G. Archer Frierson
Austin Seminary Board of Trustees
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Advent Devotional for December 11
• Matthew 23: 1-12
Pride. Selfishness. Deceitfulness. Hypocrisy. Self-aggrandizement. Duplicity. Vanity. Fraudulence.
These are all words Jesus could have used to describe the Pharisees and the temple scribes of Jerusalem. On one occasion he referred to them as “wolves in sheep’s clothing” and warned his followers to beware of them. Jesus had little tolerance for leaders who were more concerned with their own success than with the well-being of others. And he had particular disdain for religious charlatans who intentionally “fleeced the flock.” The criticisms that Jesus levied against them illustrate how religion can get hijacked into something that is more about elevating ourselves than about ways we can love God and our neighbors.
“The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.” Jesus’ exhortation to humble servant-leadership gives us a glimpse of what the reign of God is really like: humility replaces hubris; service replaces selfishness; truth replaces deceit.
During the annual liturgical season of Advent, we are encouraged to reflect on our lives, our communities, and the world around us in light of the gospel. We can’t help but to notice the incongruence between the way things are and the way Jesus says they should be. That is why we approach this time of year with a heightened sense of hope and expectation. Christmas is God’s reassurance to us that we have not been abandoned to the way things are. Christmas is God’s reassurance that a New Day is coming—a day of justice, peace, and righteousness.
Reverend Dr. Al Krummenacher
Director of Development
For the glory of God and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary is a seminary in the Presbyterian-Reformed tradition whose mission is to educate and equip individuals for the ordained Christian ministry and other forms of Christian service and leadership; to employ its resources in the service of the church; to promote and engage in critical theological thought and research; and to be a winsome and exemplary community of God's people.We hope that you are preparing the way for the Lord in your life as you read these meditations and prayers. And, we hope this Advent season is a meaningful one for you. Please know that Austin Seminary’s dedicated, diverse, and loving community of faith is not complete without you. Did you know?
• Students in our masters-degree programs receive up to 85% need-based tuition aid.
• Historically, more than 80% of our graduates are called to congregational ministry.
• Our students come from more than a dozen denominations.
• Our alumni serve in ministry in forty-eight U.S. states as well as in twenty different countries across the world.
Your gift to Austin Seminary contributes to scholarships, housing, computer equipment, library materials, and other resources needed by seminarians as they fulfill their calls to Christian service and leadership.
Your support underwrites the finest theological faculty and an administration committed to upholding the highest standards possible with respect to the unique vocation of ministry.
Every gift is significant and is appreciated. They are put to work right away and make a real impact. Please send your gift today.
• CLICK HERE to learn how you can support the mission of Austin Seminary
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