가 보려고 돌이켜 오는 것을 보신지라 하나님이 떨기나무 가운데서 그를 불러 이르시되 모세야 모세야 하시매 그가 이르되 내가 여기 있나이다 5 하나님이 이르시되 이리로 가까이 오지 말라 네가 선 곳은 거룩한 땅이니 네 발에서 신을 벗으라 6 또 이르시되 나는 네 조상의 하나님이니 아브라함의 하나님, 이삭의 하나님, 야곱의 하나님이니라 모세가 하나님 뵈옵기를 두려워하여 얼굴을 가리매 7 여호와께서 이르시되 내가 애굽에 있는 내 백성의 고통을 분명히 보고 그들이 그들의 감독자로 말미암아 부르짖음을 듣고 그 근심을 알고 8 내가 내려가서 그들을 애굽인의 손에서 건져내고 그들을 그 땅에서 인도하여 아름답고 광대한 땅, 젖과 꿀이 흐르는 땅 곧 가나안 족속, 헷 족속, 아모리 족속, 브리스 족속, 히위 족속, 여부스 족속의 지방에 데려가려 하노라 9 이제 가라 이스라엘 자손의 부르짖음이 내게 달하고 애굽 사람이 그들을 괴롭히는 학대도 내가 보았으니 10 이제 내가 너를 바로에게 보내어 너에게 내 백성 이스라엘 자손을 애굽에서 인도하여 내게 하리라 11 모세가 하나님께 아뢰되 내가 누구이기에 바로에게 가며 이스라엘 자손을 애굽에서 인도하여 내리이까 12 하나님이 이르시되 내가 반드시 너와 함께 있으리라 네가 그 백성을 애굽에서 인도하여 낸 후에 너희가 이 산에서 하나님을 섬기리니 이것이 내가 너를 보낸 증거니라

God guides

by Rev. Erisa Mutabazi, HOPE regional director of Africa savings group programs

As I reflect on how God used a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to lead the Israelites through the desert, I am reminded of my own journey. Growing up as a Rwandan refugee in Uganda, there were times when I became desperate, losing the direction and meaning of life. Socioeconomic challenges were so intense that my vision of the future grew bleak.

As a child, my parents taught me to seek God’s help, so during those dark times, I would ask God to manifest Himself to me in visible ways. God brought me an “angel” in the form of my high school physics teacher, who provided desperately needed direction and guidance. He spoke hope into my life, creating a sense of clarity and purpose that led to where I am today: helping other families pool their resources to fight poverty.

God leads His people in many wonderful ways. For me, it was a mature believer who faithfully pointed to God and His plan. For the Israelites, it was the pillars of cloud and fire. With no GPS, they badly needed a reliable guide for their journey. God provided, and indeed, “Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people” (Exodus 13:22).

In the Exodus, in my own story, and most likely in yours as well, God draws near to lead and guide His people. Even when we are weak, limited in knowledge, and unaware of what is around and ahead of us, He is there to lead us with omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. As believers, we are called to be attentive and obedient to God’s presence and guidance. Whether in the valley or on the mountaintop, may we realize we are lost without Him.

Lord, help us always look to You for direction. Reveal Your will to us, and strengthen us to follow You faithfully. Let our lives point to You as we model reliance on Your leading rather than our own understanding.

출애굽기 13:17–22 NKRV

17 바로가 백성을 보낸 후에 블레셋 사람의 땅의 길은 가까울지라도 하나님이 그들을 그 길로 인도하지 아니하셨으니 이는 하나님이 말씀하시기를 이 백성이 전쟁을 하게 되면 마음을 돌이켜 애굽으로 돌아갈까 하셨음이라 18 그러므로 하나님이 홍해의 광야 길로 돌려 백성을 인도하시매 이스라엘 자손이 애굽 땅에서 대열을 지어 나올 때에 19 모세가 요셉의 유골을 가졌으니 이는 요셉이 이스라엘 자손으로 단단히 맹세하게 하여 이르기를 하나님이 반드시 너희를 찾아오시리니 너희는 내 유골을 여기서 가지고 나가라 하였음이더라 20 그들이 숙곳을 떠나서 광야 끝 에담에 장막을 치니 21 여호와께서 그들 앞에서 가시며 낮에는 구름 기둥으로 그들의 길을 인도하시고 밤에는 불 기둥을 그들에게 비추사 낮이나 밤이나 진행하게 하시니 22 낮에는 구름 기둥, 밤에는 불 기둥이 백성 앞에서 떠나지 아니하니라

God encourages

by Jeff Rutt, HOPE founder & CEO of Keystone Custom Homes

In 2005, I was part of a team of 30 volunteers en route to Ukraine to work with Tomorrow Clubs, a network of Bible clubs sharing the hope of the Gospel with children throughout Eastern Europe. We had just arrived at Heathrow Airport in London when the flight departure screens went blank, and striking airline employees walked away from their posts. We were stranded.

Though Gideon’s situation was certainly more dire, in these moments I could relate to his doubts when the angel of the Lord announced, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior.” I believed God was with us, but this was hardly an auspicious start. Over Gideon’s uncertainty, God replies, “Go in the strength you have. ... Am I not sending you?”

We used the time at the airport to practice skits, bond as a team, and pray together in the chapel. Twenty hours later, we had rebooked a flight to Kyiv. As our bags were unlocatable, we prepared to depart the airport without our luggage: including the materials we had spent months preparing for the children. It felt as though we were heading into this camp in a place of weakness—which left us entirely dependent on God to show up.

Leaving the airport, we walked through a 100,000-square foot holding area. There, like a needle in a haystack, was one team member’s bag. Soon another member found his, and as we scoured the heaps of waylaid luggage, we located all but one bag. It was just the reminder we needed that this mission was not ours but God’s, and its success hinged not on our strength but His. As God encouraged the Apostle Paul, we felt Him say to our team, “My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). When God calls us, we, like Gideon, must go in the strength we have, relying on the God who sends.

Father, thank You that You use the weak and imperfect to carry out Your mission. As we minister in a broken world, remind us to depend not on our own strength but Yours. Help us to obey, despite our fears and inadequacies.

사사기 6:11–16 NKRV

11 여호와의 사자가 아비에셀 사람 요아스에게 속한 오브라에 이르러 상수리나무 아래에 앉으니라 마침 요아스의 아들 기드온이 미디안 사람에게 알리지 아니하려 하여 밀을 포도주 틀에서 타작하더니 12 여호와의 사자가 기드온에게 나타나 이르되 큰 용사여 여호와께서 너와 함께 계시도다 하매 13 기드온이 그에게 대답하되 오 나의 주여 여호와께서 우리와 함께 계시면 어찌하여 이 모든 일이 우리에게 일어났나이까 또 우리 조상들이 일찍이 우리에게 이르기를 여호와께서 우리를 애굽에서 올라오게 하신 것이 아니냐 한 그 모든 이적이 어디 있나이까 이제 여호와께서 우리를 버리사 미디안의 손에 우리를 넘겨 주셨나이다 하니 14 여호와께서 그를 향하여 이르시되 너는 가서 이 너의 힘으로 이스라엘을 미디안의 손에서 구원하라 내가 너를 보낸 것이 아니냐 하시니라 15 그러나 기드온이 그에게 대답하되 오 주여 내가 무엇으로 이스라엘을 구원하리이까 보소서 나의 집은 므낫세 중에 극히 약하고 나는 내 아버지 집에서 가장 작은 자니이다 하니 16 여호와께서 그에게 이르시되 내가 반드시 너와 함께 하리니 네가 미디안 사람 치기를 한 사람을 치듯 하리라 하시니라

사사기 7:9–15 NKRV

9 그 밤에 여호와께서 기드온에게 이르시되 일어나 진영으로 내려가라 내가 그것을 네 손에 넘겨 주었느니라 10 만일 네가 내려가기를 두려워하거든 네 부하 부라와 함께 그 진영으로 내려가서 11 그들이 하는 말을 들으라 그 후에 네 손이 강하여져서 그 진영으로 내려가리라 하시니 기드온이 이에 그의 부하 부라와 함께 군대가 있는 진영 근처로 내려간즉 12 미디안과 아말렉과 동방의 모든 사람들이 골짜기에 누웠는데 메뚜기의 많은 수와 같고 그들의 낙타의 수가 많아 해변의 모래가 많음 같은지라 13 기드온이 그 곳에 이른즉 어떤 사람이 그의 친구에게 꿈을 말하여 이르기를 보라 내가 한 꿈을 꾸었는데 꿈에 보리떡 한 덩어리가 미디안 진영으로 굴러 들어와 한 장막에 이르러 그것을 쳐서 무너뜨려 위쪽으로 엎으니 그 장막이 쓰러지더라 14 그의 친구가 대답하여 이르되 이는 다른 것이 아니라 이스라엘 사람 요아스의 아들 기드온의 칼이라 하나님이 미디안과 그 모든 진영을 그의 손에 넘겨 주셨느니라 하더라 15 기드온이 그 꿈과 해몽하는 말을 듣고 경배하며 이스라엘 진영으로 돌아와 이르되 일어나라 여호와께서 미디안과 그 모든 진영을 너희 손에 넘겨 주셨느니라 하고

God protects

by Durwood Snead, HOPE board member

One of Satan’s key strategies is fear. We worry about the repercussions at work if we follow God faithfully. We dread the cost to our relationships if we choose not to lie or gossip. We sense God calling us to minister to a broken world, but we fear for our safety or that of our family.

