Building His Church #6

Luke 14:25 Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. 27 Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. 28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it? 29 Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king, going out to encounter another king in war, will not sit down first and deliberate whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 And if not, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks for terms of peace. 33 So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.

We have been looking at what Christ had in mind when He laid the plan to BUILD His Church.  From the above paragraph it is obvious He was not forming some mere social club.  To be a part of His plan, one must be willing to sacrifice and commit to an all-out, ongoing life of following Him anywhere through anything.  It is trading our idea of what life is all about for His.  His apostles had experienced it, and when He made this announcement, they did not turn away.  They stayed, followed, and lived the rest of their lives following Him, turning the world upside down (or has been said, right side up.) May we do the same.

Building His Church #5

I John 3:11 For this is the message that you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 12 We should not be like Cain, who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous. 13 Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 
16 By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.

As John wrote to these early believers, he reminded them of one of the most basic principles of the Church: our love for one another distinguishes us from the rest of the world.  Cain is the earliest and clearest example of hate for one's brother; Christ, Who laid down His life for us, is the clearest and eternal example of One Who loves his brothers, those who have been adopted into the family of God.  In the second paragraph above, it is very clear that a lack of love is not only seen in action against a brother, but also in a failure to act when needed and possible.  Love looks for opportunities to help a brother, while also refusing to do him any wrong.

Building His Church #4

 

I Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

As Paul is seeking to instruct Timothy on how to keep the church at Ephesus in order, the first thing he does is call on him to make it a praying church.  When people pray for and with one another, they are much less likely to turn on one another.  It is also essential that the church be praying to hear the voice of God instructing them together.  Sometimes we as individuals seem to struggle to hear God's voice - how much more so when we are seeking to move forward together.  We need to be praying not only for each other, but the world "out there" - our leaders and even our enemies, as we seek to interact with them in the proper way.  We need to hear from God how He wants us to be a part of what He is doing to reach the world with the Gospel.  Praying together is essential.  

Building His Church #3

Ephesians 4:1  I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. 8 Therefore it says,
“When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.”

As we have seen, Christ has set out to build His Church in between His first and second advent.  He invites us to be a part of that as His followers.  Through His Holy Spirit He gifts each and every one of us with spiritual abilities to contribute to His plan.  The Holy Spirit binds us together in unity.  Sometimes, we can make the whole process less effective.  When we lack humility and thing we are more important than others; when we get gruff with our words or attitudes and discourage brothers and sisters in Christ; or when we are impatient with one another's progress or part in the plan and create friction and ill-will, we detract and distract from the building project Christ has undertaken.  Therefore, Paul calls on us to live true to our calling and to allow the Holy Spirit to do what He is in us to do: be unified in heart and purpose.  May we be "eager" to maintain that unity.  

Building His Church #2

 

Psalm 119:
1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless,
    who walk in the law of the Lord!
2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies,
    who seek him with their whole heart,
3 who also do no wrong,
    but walk in his ways!
4 You have commanded your precepts
    to be kept diligently.
5 Oh that my ways may be steadfast
    in keeping your statutes!
6 Then I shall not be put to shame,
    having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.
7 I will praise you with an upright heart,
    when I learn your righteous rules.
8 I will keep your statutes;
    do not utterly forsake me!

We saw yesterday that Christ had promised - in between His first and second advent, to build His Church. Over the next few days we will focus on five elements of His plan to do so.  Jesus was always referring to the scriptures when He would say "It is written," and often alluded to the Old Testament as truth in His sermons.  He always held the Word of God high, as He is the Word of God Himself.  He then added to the scriptures His own words, clarifying some things which were unclear or which had been twisted, as well as adding more through His apostles and prophets.  It is clear that His Church is built on a foundation of Scripture, and the way for His people to be on the "same page" as He is.  May we diligently commit ourselves to His law, testimonies, ways, precepts, statutes, commandments, and rules in our lives.

