Faithfulness in Advent

"So all Israel was enrolled by genealogies; and these are written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. And Judah was taken into exile in Babylon because of their unfaithfulness." (1 Chronicles 9:1, NRSV)

"So Saul died for his unfaithfulness; he was unfaithful to the Lord in that he did not keep the command of the Lord; moreover, he had consulted a medium, seeking guidance," (1 Chronicles 10:13, NRSV)

"And David became greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him." (1 Chronicles 11:9, NRSV)

"Then the spirit came upon Amasai, chief of the Thirty, and he said, “We are yours, O David; and with you, O son of Jesse! Peace, peace to you, and peace to the one who helps you! For your God is the one who helps you.” Then David received them, and made them officers of his troops." (1 Chronicles 12:18, NRSV)

Okay, I get it—it is about faithfulness. But whose? Does God depend on our faithfulness to do his work? Does he only work through us or for us when we are faithful?

The mighty work and favor of David is not because of David’s might, but God’s might. Yet, David was faithful and devoted and walks with God. Our faithfulness matters. The question is: are we faithful because allows us to be faithful and are we unfaithful because God hardens are heart? I think the answer probably is yes and no. Yes, in some ways that is probably true. No, because that is not our experience or at least they way we should perceive our life.

That question is almost relevant. What we are to take away is that we are called to be faithful and when we are God works for us (really for him—because we are only do his work when we are faithful). So how can we be a church or a people that is faithful? Is God with us or are we being put into exile?

Faithfulness is rooted in being the people that he calls us to be: mainly Loving God by Loving our Neighbor. Faithfulness is recognize God an focusing on God in all things. In this Christmas season (which really is Advent season) the world or moreso Satan is attacking the truth and distorting our focus. Instead of focusing on the importance of preparing our self for the once and future King we are allow ourselves to be deceived by the glitz and hurriedness of the secular season of Christmas. What if we were a people that was faithful to the Word of God and live out the Advent season of our lives: Preparing the Way for the Lord.