Our assumptions hinder our spiritual journey in all kinds of ways, and the antidote to assumption is surprise. + Scott Erickson, Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God-with-Us Then, Here, and Now
I love Advent. And while Fleming Rutledge's exceptional Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ is my favorite book to return to during the beginning of the Christian new year, Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God-with-Us Then, Here, and Now by artist and author Scott Erickson has also been wonderful for me. Below is an excerpt from one of my favorite chapters, "Assumptions."
Honest Advent: Assumptions About the Christmas Story & Spirituality
It's assumed that Mary rode on a donkey, but the Bible doesn't say she did.
It's assumed that there was an innkeeper, but it doesn't mention one anywhere.
It's assumed there were three Magi, but it doesn't give a number of those who showed up.
It's assumed there was a star overhead when Jesus was born, but it doesn't say that either.
It's assumed that Jesus was born in a stable, but all it says is that He was laid in a manger – and that could've been any number of places.
Christmas comes with many assumptions – some helpful, some not so much.
Spirituality also comes with many assumptions, and the ones that fail us are the ones we make about what it's supposed to look like, who is worthy for it to happen to, and what kind of outcome it's supposed to have for us. Assumptions like ...
You should be more than you are now to be pleasing to God (assumption antidote: Psalm 18:19; Ephesians 2:8-9).
Your weaknesses are in the way of God's plan for your life (assumption antidote: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Your lack of religious fervor is a disqualifier for divine participation (assumption antidote: Psalm 46:10; Isaiah 41:9-10; 2 Peter 1:2-4).
You're probably not doing it right (assumption antidote: James 4:6).
Other spiritual people have something you don't have (assumption antidote: 1 Corinthians 12:4, 11-25).
Honest Advent: Assumptions Antidote? Surprise.
Our assumptions hinder our spiritual journey in all kinds of ways, and the antidote to assumption is surprise. The surprise ... is happening every day in your lack of resources, your overcrowded lodging, your unlit night sky, your humble surroundings.
It's a surprise that life can come through barren places (Isaiah 54:1 + Galatians 4:27).
It's a surprise that meek nobodies partake in divine plans (Matthew 5:3-6).
It's a surprise that messengers are sent all along the hidden journey of life to let you know you are not alone (Luke 2:8-11, 24:13-15; Hebrews 13:2).
It's a surprise that you will be given everything you need to accomplish what you've been asked to do (Ephesians 2:8-10; Philippians 4:19).
It's a surprise that nothing can separate you from the love of God (Romans 8:31-39; 1 John 4:8-10).
Nothing can separate from love (Romans 8:31-39 again).
Your assumptions believe there must be something that can ...
But surprise! Nothing can (Romans 8:31-39 one more time) ...
+ May you thank God with joyful surprise at how much you have assumed incorrectly (Psalm 57:8, 10).
+ The content above is an excerpt (with Bible verse links and parentheses added) from Chapter 11: Assumptions in Honest Advent by Scott Erickson
Here are links to some other previous Advent City Notes that were also helpful:
Christ is all,
Rev. Mike “Sully” Sullivan
No comments:
Post a Comment