Building His Church #1

 

Matthew 16:13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 

As we saw in the last few days of our Advent study, we are now living in between the two Advents of Christ: His Incarnation to be our Savior, and His Return to fulfill all things remaining.  What is His plan for the time in between? Jesus told the disciples and us here: He is building His Church, His Kingdom, His people preparing for His return.  We will be looking over the next few days about how He builds His church, but for today we note just one thing: all of Satan's devices will not deter Him from doing so.  The gates of the city were the place that people would meet, business conducted, and plans made.  The "gates of hell" are where Satan plots and plans His attacks on Christ's Kingdom and people.  Just as we saw in our Advent studies that - as bad as things are - "the darkness has not overtaken the light," we also find that as much of a mess as the church can become, Christ's plan will not be prevented.  We just need to recommit ourselves to that plan, and let Him use us in His building.

Since Jesus Came #25

 

Revelation 22:20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!

As we have come to the conclusion and climax of Advent: celebrating Christ's coming to earth, we know that things still are "just not  right."  That is because Jesus, the Light of the World, went back to heaven to prepare a place for us.  We are not good at waiting.  Mankind was promised a redeemer at the Fall, but he got tired of waiting and went his own ways.  The people of Israel were promised a Messiah, yet they did everything possible to restore their own kings their own way.  Many gave up waiting, but some faithfully kept watch.  We are charged to be like them - to say "I believe Jesus is coming back again, as He said, and I am going to live that way - not one day a year, but every day.  As we look back with gratitude and praise over His first coming, and the great salvation that He brought, may we also equally look forward to His return. 

Since Jesus Came #24

 

Revelation 22:16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

As John's vision was coming to an end, Jesus gave a couple of reminders. First, for those who had been waiting for His first advent, He was the long-awaited Messiah who had come, the bright morning star that they had always hoped for, Who now was back in heaven beginning to prepare for His coming again. Secondly, He also had a message for the Church - the inclusion of those who had not be fervently watching and waiting for His first coming, but now are in relationship with God through Him.  We all are to share together in the watching and waiting.  Like a bride waiting for her betrothed to come back for her, like one who has a parched tongue wanting water; He wants us to passionately desire His return - not so our suffering will end, but so we will experience the fullness of fellowship in His presence.  May we have the same excitement of waiting to see Him as a young child does going to sleep tonight waiting for what he will experience in the morning.  And may all who have not yet put their faith in Him answer the call to "come."

Since Jesus Came #23

 Revelation 22:12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. 15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

Just as we are quickly approaching the celebration of the day Christ was born into this world, we are nearing the end of this study, and the scriptures pertaining to the Second Advent.  The longer it is, the closer we are to Christ's return, and the fulfillment of all those things He has yet to accomplish. He has seen it all; He is the eternal one.  Therefore, He has the right to judge all things.  He knows a lot more than whether we have been naughty or nice. He knows the hearts of men, which in many ways are revealed by their actions. He knows who really wants to be with Him, in His City, in His Kingdom.  They are the ones who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, who have trusted in Him to save and change them. All others have chosen to stay outside of His Kingdom. 

Since Jesus Came #22

 Revelation 3:19 Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. 21 The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”

As we look at the messages the LORD gave to John to share in his Revelation, He did not have a lot of compliments to give to the churches. He did however give a lot of calls to repent.  There has been a lot of debate over the use and abuse of verse 20 among Bible students. We are not going to spend the time here to join that debate. Rather, let's think about where else in the Bible we have people coming to knock on the door.  My mind immediately comes to two occasions. First, in Jesus parable about the persistent neighbor, which He used to call us to persistent prayer.  Indeed, when believers pray, Christ hears, but He is also calling back.  Are we listening? Secondly, my mind goes to Acts 12 and the church praying for Peter's release from Herod's prison, then he comes knocking at the door, having been delivered by the Lord.  There are others as well, but one thing we can say: while we wait for Christ's Second Advent, one thing we can and must do is pray - both calling out to Him and listening for Him to have fellowship with us, to strengthen us, and to guide us in what He wants for us until He comes again. 

Then Jesus Came #21

 Revelation 1:4 John to the seven churches that are in Asia:
Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.

