Theme:   All I Want for Christmas is To Find REAL Hope

This eDevotional was written by a volunteer from Timberlake Church. 

Read:  Exodus 3:1-14

Think:  It was at a party during the Christmas season many years ago that I got a phone call from my mother with the news that my father had been arrested.  We quickly learned that the ‘great provider’ had been generously supporting our family with other people’s money.  So began an interesting new chapter in my father’s life, one in which my relationship with him was completely redefined.

I thought of this experience when Pastor Ben spoke on Christmas Eve of the influence of family on our view of Jesus.  As we try to gain an understanding of God, each of us looks to influential figures in our life to try to glimpse something of God.  The benevolence of a parent, the wisdom of a teacher, the patience of a coach – these can provide some framework for understanding a bit of God’s character.  But they can also set us up for disappointment with God.  The human surrogates are, of course, human.  So, they can never really show us what God is like.  The best show some poor reflection of the goodness of God, which can be helpful.  But only God is God.

The story of Moses at the burning bush is a reminder of the uniqueness of God.  ‘I am who I am’ God told Moses.  God is not derived from anything or dependent on anyone.  He simply exists, complete and perfect in every way.  This God has created each of us uniquely, and continues to loves us despite our failures.  Best of all, His love is perfect because He is perfect.  Unlike even the best people in our lives, God will never let us down.  Seek to understand Him not as you think He might be, or as someone has told you He is, but as He truly is.

Do:  Identify an authority figure in your life who has let you down.  Could that experience be adversely influencing your view of God?  How is God different from the one who disappointed you?

Pray:  Lord God, I understand that You are real.  I know that You are not defined by what I think You should be like, or even by what Pastor Ben says about You.  You are You.  I want to know You better, God.  Please, show Yourself to me, and show me who You really are.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Note: In her new book God Unwrapped, Timberlake key volunteer, Michelle Holloman, explores the way the people we look up to in our lives can result in misconceptions about God, and offers fresh insights for finding the reality of who God truly is. Check it out!  www.godunwrappedbook.com