When challenges come—and that is “when” and not “if”—where do we go? How do we prevent fear from terrorizing us and rendering us incapable of fulfilling our calling as followers of Christ?

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were confronted by the real possibility of death by fire when they were told to bow down and worship an idol. Their response in Daniel 3:17-18 provides an extraordinary example of how to respond to persecution and fear: “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire ... but even if He does not ... we are not going to serve your gods” (NASB).

When fear comes, acknowledge God as your protector, your shield, your deliverer, and your loving Heavenly Father. God loves us so much He gave His only Son to die for us (John 3:16), conquering evil and the grave, “overcom[ing] the world” and its troubles (John 16:33). He is all powerful. He is able to protect us from the brokenness of this world—but what if the outcome of His deliverance and protection is different than what we desire? Even if: Trust Him. When you don’t understand, trust Him anyway, because He gave His precious Son for you.

When challenges come, we have a choice. If we choose to see life through the lens of our circumstances, all may look hopeless, but if we look through the lens of God’s sacrificial, overwhelming love for us, trust will flood our souls and displace the lie of fear.

Father, we know there is no fear in love (1 John 4:18). May we be so filled with Your love that fear is displaced in our lives. Fill us with Your peace even in the face of persecution or trials. Help us remember that You are with us.

다니엘 3:8–28 NKRV

8 그 때에 어떤 갈대아 사람들이 나아와 유다 사람들을 참소하니라 9 그들이 느부갓네살 왕에게 이르되 왕이여 만수무강 하옵소서 10 왕이여 왕이 명령을 내리사 모든 사람이 나팔과 피리와 수금과 삼현금과 양금과 생황과 및 모든 악기 소리를 듣거든 엎드려 금 신상에게 절할 것이라 11 누구든지 엎드려 절하지 아니하는 자는 맹렬히 타는 풀무불 가운데에 던져 넣음을 당하리라 하지 아니하셨나이까 12 이제 몇 유다 사람 사드락과 메삭과 아벳느고는 왕이 세워 바벨론 지방을 다스리게 하신 자이거늘 왕이여 이 사람들이 왕을 높이지 아니하며 왕의 신들을 섬기지 아니하며 왕이 세우신 금 신상에게 절하지 아니하나이다 13 느부갓네살 왕이 노하고 분하여 사드락과 메삭과 아벳느고를 끌어오라 말하매 드디어 그 사람들을 왕의 앞으로 끌어온지라 14 느부갓네살이 그들에게 물어 이르되 사드락, 메삭, 아벳느고야 너희가 내 신을 섬기지 아니하며 내가 세운 금 신상에게 절하지 아니한다 하니 사실이냐 15 이제라도 너희가 준비하였다가 나팔과 피리와 수금과 삼현금과 양금과 생황과 및 모든 악기 소리를 들을 때 내가 만든 신상 앞에 엎드려 절하면 좋거니와 너희가 만일 절하지 아니하면 즉시 너희를 맹렬히 타는 풀무불 가운데에 던져 넣을 것이니 능히 너희를 내 손에서 건져낼 신이 누구이겠느냐 하니 16 사드락과 메삭과 아벳느고가 왕에게 대답하여 이르되 느부갓네살이여 우리가 이 일에 대하여 왕에게 대답할 필요가 없나이다 17 왕이여 우리가 섬기는 하나님이 계시다면 우리를 맹렬히 타는 풀무불 가운데에서 능히 건져내시겠고 왕의 손에서도 건져내시리이다 18 그렇게 하지 아니하실지라도 왕이여 우리가 왕의 신들을 섬기지도 아니하고 왕이 세우신 금 신상에게 절하지도 아니할 줄을 아옵소서 19 느부갓네살이 분이 가득하여 사드락과 메삭과 아벳느고를 향하여 얼굴빛을 바꾸고 명령하여 이르되 그 풀무불을 뜨겁게 하기를 평소보다 칠 배나 뜨겁게 하라 하고 20 군대 중 용사 몇 사람에게 명령하여 사드락과 메삭과 아벳느고를 결박하여 극렬히 타는 풀무불 가운데에 던지라 하니라 21 그러자 그 사람들을 겉옷과 속옷과 모자와 다른 옷을 입은 채 결박하여 맹렬히 타는 풀무불 가운데에 던졌더라 22 왕의 명령이 엄하고 풀무불이 심히 뜨거우므로 불꽃이 사드락과 메삭과 아벳느고를 붙든 사람을 태워 죽였고 23 이 세 사람 사드락과 메삭과 아벳느고는 결박된 채 맹렬히 타는 풀무불 가운데에 떨어졌더라 24 그 때에 느부갓네살 왕이 놀라 급히 일어나서 모사들에게 물어 이르되 우리가 결박하여 불 가운데에 던진 자는 세 사람이 아니었느냐 하니 그들이 왕에게 대답하여 이르되 왕이여 옳소이다 하더라 25 왕이 또 말하여 이르되 내가 보니 결박되지 아니한 네 사람이 불 가운데로 다니는데 상하지도 아니하였고 그 넷째의 모양은 신들의 아들과 같도다 하고 26 느부갓네살이 맹렬히 타는 풀무불 아귀 가까이 가서 불러 이르되 지극히 높으신 하나님의 종 사드락, 메삭, 아벳느고야 나와서 이리로 오라 하매 사드락과 메삭과 아벳느고가 불 가운데에서 나온지라 27 총독과 지사와 행정관과 왕의 모사들이 모여 이 사람들을 본즉 불이 능히 그들의 몸을 해하지 못하였고 머리털도 그을리지 아니하였고 겉옷 빛도 변하지 아니하였고 불 탄 냄새도 없었더라 28 느부갓네살이 말하여 이르되 사드락과 메삭과 아벳느고의 하나님을 찬송할지로다 그가 그의 천사를 보내사 자기를 의뢰하고 그들의 몸을 바쳐 왕의 명령을 거역하고 그 하나님 밖에는 다른 신을 섬기지 아니하며 그에게 절하지 아니한 종들을 구원하셨도다

Jesus draws near

by Jill Heisey, friend of HOPE

Spend enough time around new parents and you’ll likely hear a common complaint: People keep trying to touch my child! It seems we are irresistibly drawn to babies. Did God have that in mind when He chose to send His Son to earth as an infant?

In the years between the Exodus and the birth of Jesus, the law restricted access to God. But in Jesus, God comes near. Though many kids outgrow their approachable nature, Jesus did not. All through the Gospels, people are drawn to Him, pressing in, reaching out, touching Him.

God desires this closeness. It’s the reason “the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14), to wash away the stain of sin, to close the gap between darkness and Light, to welcome us back into relationship with our Creator, and to invite us into His service.

Jesus told His disciples, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Jesus preached, healed, fed, and instructed—but He also modeled a posture of nearness to God by regularly spending time alone with the Father.

How often we seek and strive to do what we believe God would have us do without first drawing near to Him. The Church in Ephesus struggled similarly: “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance ... [you] have not grown weary. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first” (Revelation 2:2-4). This Christmas season, may we find our love for Jesus refreshed and renewed as we remember that He left heaven itself to draw near to us—and may we move toward others in love as a result. Let us draw near.

Lord, in this season that should be all about Your presence and nearness, we struggle to make space for You. Forgive us. Grow our desire to be near You until we are consumed not by activities and acquisitions but a longing to be in Your presence.