As mentioned yesterday, this is the part of Advent we often never get around to: turning from the past to look toward the future. Christ is coming again.  He is the One who was back there in Bethlehem (and beyond), has risen and now sits at the Father's right hand, and is coming again to fully establish His eternal kingdom.  As always, what God has done and is going to do is rooted in His character: He is loving and holy - intent on freeing us from our sins and making us a people for Himself.  Christ is coming for all to see. As with His first Advent, many will not want to see Him nor believe in Him, but those of us who do will rejoice.  Today, as we wait, may we experience His grace and peace to the full. 

Then Jesus Came #20

 

Daniel 7:13 “I saw in the night visions,
and behold, with the clouds of heaven
    there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
    and was presented before him.
14 And to him was given dominion
    and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
    should serve him;
his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
    which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom one
    that shall not be destroyed.

Something we often never get to in our celebration of Advent is the Second Advent.  Like Communion, Advent is a time to look back AND to look forward.  When we celebrate the Lord's Supper, we both commemorate His death on the cross and do it until the Lord comes again.  The same is true of Advent: we look back to Christ's Incarnation, His coming to be among us, experience life without sin, die for our sins, rise again, and then return to the Father. But we also look forward to His return for His own, to establish His Eternal Kingdom in a much more visible, permanent, and glorious way.  When we do so, we experience the same blessings of His first coming: hope, peace, joy, and the assurance that God loves us.  Let us not just look warmly on His past coming, but also look forward to His coming again, just as He said. 

Then Jesus Came #19

 John 14:“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

The disciples were troubled. Jesus told them He was going away and they would not see Him anymore. This was after over three years of investing in following Him, watching Him build a following, telling them about the Kingdom in which they had a vital part. But Jesus told them to stop being troubled. How were they to do so? By looking forward to His coming again.  Like a bridegroom leaving his bride-to-be so He could go prepare their home, it was a sweet sorrow: watching Him go, but knowing the future would be better than ever.  They (and we who have since chosen to follow Him) will be His when He returns.  We don't have to know exactly when, or even where heaven is; He will come and take us there.  So, while we wait, we are not to be troubled, but joyful, hopeful, peaceful, and believing in Him, the Truth.

Then Jesus Came #18

Philippians 2:5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 

Here is one more passage from the Apostle Paul about how he viewed the Incarnation of Christ Jesus. It is both mind-changing and life-changing.  When He came the first time He fully chose to set aside showing and fully exercising His rights and authority as God the Son.  He purposely came to serve the Plan of God to the extent that He would give up the life He had taken on - He would die at the hands of and for others.  That is a mindset and lifestyle that is impossible for us to duplicate, as we are not God, but it is a mindset and lifestyle we can follow by His grace and strength.  We can made that choice to fully follow after Him, trust in God's plan for us, the live a life of sacrificial service and ultimate purpose: God's will for us. What kind of changes will that mean for how you think and live?

Then Jesus Came #17

Titus 3: 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

The past day or so we have been looking at Paul's perspective on the Incarnation - not as a physical one as much as an eternal one.  Here he pictures us with all of our sin and its consequences on our relationship with God and one another. He then makes one of his famous contrasts: "but" our good and loving God did something: He sent His Son, who "appeared", He came to save us.  It had nothing to do with how naughty or nice we had been; it was solely His act of mercy and grace.  All three persons of the Godhead were involved, as the Holy Spirit came to cleanse us and give us rebirth.  Now, in Christ, we are not prodigal children running away, but full heirs to heaven with the rest of His family. Oh the goodness and love of God!

Then Jesus Came #16

 

I Timothy 1:15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Paul had a tendency as he wrote his letters to come upon a thought and seemingly midstream take off on some side trail that ended in praise, making one think that he was ending his letter abruptly with some prayer or benediction, when he really needed to take that thought to its logical conclusion, which is Christ. Here, as he dwells on the Incarnation of Christ, His Advent, His first coming which we celebrate, he is moved to pause and consider why Christ came: to save sinners like him. This moves him to consider the very character of God: His Mercy, His Patience, and His Power to save.  This can lead him (and us) to no other place but praise. Again, he dwells on the character of God: His sovereignty , eternity, invisibility, and holiness. There truly is no other like Him Who sent His Son to save us from our sins.  May we get as caught up in that thought as Paul did here, reflecting on Christ coming. 

Then Jesus Came #15

 Galatians 4:1 I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is the owner of everything, 2 but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. 3 In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.

