The Promised Messiah
Yesterday, during the sermon on 2 Samuel 7, I said our confidence in God’s promises comes from seeing how God has kept his promises throughout history. Specifically, when I think about how long before it took place that God promised his son, the Messiah, would come into the world and then we see how precisely his birth took place according to the prophesied plan, it helps me to see that God is always at work.
During this week of Christmas, I want to reflect on and draw strength from the hope that this gives me. God’s promises simply do not fail, even if they take longer that we expect, or longer than we’d like to see. As many can testify in their own lives—though God is seldom early, he is never late.
For many of us, this Christmas will look much different from ones we’ve celebrated in the past. This would be true, even if it weren’t for the disease that has upended many of our practices and customs. Some have lost loved ones in the past year. Some have received diagnoses. Some are undergoing crises—whether personal, relational, or financial. I would encourage us all, no matter the circumstance in which we find ourselves, to spend some time in quietness this week and to reflect upon the way God’s promised ruler came quietly and unexpectedly to complete humanity’s greatness need and to fulfill our greatest desires. Listen again to the words of Mary’s song:
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. . . .
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” (Luke 1:46-47, 50-55, NIV)
Even if this isn’t the Christmas we want, I pray that we will all be reminded this year of God’s faithfulness and love to us in any and all circumstances. That Jesus has come to live with us and to give us true life.
I love you all.
God bless, Brian
Scriptures for this week:
Isaiah 62—When you read this chapter, do any of the images particularly resonate with you? If so, what do they teach us about being God’s people?
Luke 2:1-21—Read this familiar story and take note of anything you might not have noticed before. How do those details speak to you?
Psalm 148—After reading this psalm of praise, make a list of some of the things you praise God for.
Luke 2:22-40—Verse 33 says that Jesus’ mother and father marveled and what was said about him. What do you imagine they must have thought about what was being said?