Bible study this morning is by Sarah Krell, the elder daughter of Pastor Chip Gunsten, who died on December 11. She has asked each year for this week of the year to write a devotion for the synod as Chip did. His faith shines through her. Enjoy.
Bible Study for Monday, December 14, 2015
By: Sarah Krell
Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word”
Luke 1:38
When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him;
Matthew 1:24
Every year, for the past 3 years, before the anniversary of my dad’s death, I send an email to Bishop Mauney asking him if I can do the weekly devotion for that week. For me, it’s a way to honor the faith my father shared with me and with so many others. A way do something meaningful in a time of sadness and which returns me to a place of faith and hope.
Every year, for the past 3 years, I find myself days before the Monday deadline asking, “why did I ask to do this?” I have no ideas and at the very least nothing intelligent. I am not a trained professional and I am sure that’s who you, the readers, really want to hear from!
But ya know what– isn’t that about everyone’s response to the Lord in the Bible? Not me! I’m not the person you want! Send someone else!
As I was reading the story of the birth of Jesus, I was struck by how many seemingly ordinary people God uses. Mary, Joseph, shepherds. They were not the trained, educated of society who people would have trusted to bring God’s son into the world and share the Good News. And yet, they were all willing to listen and follow God’s command.
So I ask us, in this season of waiting and preparing, to wonder ways in which God is knocking in our lives, asking us to do something that we may feel a little dreadful about at first. To realize that God has provided us all the examples, the ultimate example, to face our daily challenges. That he sent His only Son to the world, to meet us where we’re at. “God’s son takes on all that we are to share with us all that he is.” (Lutheran Study Bible)
My dad and mom used to have these great moments, where dad would be in one room and mom in another, and he’d say in a slightly silly voice, “whatcha doin’ in there dear?” And she’d respond and she’d ask the same question back at him in such a loving, silly manner. Now, we like to joke that every once and awhile, he’s up there saying, “whatcha doin’ down there dear?”
Well dad… I’m here, listening to God to share the Good News with my synod family back in VA. I’m trying to live the life you taught us all–full of grace and love which comes from the Lord. And we’re all trying to be brave like Mary and Joseph, answering Your call in our life.