As Paul looks back on the Incarnation, God sending His Son through birth by Mary, the Advent of Christ, he sees how it came in "the fullness of time."  God did it when He did at just the right time.  His opening illustration is that of a child who is not ready to receive his rights as an adult "until the date set by his father."  The child is not in a position to know when he is ready.  He needs the wisdom of the Father to make that decision.  From a historical perspective we can see that the time Christ came was one where the spread of the Good News of Christ's coming was able to spread quickly and freely due to Roman rule and Roman roads, reaching the far corners of the world in speedy fashion.  The same is true of His second advent, his return for His people.  Our hearts cry out that we are ready, but the date is set by Him, Who still has the wisdom and perspective we lack.  We can see that many things appear ready, with now split-second travel of news, but until He says so, we are still not of age.  We need to just keep looking to Him. 

Then Jesus Came #14

 Romans 6:20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

It may seem like a strange Advent passage, but it is healthy for us to keep perspective on the Incarnation account.  Why did Christ have to come?  Why all this preparation and party for a Newborn? It's because of our past of sin, shame, and death.  There is something that has transpired because of the before and after of His coming.  There is a change in the ultimate outcome.  Rather than collecting sin we are begin sanctified from it; rather than eternal death, there is eternal life.  As much as we like the warm fuzzies of the Advent account on a starlit night, we cannot ignore the battle waging throughout the centuries that made it necessary.  This does not detract from the peace and joy; rather it magnifies it.  

Then Jesus Came #13

Before you become overwhelmed with pronunciation, don't worry, only God is listening.  This list is important.  Who do you know?  Need to touch up on your Old Testament History?  This book is a call to faith in the One who came, Jesus the Christ.  All these generations longed for Him.  He is the endpoint of their faith.  The final verse reminds us that though they waited for centuries, (and sometimes it feels that way to us), God has a plan that will be accomplished at the right time.  David was not the Messiah. The Exile did not end the Messianic hope; Christ was the fulfillment of faith who gives us hope to go on. 

 Matthew 1:1  The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
2 Abraham was the father of Isaac, and Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, 3 and Judah the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram, 4 and Ram the father of Amminadab, and Amminadab the father of Nahshon, and Nahshon the father of Salmon, 5 and Salmon the father of Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz the father of Obed by Ruth, and Obed the father of Jesse, 6 and Jesse the father of David the king.
And David was the father of Solomon by the wife of Uriah, 7 and Solomon the father of Rehoboam, and Rehoboam the father of Abijah, and Abijah the father of Asaph, 8 and Asaph the father of Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, and Joram the father of Uzziah, 9 and Uzziah the father of Jotham, and Jotham the father of Ahaz, and Ahaz the father of Hezekiah, 10 and Hezekiah the father of Manasseh, and Manasseh the father of Amos, and Amos the father of Josiah, 11 and Josiah the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the deportation to Babylon.
12 And after the deportation to Babylon: Jechoniah was the father of Shealtiel, and Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, 13 and Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, and Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor, 14 and Azor the father of Zadok, and Zadok the father of Achim, and Achim the father of Eliud, 15 and Eliud the father of Eleazar, and Eleazar the father of Matthan, and Matthan the father of Jacob, 16 and Jacob the father of Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom Jesus was born, who is called Christ.
17 So all the generations from Abraham to David were fourteen generations, and from David to the deportation to Babylon fourteen generations, and from the deportation to Babylon to the Christ fourteen generations.

Then Jesus Came#12

 Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

The shepherds had been given their announcement: the Messiah had been born and was waiting to see them.  They had the sign they needed to identify Him.  Now it was time for the Jingle at the end of the message - something to make it stick and move them to respond and go find Him.  They knew exactly what they should do.  After they found Him they also knew what they should do: share the message and keep reminding each other of it. What a picture for us of the proper response we should have to finding the Savior: tell others and keep reminding each other and never lose that sense of awe and wonder at what God has done in sending His Son.  As for Mary, her position was unique, but she also kept that sense of awe and wonder as well.  This was no passing story; it is the never-ending story of seeing what God will do next. 

Then Jesus Came #11

 

Luke 2:8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.”