마태복음 1:23 NKRV

23 보라 처녀가 잉태하여 아들을 낳을 것이요 그의 이름은 임마누엘이라 하리라 하셨으니 이를 번역한즉 하나님이 우리와 함께 계시다 함이라

마가복음 1:35 NKRV

35 새벽 아직도 밝기 전에 예수께서 일어나 나가 한적한 곳으로 가사 거기서 기도하시더니

누가복음 5:15–16 NKRV

15 예수의 소문이 더욱 퍼지매 수많은 무리가 말씀도 듣고 자기 병도 고침을 받고자 하여 모여 오되 16 예수는 물러가사 한적한 곳에서 기도하시니라

Jesus knows His mission

by Peter Greer, HOPE president & CEO

We can only imagine what it must have been like to watch Jesus unroll the scroll in the synagogue and declare with absolute conviction and clarity the words of the prophet Isaiah: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).

In this powerful moment, Jesus announced that He is the Messiah, the Promised One, and the living fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. This proclamation reminds us that our Savior is unlike any other. His mission was not about power and prestige but about good news and freedom for those in need.

And His method was unexpected and unprecedented. As A.W. Tozer put it, “Salvation was bought not by Jesus’ fist, but by His nail-pierced hands; not by muscle but by love; not by vengeance but by forgiveness; not by force but by sacrifice.”

What might it look like for us to regularly reflect on and remember Christ’s mission? ... To embrace our mission as His followers? ... To answer His call by wholeheartedly sharing the Good News of abundant life and freedom in Christ with everyone around us? ... To do so in humility and love and with acts of compassion, pointing all people to our Savior? ... To participate in God’s ongoing work of restoration around the world, and to see the Kingdom expand and families and communities flourish?

This Christmas, may we rediscover the miraculous mission of our Savior and join in this beautiful, redemptive work of proclaiming Good News and showing God’s love to all people.

God, may we, like Jesus, have clarity in our mission. May we know what You have called us to do. Help us to never forget our primary mission of proclaiming Good News and showing love. May our methods honor and glorify You.

누가복음 4:14–21 NKRV

14 예수께서 성령의 능력으로 갈릴리에 돌아가시니 그 소문이 사방에 퍼졌고 15 친히 그 여러 회당에서 가르치시매 뭇 사람에게 칭송을 받으시더라 16 예수께서 그 자라나신 곳 나사렛에 이르사 안식일에 늘 하시던 대로 회당에 들어가사 성경을 읽으려고 서시매 17 선지자 이사야의 글을 드리거늘 책을 펴서 이렇게 기록된 데를 찾으시니 곧 18 주의 성령이 내게 임하셨으니 이는 가난한 자에게 복음을 전하게 하시려고 내게 기름을 부으시고 나를 보내사 포로 된 자에게 자유를, 눈 먼 자에게 다시 보게 함을 전파하며 눌린 자를 자유롭게 하고 19 주의 은혜의 해를 전파하게 하려 하심이라 하였더라 20 책을 덮어 그 맡은 자에게 주시고 앉으시니 회당에 있는 자들이 다 주목하여 보더라 21 이에 예수께서 그들에게 말씀하시되 이 글이 오늘 너희 귀에 응하였느니라 하시니

Jesus heals

by Cathi Linch, friend of HOPE

As I read this passage, I am struck by the tenacity of a man desperate for healing. I am humbled by the selflessness of his friends, who dug through a dirt roof on the off chance that the rumored miracle worker might heal their friend’s body.

And the Pharisees: always present, questioning, doubting, accusing. So focused on judging Jesus’ every word that they missed the culmination of their beloved Scripture in the coming of the Kingdom of God.

Jesus healed the man’s body, fulfilling the hope he and his friends had when they set out that morning. But the healing didn’t end there. Jesus healed the man’s soul, fulfilling the age-old hope of the nation of Israel.

For generations, the people of Israel recounted the story of the Exodus and God’s deliverance from their slavery to Pharaoh. The hope of Israel was that the coming Messiah would bring about a New Exodus, whereby the people of Israel would be freed, for the last time, from bondage and oppression.

The man’s friends didn’t know it, but God used their actions to explain why He sent Jesus to live and die among us. Jesus came to fulfill the age-old hope of Israel. By forgiving the man’s sins, Jesus gave him a New Exodus. And being freed, for the last time, from the bondage and oppression of sin, the man wasted no time pursuing the vocation God has intended for each of us from the beginning: worshiping Him by bearing His image throughout His creation.

This Advent season, let us be tenacious in seeking healing for our broken parts, selfless in our devotion to our friends, and open-minded to the ways of God that we may not understand. Let us be faithful image bearers, sharing the healing and hope God has brought to the world through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Lord, thank You that we can come to You for the healing of both body and soul. Having been healed, we ask You to fill us with boldness to proclaim You as our Healer and glorify Your name. May we reach those in need of healing with Your love and mercy.

누가복음 5:17–26 NKRV

17 하루는 가르치실 때에 갈릴리의 각 마을과 유대와 예루살렘에서 온 바리새인과 율법교사들이 앉았는데 병을 고치는 주의 능력이 예수와 함께 하더라 18 한 중풍병자를 사람들이 침상에 메고 와서 예수 앞에 들여놓고자 하였으나 19 무리 때문에 메고 들어갈 길을 얻지 못한지라 지붕에 올라가 기와를 벗기고 병자를 침상째 무리 가운데로 예수 앞에 달아 내리니 20 예수께서 그들의 믿음을 보시고 이르시되 이 사람아 네 죄 사함을 받았느니라 하시니 21 서기관과 바리새인들이 생각하여 이르되 이 신성모독 하는 자가 누구냐 오직 하나님 외에 누가 능히 죄를 사하겠느냐 22 예수께서 그 생각을 아시고 대답하여 이르시되 너희 마음에 무슨 생각을 하느냐 23 네 죄 사함을 받았느니라 하는 말과 일어나 걸어가라 하는 말이 어느 것이 쉽겠느냐 24 그러나 인자가 땅에서 죄를 사하는 권세가 있는 줄을 너희로 알게 하리라 하시고 중풍병자에게 말씀하시되 내가 네게 이르노니 일어나 네 침상을 가지고 집으로 가라 하시매 25 그 사람이 그들 앞에서 곧 일어나 그 누웠던 것을 가지고 하나님께 영광을 돌리며 자기 집으로 돌아가니 26 모든 사람이 놀라 하나님께 영광을 돌리며 심히 두려워하여 이르되 오늘 우리가 놀라운 일을 보았다 하니라

Jesus feeds

by Brigitte Gitane Souamy Ngangara, HOPE Congo director of spiritual integration

Jesus was the best teacher of all time. Yet I believe it wasn’t solely His teaching that attracted crowds to Him, but His miracles. The people who flocked to Jesus were tired of suffering and waiting. They were thirsty for well-being, yearning for abundance, desperate for healing. And they were hungry—often physically as well as spiritually.

In this passage, Jesus’ 12 disciples show compassion for a crowd that has not eaten since daybreak. Their solution is logical and practical: Conclude this time of ministry and send them back to surrounding villages for food and rest. But Jesus’ response shows that meeting physical needs was not outside the realm of His ministry. Ministry didn’t have to end for people to eat; feeding people was part of the ministry.

In the Republic of Congo, where I serve as HOPE Congo’s director of spiritual integration, we aim to follow Jesus’ example in meeting physical as well as spiritual needs. We offer discipleship opportunities like morning devotions, home Bible studies, and prayer days. We also provide basic business training and small business loans that empower men and women to earn a sustainable living and affirm the gifts and talents God has given each of His children. Though ministering to spiritual needs matters eternally, we recognize the legitimacy of physical needs. It is difficult for a hungry crowd to hear the hope of the Gospel!

The method of this miraculous feeding is also striking to me and instructive in our own ministries. Christ could have conjured food from nothing, but instead He welcomes the contributions of others. Following Jesus’ example, we invite the men and women we serve to bring what they have: talents, ideas, small savings. Then we imitate Jesus by presenting to God what we have, using the abilities He has given, and trusting Him for provision and multiplication.

I am grateful to serve a God who looked with compassion on a hungry crowd. He met physical needs in abundance, affirming His power to meet spiritual needs as well. As Jesus’ hands and feet in a broken world, may we—like Him—see the eternal significance in meeting temporal needs.

