*Post updated September 2022
Advent Week Two: Humility
Welcome back for Week Two of Advent on the Revelation Wellness Blog! If you are just joining us, watch the short, three-minute video on Week One to learn how to use this devotional with friends and family!
Opening Prayer and Scriptures:
All my longings lie open before you, Lord; my sighing is not hidden from you. Lord, I wait for you; you will answer, Lord my God. – Psalm 38:9,15
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 7:10-25
New Testament Reading: Luke 22:24-31
Scripture Reflection:
In this passage in Luke, we find the disciples sitting with Jesus just hours before he’ll be arrested, brutally beaten, forced to carry a cross, wear a crown of thorns, and crucified. Yet the disciples are bickering about which one of them is the greatest.
Now, this isn’t the first time we find the disciples carrying on like this. It’s mentioned four other times in the Gospels! They had spent three years following Jesus’ teachings, witnessing His way of living the “upside-down Kingdom” life, yet STILL, their pride and selfishness got the best of them and led them to continuously argue about who was most important.
It’s easy for me to read this scripture and shake my head at the disciples. Get it together, guys! You’ve spent three full years walking alongside the Savior of the Universe. Don’t you know that HE is the greatest, and you just get to follow Him?
But if I take a step back and look at my own heart, I’m not so different from the disciples. I genuinely desire to follow Jesus with my entire life, but I often struggle with wanting to be recognized as great. Oh, I might label it as “people pleasing” or blame it on the fact that words of affirmation are my love language, but really, I want people to think highly of me, to recognize my hard work, and to think I’m pretty important. That’s just some of the yuck in my heart.
Jesus interrupts the disciples’ banter and reminds them: “The greatest one among you will live as one called to serve others without honor. The greatest honor and authority is reserved for the one who has a servant heart.”
What? Serve without honor? Without recognition? Without at least a high-five or a “thanks for cleaning the bathroom again, mom!?” Without taking a picture to share on social media? Without needing any sort of recognition?
Yes. That’s how we get to serve. We get to lead differently, following a different model of greatness. Jesus. Our Christ. Born as a baby in the humblest way imaginable. Jesus who served the outcasts of society, the ones no one else would look in the eyes. He consistently moved toward the poor and hurting who couldn’t benefit him in return.
We serve not for our own reward or glory but for HIS glory. When we serve with a humble, obedient heart, the light of Jesus shines brightly.
Father, continue to remind us during this season of the upside-down way of your Kingdom. Help me put aside my prideful desire for greatness and find ways to serve that glorify you alone.
Now is a time for spontaneous prayer. Or allow everyone to answer the question: What do you notice from the Bible reading?
Closing Prayer:
Dear Father, from the moment sin entered the world, you had a plan to rescue us; your prophets foretold Jesus’ birth, giving your people hope and light in dark moments; let the anticipation and the celebration of Your birth continue to give us hope and provide light in the dark places around us and in us; remind us of your humble beginnings and by the power of your Holy Spirit prompt us to serve the vulnerable around us. Amen.
RevTip: Walk and Breathe!
This week, schedule a time to go for a short walk outside during the daytime and soak in some sunshine! Mix up your walk by walking sideways, lunging, or hopping. Alternate sides to keep your strength balanced.
Pay attention to your breathing — try breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. As you breathe, ask God to teach you more about Him during this Advent season. Then, let Him fill you with peace and joy.
In the comments below, share what you are learning about Christ during this Advent season, or tell us about how God met you during your walk!
Scripture reflection was written by Katrina Canfield.
Katrina Canfield is the Executive Director of Communications for Revelation Wellness. She also teaches Rev Fit classes in Anderson, IN, where she loves inspiring people to move in joy and freedom. She’s been married to Troy for 13 years, and they have two sons, Ian, 9, and Silas, 6.
Everything You Need This Season
What if the weeks before Christmas were marked by rhythms of reflection, peace, and preparation? What if Christmas and the twelve days that followed were marked with unhurried celebration and fellowship?
We don’t want you to add more to your hectic schedule.
But, after reading through these devotionals, resources, and a whole lot of God’s Word, you may just be compelled to adopt new rhythms and priorities during these weeks of joy.
