Devotional Micah 5
This past week we had some exciting times taking place in the new Diocese of Toliara. We had our first ordination to the priesthood, our first strategic planning sessions and development of a mission and vision, followed by four days of first diocesan Synod (Convention) and then the events were climaxed by the installation of our first Archdeacon. It was an exhilarating eight days. All of this started earlier in the year through the election of our first diocesan bishop and creation of the new diocese of Toliara. Back in May, we began preparing for these awesome events. The anticipation and excitement was overwhelming. When time got closer, I sensed a mixture of trepidation and excitement in the air. Maybe because I was a bit slower in seeing how this was going to all play out. Maybe because all of this was unknown for the Diocese and we were treading on new ground. Or maybe it was because our past was brief and our future was wide open. But after the first couple of days, by the grace of God, everything seemed to just move into place.
This reminds of us of the passage from Micah Chapter 5, where the Scriptures inform us about the promised Ruler from Bethlehem (v2). Bethlehem was the smallest of the clans and possibly the least of them. I’m sure there was lots of trepidation and excitement for all to rise to the occasion. Those in power like King Herod would feel threatened while those not in power, like the majority of Jews, wanted to be empowered. Advent is like this, it’s the time of preparation as we look to the past, to the first coming of the Messiah and with anticipation and trepidation towards the future, the second coming of the Messiah, the King of Kings.
May your anticipation and trepidation during advent lead you into a sense of Majesty at the throne of the King of Kings.
+Todd
This past week we had some exciting times taking place in the new Diocese of Toliara. We had our first ordination to the priesthood, our first strategic planning sessions and development of a mission and vision, followed by four days of first diocesan Synod (Convention) and then the events were climaxed by the installation of our first Archdeacon. It was an exhilarating eight days. All of this started earlier in the year through the election of our first diocesan bishop and creation of the new diocese of Toliara. Back in May, we began preparing for these awesome events. The anticipation and excitement was overwhelming. When time got closer, I sensed a mixture of trepidation and excitement in the air. Maybe because I was a bit slower in seeing how this was going to all play out. Maybe because all of this was unknown for the Diocese and we were treading on new ground. Or maybe it was because our past was brief and our future was wide open. But after the first couple of days, by the grace of God, everything seemed to just move into place.
This reminds of us of the passage from Micah Chapter 5, where the Scriptures inform us about the promised Ruler from Bethlehem (v2). Bethlehem was the smallest of the clans and possibly the least of them. I’m sure there was lots of trepidation and excitement for all to rise to the occasion. Those in power like King Herod would feel threatened while those not in power, like the majority of Jews, wanted to be empowered. Advent is like this, it’s the time of preparation as we look to the past, to the first coming of the Messiah and with anticipation and trepidation towards the future, the second coming of the Messiah, the King of Kings.
May your anticipation and trepidation during advent lead you into a sense of Majesty at the throne of the King of Kings.
+Todd
RSS Feed