Higher Name: Anticipating Advent Series, by Todd Smith, Guest Contributor
This Advent, dive deeper into the name that surpasses all others – Jesus. Todd Smith of SELAH's new 7-day devotional, 'Higher Name,' unpacks the profound significance of Christ's birth and the hope it ignites. Explore how Old Testament prophecies foretold His coming, while the Messianic miracles of the Gospels proved His identity. Discover anew why we eagerly anticipate the return of our Savior, whose name is exalted above all.
Hope—the confident expectation of God's promises fulfilled. As we begin Advent, we often picture three wise men following a star, but this story of hope began centuries earlier.
Remember Balaam, the prophet famous for arguing with his donkey? Despite being hired to curse Israel, God compelled him to speak a prophecy that would echo through centuries: "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob." This prophecy of the Messiah would travel far beyond Israel's borders.
God orchestrated an extraordinary plan to spread this hope to the nations. When the northern kingdom of Israel fell to Assyria in 722 BC, its people scattered throughout the Middle East, carrying their messianic prophecies with them. Later, when Babylon conquered Judah in 586 BC, another wave of Jewish exiles spread these promises even further. In Persia, during Queen Esther's time, a great awakening occurred as "many of the people of the land became Jews" after witnessing God's faithfulness.
This divine choreography explains how wise men from distant lands knew to watch for the Messiah's star. Through centuries of exile and dispersion, God wasn't just preserving hope for His chosen people—He was preparing the nations for their Savior's arrival.
Today, we who have been "grafted in" share in this same hope. Just as the wise men journeyed far to honor the name above all names, we eagerly await His return, carrying the hope of that star in our hearts.
Questions for Discussion:
How does seeing God's centuries-long preparation strengthen your hope today?
What does it mean to you that God was reaching out to all nations even then?
Scripture References
Numbers 24:17, Jeremiah 29:10, Esther 8:17
About the Author
Todd Smith is a founding member of the multi-platinum selling Gospel group Selah, which has garnered over 4 million album sales, 1 billion streams, 12 Dove Awards, and 8 number-one singles. Growing up as a missionary kid in Congo, Africa from ages 5-13 shaped his global perspective before he returned to the States, where he went on to play Division 1 soccer at Belmont University while earning a business degree. He later completed his Religious Education degree at William Tyndale College. Beyond his work with Selah, Todd is an accomplished songwriter who co-wrote 9 of the 11 songs on the group's latest album "Higher Name." He has released two solo albums and his latest EP "Leave It To Love." Currently based in Nashville with his wife Angie and four daughters, Todd is expanding his creative reach through writing and speaking.
Copyright 2024, Todd Smith All rights reserved
No portion of this content can be copied, electronically stored, or reproduced without the express written permission of the author.
コメント