Advent Walking Points: Week 2

Walking Points: Reflection Questions and Next Steps
Coming Home: The Yes of Obedience
Luke 1:26-38

Pastor Bruce wrote,

“Mary and Joseph are the very first human beings confronted with the reality of Jesus’ advent into our world. Into their world. Two things stand out in each experience. First, obedience is not just keeping the rules or following a code. It is – in essence – an intentional assent to the will of God. Obedience is saying yes to God’s will for e. Secondly obedience is action. It is something that we do; it is not only an interior disposition, but it leads me to specific steps.

Note: this doesn’t mean we have all the answers. It doesn’t mean we know how it’s going to play out. May and Joseph were going on scant information that seemed impossible and likely made their heads swirl. Instead of certitude, they were left with trust. And trust makes a place for the Savior.”

Below are some “Walking Points,” which are questions for reflection and next steps for you to consider taking during this Advent season and beyond. You can use them for your personal devotional time or with others in a small group.
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1.       When the angel appeared to Mary to tell her the news that she was chosen of God to be the mother of Jesus, Luke 1:29 says, “…she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be.”
·         What are two or three ways you discern God’s will for your life? Why are those good ways to discern God’s will?
·         If you are meeting in a group with others, share with them an experience in your life when you discerned God’s will for your life. Was it hard or easy? How did you go about it?
·         Eventually you had to step out in trust. Was that a scary time? Why or why not? What did you learn from the experience?
 
2.       Read Luke 1:30-36. Talk about impossible! Now read verse 37.
·         How does knowing who God is enable you to better trust him during tough times.
·         What are some ways we can better know God?
·         List three attributes or characteristics of God that you cling to during tough decisions in your life. Why did you choose those three?
 
3.       Now read Luke 1:38.
·         Spend some time praying privately, or together in your group, for the Lord to fill you with his Spirit to enable you to discern and respond to God’s call in your life, as Mary did.