Creator God, help us to see people not as their parts but a whole. Teach us to meet needs as You would, ministering to both body and soul. May we help in ways that dignify and affirm the image of You in each one of Your creations.

누가복음 9:10–17 NKRV

10 사도들이 돌아와 자기들이 행한 모든 것을 예수께 여쭈니 데리시고 따로 벳새다라는 고을로 떠나 가셨으나 11 무리가 알고 따라왔거늘 예수께서 그들을 영접하사 하나님 나라의 일을 이야기하시며 병 고칠 자들은 고치시더라 12 날이 저물어 가매 열두 사도가 나아와 여짜오되 무리를 보내어 두루 마을과 촌으로 가서 유하며 먹을 것을 얻게 하소서 우리가 있는 여기는 빈 들이니이다 13 예수께서 이르시되 너희가 먹을 것을 주라 하시니 여짜오되 우리에게 떡 다섯 개와 물고기 두 마리밖에 없으니 이 모든 사람을 위하여 먹을 것을 사지 아니하고서는 할 수 없사옵나이다 하니 14 이는 남자가 한 오천 명 됨이러라 제자들에게 이르시되 떼를 지어 한 오십 명씩 앉히라 하시니 15 제자들이 이렇게 하여 다 앉힌 후 16 예수께서 떡 다섯 개와 물고기 두 마리를 가지사 하늘을 우러러 축사하시고 떼어 제자들에게 주어 무리에게 나누어 주게 하시니 17 먹고 다 배불렀더라 그 남은 조각을 열두 바구니에 거두니라

Jesus satisfies

by Bonnie Greer, friend of HOPE

Christmas preparations are driving me today. Stopping to “drink”—although a priority—is hard. But here I am at a well, inviting you to stop and ponder in the midst of purchasing and preparing.

We have heard of “her”: that woman at the well. But until we read her story in John 4, we may forget that Jesus was there first. He was waiting for her. Alone she came, and Jesus asked her for a drink. Because of Grace, the initiative was His!

Jesus’ break from culture and prejudice obviously surprises the Samaritan woman. Jesus has her attention and begins to reveal who He is. He knows that she came thirsty for more than water. He knows that she came not only with an empty jar but also with an empty heart. He sees her thirst for love, knowing that even five husbands and “the one you now know” were not enough to satisfy her deepest longings. She needed the Living Water, and He was here! She had come to the well for water, and The Water had come to her.

In this Christmas rush, as I desire to show love or meet the expectations or needs of others, will it be like trying to get water from an empty pot? Have I forgotten that I have not come to Christmas but that Christ has come to me?

I, like Israel of old in Jeremiah 2:13, can make cisterns for myself, while rejecting the Fountain of Life. But He came with Living Water that would satisfy this woman’s deepest thirst, and ours, becoming that “spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14), which we are compelled by Love to share, just as she did with her village!

Let us stop and drink. Jesus is at the well. Jesus is The Well! This Fountain comes to us still! Emmanuel, God with us.

Lord, no perfect gift or Christmas cheer will satisfy our souls: Your presence will. Help us to delight in You this season and always. May our souls be filled and spilling over with Your love, compelling us to share the source of our satisfaction with others.

요한복음 4:1–14 NKRV

1 예수께서 제자를 삼고 세례를 베푸시는 것이 요한보다 많다 하는 말을 바리새인들이 들은 줄을 주께서 아신지라 2 (예수께서 친히 세례를 베푸신 것이 아니요 제자들이 베푼 것이라) 3 유대를 떠나사 다시 갈릴리로 가실새 4 사마리아를 통과하여야 하겠는지라 5 사마리아에 있는 수가라 하는 동네에 이르시니 야곱이 그 아들 요셉에게 준 땅이 가깝고 6 거기 또 야곱의 우물이 있더라 예수께서 길 가시다가 피곤하여 우물 곁에 그대로 앉으시니 때가 여섯 시쯤 되었더라 7 사마리아 여자 한 사람이 물을 길으러 왔으매 예수께서 물을 좀 달라 하시니 8 이는 제자들이 먹을 것을 사러 그 동네에 들어갔음이러라 9 사마리아 여자가 이르되 당신은 유대인으로서 어찌하여 사마리아 여자인 나에게 물을 달라 하나이까 하니 이는 유대인이 사마리아인과 상종하지 아니함이러라 10 예수께서 대답하여 이르시되 네가 만일 하나님의 선물과 또 네게 물 좀 달라 하는 이가 누구인 줄 알았더라면 네가 그에게 구하였을 것이요 그가 생수를 네게 주었으리라 11 여자가 이르되 주여 물 길을 그릇도 없고 이 우물은 깊은데 어디서 당신이 그 생수를 얻겠사옵나이까 12 우리 조상 야곱이 이 우물을 우리에게 주셨고 또 여기서 자기와 자기 아들들과 짐승이 다 마셨는데 당신이 야곱보다 더 크니이까 13 예수께서 대답하여 이르시되 이 물을 마시는 자마다 다시 목마르려니와 14 내가 주는 물을 마시는 자는 영원히 목마르지 아니하리니 내가 주는 물은 그 속에서 영생하도록 솟아나는 샘물이 되리라

Jesus makes time

by Katelyn Beaty, HOPE board member & acquisitions editor for Baker Publishing Group

Recently, my friend Julie and I were trying to make plans to share a meal. We texted back and forth all day before landing on a time that worked. Even though Julie and I care deeply about each other, we struggle to make time for one another. Anyone who’s tried to maintain friendship amid work stress, kids’ extracurriculars, church commitments, and travel knows that the forces of modern life work against long-lasting connection.

In the Gospels, we see that Jesus made Himself available to connection—even when it didn’t fit His plans. When Jairus pled with Jesus to come to his house to heal his daughter, Jesus agreed to go. On their way, Jesus was interrupted again, by a woman who had been bleeding for 12 years. As the crowds were pressing against Him, Jesus stopped to engage her in conversation, declaring her healed through faith. Then He proceeded to Jairus’ house to heal his daughter. Jesus might have started that day with another plan in mind. But He forsook it in the face of profound human need.

I imagine that Jesus must at times have been exhausted by others; He sometimes escaped the crowds to be alone. Yet Jesus is the exemplar of putting people ahead of plans.

Sometimes others’ needs are tangible: a hot meal, a hospital visit. But more often, others come to us with intangible needs: the need to be heard, to be understood, to be embraced. Above all, we are called to loving relationship, the kind that God desires with us and that Jesus modeled for us in His earthly life. Emmanuel, God with us—Jesus’ desire for relationship is in His very name. May we who follow Him become known for giving our time and energy to become people who dwell with others in their need, even if it means letting go of our plans for the day.

Lord, help us to remember that in Your Kingdom, people matter more than plans. Don’t allow us to become so busy or inflexible that we have no time to minister to unanticipated needs or be with others in their pain. Thank You that You are God with us.

누가복음 8:40–48 NKRV

40 예수께서 돌아오시매 무리가 환영하니 이는 다 기다렸음이러라 41 이에 회당장인 야이로라 하는 사람이 와서 예수의 발 아래에 엎드려 자기 집에 오시기를 간구하니 42 이는 자기에게 열두 살 된 외딸이 있어 죽어감이러라 예수께서 가실 때에 무리가 밀려들더라 43 이에 열두 해를 혈루증으로 앓는 중에 아무에게도 고침을 받지 못하던 여자가 44 예수의 뒤로 와서 그의 옷 가에 손을 대니 혈루증이 즉시 그쳤더라 45 예수께서 이르시되 내게 손을 댄 자가 누구냐 하시니 다 아니라 할 때에 베드로가 이르되 주여 무리가 밀려들어 미나이다 46 예수께서 이르시되 내게 손을 댄 자가 있도다 이는 내게서 능력이 나간 줄 앎이로다 하신대 47 여자가 스스로 숨기지 못할 줄 알고 떨며 나아와 엎드리어 그 손 댄 이유와 곧 나은 것을 모든 사람 앞에서 말하니 48 예수께서 이르시되 딸아 네 믿음이 너를 구원하였으니 평안히 가라 하시더라

Jesus grieves

by Sarah Ann Schultz, HOPE marketing communications specialist

One night in March 2015, I was startled awake in the middle of the night with a vaguely familiar Bible verse tugging at my subconscious: Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died (John 11:32).

I recognized the line from the story of Lazarus’ death and subsequent raising—a strange verse to consume my mind, but it gnawed at me until I kicked off the sheets and flipped open my Bible. Day after day, I read the story, fixated on how Jesus responded to death.