We saw yesterday that Mary was a willing servant in accepting her role in God's plan to send His Son. The same could be said of these shepherds.  Though they were not asked to do anything as deep or lengthy as Mary was, they were being entrusted with a great message that needed to be shared.  Often it has been asked: "Why the shepherds?"  First, they were awake; they had to be because of their vocation.  Second, they were used to being entrusted with things not their own.  Their flocks may well have belonged to another. It has even been suggested that they were being raised for sacrifice in nearby Jerusalem. They knew what it was to take their trust seriously. They were not being given this announcement for their own ears only; it was a message that needed to be shared.  As with the message God had given Mary, there was a "sign" to attest to the truth contained.  When they found the baby lying in the manger, they would know that the other part was true: He was the long-awaited Messiah, their Savior. 

Then Jesus Came #10

Luke 2:1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Whenever we get to this place in the account of Christ's birth, all I can think of is peace, rest, silence.  Of course, there was nothing peaceful in getting to this point.  The long hard journey through the hill country. The dirty roads, lack of accommodations, and discomfort of being great with child, followed by the pains of delivery were no picnic for Mary (nor for Joseph for that matter). But at the end of the day, when all that was past, the family was there together and the Child had been born.  The streets were quiet, and they weren't going anywhere for awhile, just like Christmas Eve. 

This truly does picture what we are looking for: peace at the end of the day, the end of the journey, the end of this life.  That peace is found in this one and same Child, the Son of God, Jesus Christ. 

Then Jesus Came #9

Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. 20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:
23 “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
    and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us). 24 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, 25 but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

One of the things we really appreciate about having four Gospels is the different details and perspectives each writer brings to give us a fuller picture of the coming of Christ.  Luke gave us Mary's background and perspective; Matthew gives us Joseph's side of the story.  Both of them mesh together in the coming of God's Son, Immanuel, God with us.  When we see these two dovetail together it is so much more than a Hallmark romantic comedy where love brings two people or a town together; it is the epic story of all human history affecting us all.  With this story comes a challenge for all: believe in and receive this Son.

Then Jesus Came #8

 

Luke 1:46 And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord,
47     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
    For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
    and holy is his name.
50 And his mercy is for those who fear him
    from generation to generation.
51 He has shown strength with his arm;
    he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
52 he has brought down the mighty from their thrones
    and exalted those of humble estate;
53 he has filled the hungry with good things,
    and the rich he has sent away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
    in remembrance of his mercy,
55 as he spoke to our fathers,
    to Abraham and to his offspring forever.”

The first characteristic that flows out of this song of praise given by Mary is Joy. Joy is being able to see God at work no matter how challenging the situation may be.  To be sure, there was lots of excitement on Mary's part in knowing what her future held: Marriage, Motherhood, the Messiah in her arms.  But she was also wise enough to know such great blessing also carried with it great challenge and responsibility. Along with this great joy was the might and strength that came with this promise of God.  Mary knew that God with this challenge would bring help and mercy to her humble situation for her to carry out God's will. These same blessings are still available to us today as we receive God's gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Then Jesus Came #7

 Luke 1:34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Yesterday we looked at the overwhelming announcement given by Gabriel to Mary: that she would give birth to the long-awaited Messiah.  Notice that Mary did not reject this notion, as mind-boggling as it was. She did ask one of the unknowns: "How?"  The reply of Gabriel is almost as mind-boggling as his initial announcement, yet she accepts and embraces it immediately.  Very probably Mary knew of the promise we looked at last week in Isaiah.  She also believed in the very character and power of God: that He is Lord and can do anything he wants (but sin) and in any way He so choses.  The messenger also did what those who spoke for God throughout scripture had often done: give a short-term sign to confirm the accuracy of this announcement: Elizabeth was having what would be considered a miraculous birth.  Mary's response is nothing short of total submission to the plan of God.  The passage ends with the angel leaving Mary with many thoughts to ponder. What would our lives look like if we fully surrendered to God's plan for us?

