Daily Devotionals

2021

Monday, November 29

Kara Yee

I know food allergies. Between my two daughters, we’ve had issues with over twenty foods in sixteen years. So, when my gastroenterologist suggested I see an allergist for the persistent stomach pain that had landed me in the hospital twice, I scoffed. I considered myself an allergy expert and this didn’t fit the symptoms. 

Well, turns out I was wrong. It was allergies. Confessing to my doctor at my follow-up that she was right, and I was not, thoroughly humbled my pride. 

It can be all too easy to rely on our own knowledge, talents, and resources—forms of pride that prevent us from fully trusting God. In Isaiah 2, the prophet calls out the Israelites’ idolatry and trust in wealth and power. Two times he warns the people that on the Day of the Lord, when the Messiah comes, “the haughtiness of man shall be humbled, and the lofty pride of men shall be brought low.” (Isaiah 2:11 & 17) 

Isaiah’s rebuke to Israel applies to us as well. His description of what will happen when the Messiah comes is a call to repentance and Psalm 51 is a model for repentance. In this psalm, David humbles himself before God, confessing his sins with a contrite heart. 

We still await the Day of the Lord, Jesus’ second return. At that time, the “splendor of His majesty” will “terrify the earth” (Isaiah 2:19) and thenceforth “the Lord alone will be exalted” (Isaiah 2:17). Jesus’ first arrival brought our salvation; his second coming will bring judgment. Let us then heed Isaiah’s warning this Advent and humbly prepare for our Messiah’s arrival, repenting of our sins through confession and contrition. Let us place our trust, not in ourselves, but in the God of steadfast love and abundant mercy.

Kara has been attending Park Street Church for 21 ½ years. She lives in Dedham and is passionate about homeschooling, nutrition, and missions. Kara is an experienced brewer, having made kombucha, water kefir, sauerkraut, and pickled onions (but not all in one jar).