Just a few weeks later, I got the kind of phone call I had long dreaded—the kind that begins with tragic news and ends with a long middle-of-the-night drive to grieve with family.

In that season of bewildering grief, I often pictured Jesus facing the news of His friend’s death. While imagery of Jesus often depicts Him as serene and placid, that Jesus seemed distant from my current reality. I craved a Jesus who understood loss. As Bonhoeffer reflected from his prison cell, in seasons of pain, “only a suffering God can help.”

For a long time before facing grief myself, I thought that an orderly theology of suffering would keep me afloat in painful times. But Jesus’ tears tell me that knowledge does not insulate us from pain.

Jesus knew how the story would end. He knew that the moments of sorrow were numbered, that Lazarus would lie in the tomb for only minutes more. And yet, rather than rush to the miracle, He chose to pause and mourn with Lazarus’ sisters.

His tears remind me that grief and hope can coexist. In moments of great sorrow and places of great brokenness, may Jesus’ example give us permission to mourn losses deeply, while clinging to the hope that one day He will make all things new.

In You we do not grieve without hope. Help us as we hold in tension the promise that You will make all things new and the reality of present brokenness. May we overflow with compassion for the hurting, and when we ourselves hurt, comfort us with Your loving presence.

요한복음 11:17–44 NKRV

17 예수께서 와서 보시니 나사로가 무덤에 있은 지 이미 나흘이라 18 베다니는 예루살렘에서 가깝기가 한 오 리쯤 되매 19 많은 유대인이 마르다와 마리아에게 그 오라비의 일로 위문하러 왔더니 20 마르다는 예수께서 오신다는 말을 듣고 곧 나가 맞이하되 마리아는 집에 앉았더라 21 마르다가 예수께 여짜오되 주께서 여기 계셨더라면 내 오라버니가 죽지 아니하였겠나이다 22 그러나 나는 이제라도 주께서 무엇이든지 하나님께 구하시는 것을 하나님이 주실 줄을 아나이다 23 예수께서 이르시되 네 오라비가 다시 살아나리라 24 마르다가 이르되 마지막 날 부활 때에는 다시 살아날 줄을 내가 아나이다 25 예수께서 이르시되 나는 부활이요 생명이니 나를 믿는 자는 죽어도 살겠고 26 무릇 살아서 나를 믿는 자는 영원히 죽지 아니하리니 이것을 네가 믿느냐 27 이르되 주여 그러하외다 주는 그리스도시요 세상에 오시는 하나님의 아들이신 줄 내가 믿나이다 28 이 말을 하고 돌아가서 가만히 그 자매 마리아를 불러 말하되 선생님이 오셔서 너를 부르신다 하니 29 마리아가 이 말을 듣고 급히 일어나 예수께 나아가매 30 예수는 아직 마을로 들어오지 아니하시고 마르다가 맞이했던 곳에 그대로 계시더라 31 마리아와 함께 집에 있어 위로하던 유대인들은 그가 급히 일어나 나가는 것을 보고 곡하러 무덤에 가는 줄로 생각하고 따라가더니 32 마리아가 예수 계신 곳에 가서 뵈옵고 그 발 앞에 엎드리어 이르되 주께서 여기 계셨더라면 내 오라버니가 죽지 아니하였겠나이다 하더라 33 예수께서 그가 우는 것과 또 함께 온 유대인들이 우는 것을 보시고 심령에 비통히 여기시고 불쌍히 여기사 34 이르시되 그를 어디 두었느냐 이르되 주여 와서 보옵소서 하니 35 예수께서 눈물을 흘리시더라 36 이에 유대인들이 말하되 보라 그를 얼마나 사랑하셨는가 하며 37 그 중 어떤 이는 말하되 맹인의 눈을 뜨게 한 이 사람이 그 사람은 죽지 않게 할 수 없었더냐 하더라 38 이에 예수께서 다시 속으로 비통히 여기시며 무덤에 가시니 무덤이 굴이라 돌로 막았거늘 39 예수께서 이르시되 돌을 옮겨 놓으라 하시니 그 죽은 자의 누이 마르다가 이르되 주여 죽은 지가 나흘이 되었으매 벌써 냄새가 나나이다 40 예수께서 이르시되 내 말이 네가 믿으면 하나님의 영광을 보리라 하지 아니하였느냐 하시니 41 돌을 옮겨 놓으니 예수께서 눈을 들어 우러러 보시고 이르시되 아버지여 내 말을 들으신 것을 감사하나이다 42 항상 내 말을 들으시는 줄을 내가 알았나이다 그러나 이 말씀 하옵는 것은 둘러선 무리를 위함이니 곧 아버지께서 나를 보내신 것을 그들로 믿게 하려 함이니이다 43 이 말씀을 하시고 큰 소리로 나사로야 나오라 부르시니 44 죽은 자가 수족을 베로 동인 채로 나오는데 그 얼굴은 수건에 싸였더라 예수께서 이르시되 풀어 놓아 다니게 하라 하시니라

Jesus proclaims

by Jieun Lee, HOPE senior savings group program advisor

I stood in line waiting for my drink at Starbucks. Ten minutes passed, and still they had not called my name. I was growing impatient as, one by one, others received their orders. I was anxious to get back to the hospital where my grandmother was being treated for sepsis.

It was hard to watch my grandma struggle and suffer, unable to communicate her needs to those caring for her because of a language barrier. After days spent in the ICU, I needed a break. But now, as the minutes ticked by, I feared I had been gone too long. After 15 minutes, I realized they must have forgotten my order.

Even though it was an honest mistake, I was angry. I was physically and emotionally exhausted, and this insignificant delay was enough to push me over the edge. I stomped toward the counter, but at that moment, I remembered the words on my shirt: “Strength for today, and bright hope for tomorrow.” I paused and reflected. Even in the darkest moments of life, I knew Christ was, is, and will be with me. And I knew that my words and actions in this moment—like all moments—spoke powerfully of the God within me.

In John 14, Jesus promised He will not leave us as orphans. He asked the Father to give the Great Counselor, the Holy Spirit, to guide us. He also promised to come to us again. Emmanuel, God with us, is Christ’s promise to us. It is our strength for today and our hope for tomorrow. And with that promise, God is asking us to proclaim His goodness to the world.

May our lives proclaim Your love, Father. Help us to live differently because You are with us and in us. May others be drawn to the Good News of the Gospel because they see it alive in us—through trials and triumphs alike.

요한복음 14:8–18 NKRV

8 빌립이 이르되 주여 아버지를 우리에게 보여 주옵소서 그리하면 족하겠나이다 9 예수께서 이르시되 빌립아 내가 이렇게 오래 너희와 함께 있으되 네가 나를 알지 못하느냐 나를 본 자는 아버지를 보았거늘 어찌하여 아버지를 보이라 하느냐 10 내가 아버지 안에 거하고 아버지는 내 안에 계신 것을 네가 믿지 아니하느냐 내가 너희에게 이르는 말은 스스로 하는 것이 아니라 아버지께서 내 안에 계셔서 그의 일을 하시는 것이라 11 내가 아버지 안에 거하고 아버지께서 내 안에 계심을 믿으라 그렇지 못하겠거든 행하는 그 일로 말미암아 나를 믿으라 12 내가 진실로 진실로 너희에게 이르노니 나를 믿는 자는 내가 하는 일을 그도 할 것이요 또한 그보다 큰 일도 하리니 이는 내가 아버지께로 감이라 13 너희가 내 이름으로 무엇을 구하든지 내가 행하리니 이는 아버지로 하여금 아들로 말미암아 영광을 받으시게 하려 함이라 14 내 이름으로 무엇이든지 내게 구하면 내가 행하리라 15 너희가 나를 사랑하면 나의 계명을 지키리라 16 내가 아버지께 구하겠으니 그가 또 다른 보혜사를 너희에게 주사 영원토록 너희와 함께 있게 하리니 17 그는 진리의 영이라 세상은 능히 그를 받지 못하나니 이는 그를 보지도 못하고 알지도 못함이라 그러나 너희는 그를 아나니 그는 너희와 함께 거하심이요 또 너희 속에 계시겠음이라 18 내가 너희를 고아와 같이 버려두지 아니하고 너희에게로 오리라

Jesus glorifies

by Kevin Yan, HOPE director of internal audit

When I first moved from China to the United States over 10 years ago, I thought American movies and TV had prepared me for the cultural differences I would encounter. I knew that Americans tend to be open and enthusiastic, while Chinese are more reserved. Chinese society values groups, hierarchy, and indirect conversations, while Americans value almost the opposite. Despite my knowledge, I was shocked to experience the difference my first weeks in the U.S. When some friends invited my wife and me to visit their church, the people we met there were “American Plus”—even more enthusiastic, kind, and open. We had rarely met anyone like them in our entire lives in China.

