Advent Devotional: December 17

December 17: Hebrews 10.5-10
Janice Brady

This particular verse emphatically reminds us to accept God’s desires and not our own. “Here I am, O God, to do your will” is in fact a complete surrender. The word surrender, however, is not very popular with most of humankind; it is not often equated with success unless you are the one being surrendered to, of course.
Yet, when we surrender to God’s will, we are never more at peace in our own lives. It is said that we are never closer to God than when we are on our knees. That defines total submission and humility which then becomes a total victory! Knowledge and acceptance of the Grace from the Cross gives us the courage to serve Him boldly.
“Because Jesus Christ did what God wanted him to do, we are all purified from sins by the offering that he made of his own body once and for all.” “Of his own body” is a significant part of this verse for Christianity, because God wants nothing less than our hearts and souls- which he created- to be serving him and praising him. He is calling each of us, personally and by name!! And so, enthusiastically reply, “Here I am God–right here God- I am ready!! I am ready to do whatever you want, Lord”!
Proverbs 20:12 says “God gives us eyes to see with and ears to listen with.” These are two generous and valuable tools that we are given in order to discern God’s expectations of us. Let us –once and for all– not be blind to his commands or deaf to his voice.

Prayer:
Yes, Lord!! Here I am to do your will. Oh, yes Lord! I am eager to listen to your will. I am eager to see what you ask of me. I gladly surrender to you with the hope that: what I say pleases your ear; what I do pleases your heart. Amen.