2024 Advent Devotion: Day 10

Tuesday, December 10

Isaiah 19:18-25; 2 Peter 1:2-15

Honor silently challenges us to go beyond words and honor God with our entire lives. Have you ever felt the excitement of preparing for a special guest? Imagine the anticipation and care you put into making everything perfect. This same spirit of preparation can transform our lives as we honor God with our every moment.

How can we prepare our hearts for God today? Just as we clean our homes for guests, we should be intentional about preparing our hearts through worship, obedience, and the pursuit of godly virtues.

In Isaiah 19:18-25, we find a beautiful prophecy in which Egypt, once an enemy of Israel, is promised a place of honor as they turn to worship the Lord. By honoring God, Egypt, Assyria, and Israel all receive healing, unity, and grace. This passage reveals the hope of healing that Christ brings to all nations, especially during this Advent season.

While Isaiah shows us how God honors nations, Peter brings it down to the individual level. In 2 Peter 1:2-15, he encourages us to grow in virtue. He speaks of qualities like faith, excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. Can you imagine how each of these virtues might honor God in your everyday life? Peter reminds us that by developing these virtues, we not only honor God but also prepare our hearts for Christ’s coming, ensuring our lives are productive and fruitful.

As we enter this Advent season, we are called to honor God in our worship, obedience, and in how we cultivate these virtues. Just like we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, we live in anticipation of His return by growing in love and righteousness. In doing so, we position ourselves to receive God’s blessings and live lives that bring Him glory.

Now, think about small ways you can honor God today, perhaps through an act of kindness, a moment of prayer, or a choice that reflects his virtues.

Prayer:
Lord, help us to honor You in every part of our lives. Give us the strength and wisdom to prepare our hearts daily, to live out the virtues that please you, and to reflect your love and righteousness in everything we do. Amen.

Kadeem Ellis
School of Divinity Student