Week of December 11, 2022
The Greening of the Desert
One of the most energizing metaphors for God’s saving work is that of a desert/wilderness being brought to life. Most everywhere there is water in the Middle East, there will be abundant growth. Through Jesus’ living water, God takes arid souls and allow them to flourish.
December 12 Isaiah 35:1-10
Isaiah pictures the Messianic age as a blossoming desert. What follows in the passage is a description of what will take place. What’s the promise of vs.3-4? What is described in vs. 5-6? What might the “highway” be a reference to? How did Jesus’ ministry fulfill the prophecies of this passage? What does it mean that he is the “highway” to God? (see John 14:6)
December 13 Isaiah 41:17-20
This passage parallels yesterday’s Scripture describing God bringing water to the desert. How have you experienced spiritual thirst or longing? How has God satisfied that thirst? In what ways has that brought about new life in Christ? Or to use the language of the passage, what trees and plants of fruitfulness and beauty do you see God growing in you?
December 14 John 3:3-8
Arguably the most important transformation that takes place in a person’s life is when he or she is brought to faith. As Jesus teaches, this is a work of the Holy Spirit and evidence of God’s power as people are “born again.” When do you believe that you were born again … at baptism as a young child? … in learning of Jesus’ love as a child? … when the Gospel took root in your mind and heart as an adult? How does having faith in Jesus resemble the blossoming desert of this week’s Isaiah passages?
December 15 Romans 12:1-2
As Pastor Mark mentioned this past weekend, some Christ-followers are very pessimistic regarding further transformation beyond conversion and faith. The perspective is that we will always be sinners and the best we can expect is to be forgiven. Yet it is very doubtful that the Apostle Paul would urge his readers to be transformed if it were not possible. What do you think that Paul means by a “renewing of your mind”? What brings about a transformation in the way that we think, what we desire, and our ability to carry out God’s will? (hint … the Spirit’s work through God’s Word) What has most powerful in your own experience of transformation?
December 16 John 15:5,8; Galatians 5:22-25
God’s renewing work in us through Jesus results in greater fruitfulness. According to Jesus, what is absolutely crucial to a fruitful life? What do you think are the most important fruits that you have produced as a Christ-follower? Of the fruits of the Spirit mentioned in Galatians 5, which are those that are your strengths? Areas of weakness? What goes into becoming more fruitful?