One summer break, I had the opportunity to return to China. As a new believer, I was excited to plug in to a local house church. I was amazed to see the same traits I had noticed in my American church friends in Chinese house church members. They greeted me warmly, spoke with love and care, and referenced God’s Word regularly. They even held a weekly potluck—a concept I had first seen in the American church and suggested to my Chinese parents, who doubted it could ever work in China.

Though Americans and Chinese are so culturally different, Christ followers from both cultures are much the same. Isn’t this beautiful? A shared love of Christ and commitment to discipleship have overcome the dramatic earthly culture difference: Christ triumphs over culture.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Christ taught us to be the salt and light of the world. We are called to distinctiveness that glorifies our Heavenly Father just as Jesus glorified God through His life and service. Regardless of our background, may we all adopt the culture of Christ, becoming salt and light for others, as the Chinese and American Christ followers were for me.

Father, we pray that our steps would follow Yours closely, so we can be salt and light in a broken world. May we be first and foremost citizens of heaven, above any other culture or creed. We pray that our words and deeds would set us apart for Your glory.

마태복음 5:13–16 NKRV

13 너희는 세상의 소금이니 소금이 만일 그 맛을 잃으면 무엇으로 짜게 하리요 후에는 아무 쓸 데 없어 다만 밖에 버려져 사람에게 밟힐 뿐이니라 14 너희는 세상의 빛이라 산 위에 있는 동네가 숨겨지지 못할 것이요 15 사람이 등불을 켜서 말 아래에 두지 아니하고 등경 위에 두나니 이러므로 집 안 모든 사람에게 비치느니라 16 이같이 너희 빛이 사람 앞에 비치게 하여 그들로 너희 착한 행실을 보고 하늘에 계신 너희 아버지께 영광을 돌리게 하라

Jesus includes

by Kristine Frey, HOPE communications engagement specialist

In high school, my trigonometry teacher invited students to earn extra credit for class by entering our county’s annual toothpick bridge competition. At 11 p.m. the night before the deadline, I decided I should probably start. After requisitioning all the toothpicks and wood glue in our home, I began my attempt. The next day, I turned my (sagging) bridge in to my teacher to earn my 10 extra points.

Then, a week later, I received a letter: My bridge design had placed third in the county competition, and I was invited to a dinner reception. Little did I know that I’d receive much more than a delicious meal, as each of the winning designers were awarded trophies, swag, and generous college scholarships.

Looking around, I didn’t understand how I made it through the door. I was surrounded by kids who entered this contest each year and casually threw around terms like “hypotenuse” and “compression forces.” I’d hoped to boost my lowest test score—yet I’d received far more than I imagined (or, truth be told, deserved).

I wonder if this might be how Levi, his fellow tax collectors, and the other “disreputable characters” felt as they gathered around the table described in Luke 5. Maybe they thought, I’ll go and at least enjoy a good meal. And instead, as they sat with Christ, they encountered a fullness beyond what any meal can bring.

Of course, Jesus extends the same invitation to each of us. And as we follow Him, He asks us—and expects us—to welcome others. When we try to decide who is worthy of a seat at the table, we’re like the Pharisees, who, in feeling like insiders, reject Christ’s offer. But when we sit and then invite others to join, we find that the Lord’s gracious presence is a feast so extravagant that we all leave more than satisfied.

Father, thank You for welcoming us to Your table. Help us to remember that we are not invited based on our merits but Yours. Let us accept Your gracious gift and extend the invitation to others, becoming a place of welcome for the hurting.

누가복음 5:27–32 NKRV

27 그 후에 예수께서 나가사 레위라 하는 세리가 세관에 앉아 있는 것을 보시고 나를 따르라 하시니 28 그가 모든 것을 버리고 일어나 따르니라 29 레위가 예수를 위하여 자기 집에서 큰 잔치를 하니 세리와 다른 사람이 많이 함께 앉아 있는지라 30 바리새인과 그들의 서기관들이 그 제자들을 비방하여 이르되 너희가 어찌하여 세리와 죄인과 함께 먹고 마시느냐 31 예수께서 대답하여 이르시되 건강한 자에게는 의사가 쓸 데 없고 병든 자에게라야 쓸 데 있나니 32 내가 의인을 부르러 온 것이 아니요 죄인을 불러 회개시키러 왔노라

Jesus shows mercy

by Chilobe Kalambo, HOPE board member & president of Kalambo Consulting

In 2014, the world’s collective conscience was shocked when a young Pakistani woman’s own family stoned her to death in an “honor killing.” Her murder took place outside the very courthouse where she had petitioned to marry a man she loved rather than a man her family chose. Her death was raw, barbaric, and jarring.

This same fate awaited the woman caught in adultery in John 8. Customary law was clear—death by stoning. You can imagine her mind and heart racing as the scribes and Pharisees dragged her before Jesus in the temple. A brutal end seemed all but certain ... but then God Himself intervened!

I love what the Apostle John says in the first chapter of his gospel: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14, Aramaic Bible in Plain English).

In her darkest moment, the woman beheld God’s glory, and what she beheld was not condemnation and death, but grace and truth! The Holy Spirit convicted her accusers, and when they all left in shame, Jesus turned to her and said, “Woman, where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you? ... Neither do I condemn you. Now go and sin no more” (John 8:10-11, Berean Study Bible).

The Bible tells us, “God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17). In other words, God came down Himself to correct the intimidating things His people had heard about Him. The God they perceived as distant, silent, and cold came in the flesh to prove the depth of His love. This is the Good News that you and I have received in our own lives and are called to proclaim to a broken world.

Father, as Your followers, may we be the first to set down our stones. Make us mindful of logs in our own eyes when we are tempted to focus on specks in others’. Help us to show a broken world that You stand for salvation, not condemnation.

요한복음 8:1–11 NKRV

1 예수는 감람 산으로 가시니라 2 아침에 다시 성전으로 들어오시니 백성이 다 나아오는지라 앉으사 그들을 가르치시더니 3 서기관들과 바리새인들이 음행중에 잡힌 여자를 끌고 와서 가운데 세우고 4 예수께 말하되 선생이여 이 여자가 간음하다가 현장에서 잡혔나이다 5 모세는 율법에 이러한 여자를 돌로 치라 명하였거니와 선생은 어떻게 말하겠나이까 6 그들이 이렇게 말함은 고발할 조건을 얻고자 하여 예수를 시험함이러라 예수께서 몸을 굽히사 손가락으로 땅에 쓰시니 7 그들이 묻기를 마지 아니하는지라 이에 일어나 이르시되 너희 중에 죄 없는 자가 먼저 돌로 치라 하시고 8 다시 몸을 굽혀 손가락으로 땅에 쓰시니 9 그들이 이 말씀을 듣고 양심에 가책을 느껴 어른으로 시작하여 젊은이까지 하나씩 하나씩 나가고 오직 예수와 그 가운데 섰는 여자만 남았더라 10 예수께서 일어나사 여자 외에 아무도 없는 것을 보시고 이르시되 여자여 너를 고발하던 그들이 어디 있느냐 너를 정죄한 자가 없느냐 11 대답하되 주여 없나이다 예수께서 이르시되 나도 너를 정죄하지 아니하노니 가서 다시는 죄를 범하지 말라 하시니라]

Jesus loves

by Chris Horst, HOPE chief advancement officer & co-author of Mission Drift and Rooting for Rivals

“Dry farming” is an old practice gaining new steam in the grape industry. Recent drought conditions in Colorado’s Western Slope produced surprising effects in the grapes: Farmers found their grapes from dryer seasons were sweeter than those from wetter growing seasons. In an outcome that seemed almost biblical, these deeply rooted vines produced better fruit than their regularly irrigated counterparts.

Something similar may be true in our journey of remaining in the love of God. There is a heresy preached both subtly and explicitly in our world today: that the good life exists when we pursue above all our own comfort, ease, prosperity, and happiness. Or even worse—the suggestion that following Jesus will result in us experiencing those things.