Then Jesus Came #6

 

Luke 1:26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”

We find here the connect to the prophecy we saw yesterday in II Samuel 7: of One who would reign over His kingdom forever.  Luke the historian is connecting the dots from David to Jesus as this same King. This One to be borne by Mary was the One God had been promising and His people had been waiting for. This had to be an overwhelming announcement, as she understood what was happening - maybe not how or why it was happening to and through her - but she knew full well Who this child was going to be. Often we know full well what it is God wants us to do, but allow fear and the "unanswered questions" to keep us from submitting to His will. 

Then Jesus Came #5

 

II Samuel 7:12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’” 

During all the years that David was "on the run", the one burden of his heart was to be able to worship in "The House of the Lord," the tabernacle. So, when he finally became king, his heart was set or building a permanent and glorious temple for God.  But God said "not yet; your son will do that."  Whenever God does something like that, He also does something positive to encourage.  This time He promised David that his kingly line would not come and go, but be established forever.  What becomes obvious in history and the New Testament is that this was not an endless line of descendants sitting on a physical throne, but a promise of the Messiah, fulfilled in Christ.  (See Hebrews 1:8) In Him true worship by all peoples will be made possible, and He will be the perfect King we all need. 

Then Jesus Came #4

 

Micah 5: Now muster your troops, O daughter of troops;
    siege is laid against us;
with a rod they strike the judge of Israel
    on the cheek.
2  But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
    one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
    from ancient days.
3 Therefore he shall give them up until the time
    when she who is in labor has given birth;
then the rest of his brothers shall return
    to the people of Israel.
4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord,
    in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God.
And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great
    to the ends of the earth.
5 And he shall be their peace.

As with any prophecy about Christ's coming, there was a historical context in which it was given. Often there was a current crises involved, as indicated with the mention of troops in the first verse.  But there was also some deeper value than the current crisis involved.  Besides identifying Bethlehem as the place from which Christ would come, there was the fact that He would shepherd His flock, and they would 
dwell secure and bring them the peace they ultimately needed and wanted.  It is not only war that leaves us wanting peace and rest and security, but it is only Christ that will bring us the peace our hearts yearn for. 

Then Jesus Came #3

 

Isaiah 7:10 Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz: 11 “Ask a sign of the Lord your God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” 13 And he said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

It has often be said that we should not ask God for a sign (based on the experience of Gideon and others), but here we have God actually calling on King Ahaz to ask for a sign.  That's because Ahaz did not want to hear from God what His plan, opinion, or will was.  So he refused to ask.  God gave him the message anyway. It was a two-fold announcement: one for the present and one for the future. The sign for the future was the virgin birth of Christ, His incarnation which we celebrate during Advent.  It displays the infinite wisdom of God - the way for our Savior to be both human and sinless, to be qualified to be our sacrifice for sin and to defeat sin at the same time.  It also brings up a question for us each to consider: are we willing to hear God's voice, or are we afraid He will interfere in our plans, our will, what we want to do? Are we, like Ahaz, wanting and willing to hear from Him?

Then Jesus Came #2

Our second devotional for Advent again comes from the prophet Isaiah.  Again, we are focusing on the difference it makes that Christ has come into our world and into our lives and is coming again so that we can have all these things in their fulness.

 Isaiah 11:1 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,
    and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.
2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,
    the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,
    the Spirit of counsel and might,
    the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.
3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.
He shall not judge by what his eyes see,
    or decide disputes by what his ears hear,
4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,
    and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;
and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,
    and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.
5 Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist,
    and faithfulness the belt of his loins.

Now, what would daily life be like if we practiced these same twelve characteristics? What kind of difference would He make in this world through us? 

Then Jesus Came #1

This year during Advent we want to pause to consider the infinite difference it has made to our lives and world with the coming of Christ.  As you read these familiar (and not so familiar passages) please focus on how things are different now that Christ has come and how different they will be when He returns. We begin with Isaiah's prophesies: 

 Isaiah 9:2 The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
    on them has light shone.
3 You have multiplied the nation;
    you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
    as with joy at the harvest,
    as they are glad when they divide the spoil.
4 For the yoke of his burden,
    and the staff for his shoulder,
    the rod of his oppressor,
    you have broken as on the day of Midian.
5 For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult
    and every garment rolled in blood
    will be burned as fuel for the fire.
6 For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.