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Advent Week 3: Waiting for the Son of God and our adoption as sons.
Luke 1:26-38 -Gabriel appears to Mary and tells her she will give birth to the Son of God, who will sit on the throne of “his father David” (Joseph was a descendent of David, also a righteous man in God’s sight—see Matthew 1:1-25—angel also appears to Joseph. Matthew points out that Jesus is the promised Davidic Messiah, and fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham. See Galatians 3:6-14) -vs. 38…Mary’s response: “behold, the bonds lave of the Lord.” It is evident that Mary and Joseph were eagerly waiting fo the coming Messiah—the Son of God. Jesus, the Son of God, fulfilled many prophesies including: -Isaiah 9:1-7 -vs. 1—Jesus’ family was from Galilee -vs. 2—All who walk in darkness will see a great light -vs. 3—They will experience true prosperity in God’s presence -vs. 4—yoke of their burden will be broken, “as at the battle of Midian” (At this point, it is important to take a moment to understand the reference. This is referencing the account of Gideon and his 300 men in Judges 6-7. God routed the whole Midianite army using these mere 300 men The men just had to blow the trumpets, clang the pots and light the lamps. The people had done evil, so God had let the Midianites oppress them. God wanted the people to see that the salvation was from HIM. The people couldn’t deliver/save themselves, or in other words they could not preserve their own lives. Preserving one’s own life is the burden of every person. This is the yoke which God is promising to break, which requires complete dependence on HIm. -vs. 6—the Son of God will come in human form, to establish a new from of government: No confusion because He is the Wonderful Counselor; no chaos because He is the Might God; no complexity because He is Eternal Father; No conflict because He is Prince of Peace. -vs. 7—this government will go on forever The question is, “Am I wanting to be a part of the Son of God’s rule?” This requires being made a son of God. Romans 8:18-23, 29—Jesus came to make us children of God again Hebrews 2:9-13—Jesus tasted death and was perfected in suffering so we can be sanctified sons of God, prepared for glory! 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? Waiting for our Shepherd Isaiah 40:1-11 —God’s people had been disciplined by Him, but now there is comfort to be had if they will only “clear the way.” That is, they need to remove anything that stands in the way of beholding God’s glory. REMOVE ALL SIN. —We just need to be content in being held by our mighty, tender God—our Shepherd --The Lord is coming to rule. Will I receive the reward for living according to His word, or will I receive recompense for being disobedient?  Jesus has conquered sin and death, yet some people still love their sin and are okay with their condition of spiritual death! John 3:16-21…”Practicing truth” means turning to the light—letting myself be changed by the truth about who Jesus is and who I am in Him. Those who are of Jesus’ flock will surely enter eternal life because they follow Him—the one who is coming in glory to reign for eternity!
John 10:11-18…Jesus is the Good Shepherd. He “lays” down His life (not just a one time event at the cross, but a lifestyle!) He has authority given by God the Father to take up His life again. He will do the same for those who follow Him. (vs. 27-30) Revelation 7:9-17…The promise we are waiting for in this present time. We will experience eternal life as we worship the Lord who will take care of us for all eternity! |
This is the blog of Tyler Shepard, the Associate Pastor for Centre Union Church in Yeagertown, PA.
I hope you are encouraged and challenged to walk more closely with Jesus Christ! Archives
February 2023
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