The Advent story, of course, refutes these heresies. Jesus abandoned the comfort and prestige of a throne for the filth of a stable. Jesus discomforted Himself, demonstrating what real Christian love is. “Remaining in” the love of God is no more a guarantee of our comfort than it was for Jesus. This does not mean we seek harm for ourselves but rather we steward our power and privilege for the benefit of those with neither, obeying Jesus’ command to “love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12).

In John 15, Jesus compares a life with God to healthy, fruit-producing branches that remain in the grapevine. Jesus invites us to remain in God through our obedience to His command to love one another. As we abide in the vine, we experience “complete” joy (John 15:11).

Grape farmers increasingly concern themselves not with insufficient rain but excess rain. In a world where happiness is promised when we live for ourselves and strive to improve ourselves, Jesus demonstrates real joy exists instead when we die to ourselves (John 15:13) for the sake of our neighbors.

God, thank You for sacrificing Yourself to show us the greatest love the world has ever known. Help us to remain not in our places of comfort but in Your love, the foundation of our calling and service.

요한복음 15:9–13 NKRV

9 아버지께서 나를 사랑하신 것 같이 나도 너희를 사랑하였으니 나의 사랑 안에 거하라 10 내가 아버지의 계명을 지켜 그의 사랑 안에 거하는 것 같이 너희도 내 계명을 지키면 내 사랑 안에 거하리라 11 내가 이것을 너희에게 이름은 내 기쁨이 너희 안에 있어 너희 기쁨을 충만하게 하려 함이라 12 내 계명은 곧 내가 너희를 사랑한 것 같이 너희도 서로 사랑하라 하는 이것이니라 13 사람이 친구를 위하여 자기 목숨을 버리면 이보다 더 큰 사랑이 없나니

Jesus pursues

by Alexandra Nuñez, president and CEO of Esperanza International (Dominican Republic)

I have never forgotten one of my first trips to visit microfinance clients in the Dominican Republic. We left early in the morning, passing through a town so small it disappeared from view in minutes. Ahead stretched sugarcane fields, dirt roads, curvy slopes, groves of mango trees, and pastures peppered with cattle.

The drive was bumpy, uncomfortable, and long. We drove right through a river, even farther into the heart of the countryside. I remember thinking, Where exactly are we going?

An hour or so later, we arrived at our destination: a dirt road lined with several houses made of wood and tin. A group of women sat outside under a tree, waiting for their loan officer.

From a business perspective, the cost of traveling so far to serve such a small group is a loss. But the women were there, waiting to be encouraged, ready to receive their training, willing to fulfill their responsibility of paying their business loan, and hungry to hear about the hope of Christ.

In Matthew 18, Jesus shares the parable of the Good Shepherd who leaves His flock to seek one wandering sheep. The value the Shepherd placed on that one sheep was worth leaving the 99. It didn’t make sense from a business perspective, but His perspective was shaped by the value and dignity of the individual. Likewise, the value and dignity of the women waiting for us made the cost to reach them worthwhile, no matter how few or how far they were.

I wonder if Jesus’ journey to earth—to pursue us—felt bumpy, uncomfortable, and long. Yet, His focus was on our value and not on His loss.

During this Advent season, I pray that God will help us to see each man and woman as valuable, dignified, and worth seeking, even when it costs us journeys down unknown and uncomfortable paths.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the value You place on our lives. Thank You for Your example of treasuring every person. As people who have been pursued by Your unstoppable love, mobilize us in pursuit of others who need to know their worth in Your eyes.

마태복음 18:12–14 NKRV

12 너희 생각에는 어떠하냐 만일 어떤 사람이 양 백 마리가 있는데 그 중의 하나가 길을 잃었으면 그 아흔아홉 마리를 산에 두고 가서 길 잃은 양을 찾지 않겠느냐 13 진실로 너희에게 이르노니 만일 찾으면 길을 잃지 아니한 아흔아홉 마리보다 이것을 더 기뻐하리라 14 이와 같이 이 작은 자 중의 하나라도 잃는 것은 하늘에 계신 너희 아버지의 뜻이 아니니라

Jesus partners

by Jeff Galley, central group leader of LifeGroups and Missions at Life.Church

It is no secret that the Kingdom is characterized by movement. In Matthew’s gospel we see Jesus breaking all sorts of boundaries to reveal anew God’s mission to restore His creation back to what He intended. But have you noticed that Jesus never moves alone?

From early on, Jesus gathers the most diverse group of companions. His disciples strongly hold to opposing views because they are from such different backgrounds and have different personalities and see the world from such different points of view. A Zealot and a tax collector would not have been natural friends or associates. The former led revolts against the Roman government that the latter financed. But Simon and Matthew are unified as full-on partners in Jesus’ mission, their service to the Kingdom superseding their political and ideological differences.

This is too important for us to brush past. Within the Church there is great emphasis on what differentiates or divides one group of Christians from another. Yet our narrow groupings can lead to narrow perspectives and the exclusion of a wealth of new ideas, approaches, and ministry opportunities.

There is something special about rolling up our sleeves alongside people who are different than us. Diversity enriches the body. Our own hands, which are made to move things, are a beautiful picture of unity through diversity. Could our hands function as well if every finger were a pinky?

Let’s break some boundaries this Advent season. Just as Jesus invited a diverse bunch to participate in His mission, we, therefore, can team up with others to share Gospel love with a broken world. As we partner with others, God weaves our varying perspectives, personalities, and passions into something special for His service and His glory!

Father, open our eyes and open our circles. Help us to welcome new perspectives and ideas, for the benefit of Your Kingdom. May diversity bring not division but rejoicing as we grow into a strong and beautiful body equipped to serve You.

마태복음 9:35–38 NKRV

35 예수께서 모든 도시와 마을에 두루 다니사 그들의 회당에서 가르치시며 천국 복음을 전파하시며 모든 병과 모든 약한 것을 고치시니라 36 무리를 보시고 불쌍히 여기시니 이는 그들이 목자 없는 양과 같이 고생하며 기진함이라 37 이에 제자들에게 이르시되 추수할 것은 많되 일꾼이 적으니 38 그러므로 추수하는 주인에게 청하여 추수할 일꾼들을 보내 주소서 하라 하시니라

마태복음 10:1–4 NKRV

1 예수께서 그의 열두 제자를 부르사 더러운 귀신을 쫓아내며 모든 병과 모든 약한 것을 고치는 권능을 주시니라 2 열두 사도의 이름은 이러하니 베드로라 하는 시몬을 비롯하여 그의 형제 안드레와 세베대의 아들 야고보와 그의 형제 요한, 3 빌립과 바돌로매, 도마와 세리 마태, 알패오의 아들 야고보와 다대오, 4 가나나인 시몬 및 가룟 유다 곧 예수를 판 자라

Jesus serves

by Ruth Callanta, president of the Center for Community Transformation (Philippines)

Christianity is all about service. Modern Christianity, however, tends to highlight the opposite. We see churches that are like personal kingdoms, pastors with bodyguards and helicopters, and missionaries who speak like proud lords.

Jesus said this, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave” (Matthew 20:25-27, emphasis added).

“Not so with you.” Christ followers must be different. Our way up is down; the way to honor is humility. That is exactly what Jesus did—He abandoned His glory to serve us unto death. We are all called to the same manner of service.

We can learn from the example of one senior pastor of a former megachurch. “God said to me, ‘Build big people, not a big church,’” he said. Years ago, he looked at his megachurch in Hawaii and realized the expanding ministry was starting to center on him. Knowing of many ministries that failed when the head pastor left or died, he refused to let that happen to their church. So, he stepped down from his office, divided the congregation into different church campuses, trained trusted pastors to lead these churches, and served them tirelessly: helping, teaching, training, mentoring, and encouraging them. Having been so empowered by the leader’s servanthood, the church started to grow exponentially. Now each of over 100 church campuses is known by this single quality: a church eager to love and serve.

This is the power of selfless service. May we all learn to abandon our comforts to serve humbly at the feet of our Master.

Father, our nature wars against service. It is difficult to choose to be the last and the least, but keep us ever mindful of Your example and Your counter-cultural Kingdom. Give us the humility and courage to serve You by serving others.

