Advent Week 4: Waiting for our Redeemer

Advent week 4: Waiting for our Redeemer
Luke 1:67-80…Zacharias prophesies over his son, John, who served as the forerunner of the Messiah, Jesus
    —God has accomplished redemption for His people.
    —he speaks of the promised Davidic Messiah who will accomplish salvation from enemies
    —this is in fulfillment of God’s covenant with His people through His promise to Abraham
    —they will be rescued from enemies to serve God without fear, in holiness and righteousness.
    —John will preach “salvation by forgiveness of sins”—to be fully realized in Jesus


The message: A Redeemer is coming who will rescue His people form their sinful way of life, which makes us enemies of God, into a new, holy, righteous life.


Jeremiah 31:31-34; 32:36-44…God’s people have always been waiting on redemption.  He has always been promising a new heart, but they have always wanted rescue from earthly, physical enemies


Isaiah 63:7-19…God has always been Israel’s Redeemer, yet they have always rebelled.  That is because their hearts were hard.


In contrast:

Job 19:21-29…Job feared the Lord; knew his Redeemer would come mete out judgement.  Job accepted loss of possessions and health, knowing God would make things right.
NT Christianity:
1 Peter 1:17-22…Redeemed from futile way of life by precious blood of Christ.  We have faith that God raised Jesus from the dead and hope that we will be raised and share in the glory of God.  Proof of that faith and hope should be purifying my soul, becoming a more loving person.


This question this study poses for me is “What do I consider precious: my Redeemer or a futile way of life?