마태복음 20:20–28 NKRV

20 그 때에 세베대의 아들의 어머니가 그 아들들을 데리고 예수께 와서 절하며 무엇을 구하니 21 예수께서 이르시되 무엇을 원하느냐 이르되 나의 이 두 아들을 주의 나라에서 하나는 주의 우편에, 하나는 주의 좌편에 앉게 명하소서 22 예수께서 대답하여 이르시되 너희는 너희가 구하는 것을 알지 못하는도다 내가 마시려는 잔을 너희가 마실 수 있느냐 그들이 말하되 할 수 있나이다 23 이르시되 너희가 과연 내 잔을 마시려니와 내 좌우편에 앉는 것은 내가 주는 것이 아니라 내 아버지께서 누구를 위하여 예비하셨든지 그들이 얻을 것이니라 24 열 제자가 듣고 그 두 형제에 대하여 분히 여기거늘 25 예수께서 제자들을 불러다가 이르시되 이방인의 집권자들이 그들을 임의로 주관하고 그 고관들이 그들에게 권세를 부리는 줄을 너희가 알거니와 26 너희 중에는 그렇지 않아야 하나니 너희 중에 누구든지 크고자 하는 자는 너희를 섬기는 자가 되고 27 너희 중에 누구든지 으뜸이 되고자 하는 자는 너희의 종이 되어야 하리라 28 인자가 온 것은 섬김을 받으려 함이 아니라 도리어 섬기려 하고 자기 목숨을 많은 사람의 대속물로 주려 함이니라

Jesus forgives

by Isaac Barnes, HOPE senior marketing content writer

When asked by His disciples how many times to forgive others, Jesus responds with the parable of the unmerciful servant. Forgiven of an immeasurable debt to the king, this man had avoided a lifetime in prison, but he refused mercy to a fellow servant who owed him a small debt. The king was furious that the unmerciful servant hadn’t extended the same forgiveness he’d received—for a much smaller and comparably insignificant debt.

The message is clear: Forgive each other in the same extravagant manner our King has forgiven us.

For many of us, this process may begin by remembering the uncomfortable truth that we, too, are debtors, deserving not just imprisonment but death (Romans 6:23). Brokenness entered the world with Adam and Eve’s rebellion against God and His authority, and today, the tendency toward sin is alive and well in all of us. Their shortfall, and ours, meant separation from God. Our best efforts will always fall short of the holy standard for honoring God and respecting those who bear His image.

Yet, through Jesus’ sacrificial love, our immeasurable debt to the King has been fulfilled—praise God!

And Jesus’ parable reminds us that in this broken world we will need both to ask and offer forgiveness to others. Knowing our daily struggle to live out of the mercy lavished on us, Jesus urged His disciples to pray, “... forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). With that posture, we acknowledge our sin against God, accept His forgiveness, and turn in gratitude to forgive our brothers and sisters. Having reconciled our sin debt, we can walk in love with our Creator and fellow image bearers.

Father, as we wait for You in this broken world, we will wrong others, and we will be wronged. Give us the strength to ask forgiveness and the grace to forgive. Guard our hearts from bitterness and keep us ever mindful of what it means to be a forgiven servant of the King.

마태복음 18:21–35 NKRV

21 그 때에 베드로가 나아와 이르되 주여 형제가 내게 죄를 범하면 몇 번이나 용서하여 주리이까 일곱 번까지 하오리이까 22 예수께서 이르시되 네게 이르노니 일곱 번뿐 아니라 일곱 번을 일흔 번까지라도 할지니라 23 그러므로 천국은 그 종들과 결산하려 하던 어떤 임금과 같으니 24 결산할 때에 만 달란트 빚진 자 하나를 데려오매 25 갚을 것이 없는지라 주인이 명하여 그 몸과 아내와 자식들과 모든 소유를 다 팔아 갚게 하라 하니 26 그 종이 엎드려 절하며 이르되 내게 참으소서 다 갚으리이다 하거늘 27 그 종의 주인이 불쌍히 여겨 놓아 보내며 그 빚을 탕감하여 주었더니 28 그 종이 나가서 자기에게 백 데나리온 빚진 동료 한 사람을 만나 붙들어 목을 잡고 이르되 빚을 갚으라 하매 29 그 동료가 엎드려 간구하여 이르되 나에게 참아 주소서 갚으리이다 하되 30 허락하지 아니하고 이에 가서 그가 빚을 갚도록 옥에 가두거늘 31 그 동료들이 그것을 보고 몹시 딱하게 여겨 주인에게 가서 그 일을 다 알리니 32 이에 주인이 그를 불러다가 말하되 악한 종아 네가 빌기에 내가 네 빚을 전부 탕감하여 주었거늘 33 내가 너를 불쌍히 여김과 같이 너도 네 동료를 불쌍히 여김이 마땅하지 아니하냐 하고 34 주인이 노하여 그 빚을 다 갚도록 그를 옥졸들에게 넘기니라 35 너희가 각각 마음으로부터 형제를 용서하지 아니하면 나의 하늘 아버지께서도 너희에게 이와 같이 하시리라

마태복음 6:12 NKRV

12 우리가 우리에게 죄 지은 자를 사하여 준 것 같이 우리 죄를 사하여 주시옵고

Jesus commissions

by Katy Rogers, HOPE board member & human resources director of mpowered

Tucked between the pages of my Bible for the past five years, I’ve kept just one small, glossy flyer. It’s a church bulletin insert that includes an excerpt from a Discipleship Journal article titled “Heavenly Purposes.”

Jan Johnson writes, “Jesus never made decisions the way we do: Take the job that pays more; do the ministry that’s most convenient; eat lunch with the friend who is least taxing; seize the opportunity that’s most comfortable. Instead, Jesus keeps asking us, ‘What is the redemptive thing? What is the thing I’ve called you to do? What have we discussed in our ongoing conversations? How have I loved you, and how can you pass that on?’”

This is what the Great Commission in Matthew 28 is all about. First, we don’t need to wait to be called; Jesus has commanded all believers to go!

This means we must get out of our comfortable bubbles and walk, bike, drive, or fly into the world around us. He didn’t call only those with gifts of mercy or evangelism or healing. He called you, and He called me.

And to what has He called us? He’s called us to walk the path He walked to bring the Gospel in word and action to the hurting, the broken, the enemy, the hard-to-love, the sick, the inconvenient, the uncomfortable, the taxing, the outcast, the forgotten, the isolated, the “other.”

Jesus is asking us to follow in His footsteps, to accomplish His purposes. Though we may feel overwhelmed or intimidated, He has given the gifts and help of His Spirit, His Word, and His Church. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20). Our Savior’s footsteps lead not to darkness or despair but to the glorious throne of God!

How and where will you bring the love of Jesus this Christmas season?

Father, we marvel that You have entrusted us with the mission of reaching the world with Your love. When the task feels too great, fill us with boldness and perseverance. May we model our lives after Yours, so there is no way to see us without seeing You.

마태복음 28:18–20 NKRV

18 예수께서 나아와 말씀하여 이르시되 하늘과 땅의 모든 권세를 내게 주셨으니 19 그러므로 너희는 가서 모든 민족을 제자로 삼아 아버지와 아들과 성령의 이름으로 세례를 베풀고 20 내가 너희에게 분부한 모든 것을 가르쳐 지키게 하라 볼지어다 내가 세상 끝날까지 너희와 항상 함께 있으리라 하시니라

요한1서 2:6 NKRV

6 그의 안에 산다고 하는 자는 그가 행하시는 대로 자기도 행할지니라

God with us in a broken world

We often focus on waiting in the Advent season—anticipating the joy of Christmas—but we hope you’ve been blessed this season by reflecting not only on a countdown to Christmas but rather on the nearness of God’s presence in every season.

Before the birth of Christ, God was with His people; following Christ’s ascension, His Spirit remains with us still. Do we perceive it?

The God who left heaven itself to be with us is worthy of our awe, praise, and devotion. Emmanuel has given us a clear call, not to sequester ourselves in communities of faith but to enter into this broken world in pursuit of the people He loves: to make disciples of the distant and doubtful alike.

To follow Christ and minister in His name is a great responsibility, accompanied by a powerful promise: “Surely I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). The world is broken, yet we hope in our living Savior who never leaves us.

마태복음 28:20 NKRV

20 내가 너희에게 분부한 모든 것을 가르쳐 지키게 하라 볼지어다 내가 세상 끝날까지 너희와 항상 함께 있으리라 하시니라

As we anticipate the day He comes again to make all things new, may we grow ever more sensitive to His presence and attentive to His call, cherishing each moment with our ever-present King.