Rejoicing In God

                                                       REJOICING IN GOD

             Where can we find hope and joy in tragedies, fears, and uncertainties? It is said that George Frederick Handel composed his amazing musical The Messiah in approximately three weeks. It was apparently done at a time when his eyesight was failing and when he was facing the possibility of being imprisoned because of outstanding bills.

            However, Handel kept writing amid these challenges until the masterpiece, which included the majestic "Hallelujah Chorus," was completed. Handel later credited the completion of his work to one ingredient: Joy. He was quoted as saying that he felt as if his heart would burst with joy at what he was hearing in his mind. Sure enough, listening to the entire work of The Messiah or the "Hallelujah Chorus" brings great joy to one's heart.[1]

            During this Advent season, we have been working through ancient prophecies and their relevance to us in the 21^st Century. We saw how to find Hope in God during difficult times. We also learned that one day, God will establish His righteous Kingdom on earth, and the Shepherd King Jesus will reign with us in His Kingdom forever. Today, we will learn how two couples' difficult situations turned into moments of joyful celebration. And how a Silent night brought God's Joy to the whole world. Luke 2:8-20 I title this sermon: Rejoicing In God.

I. An Elderly Couple Finding Joy in A Difficult Situation

            Imagine you were a young married couple who dreamed of building a big family. After repeatedly trying, you discovered it wouldn't work. You spent a lot of money trying to have a child and prayed to God earnestly. Now, you are in your eighties. All hope seems to have gone, but the desire for children remained. Suddenly, your hope seems to be restored, and God begins to answer your prayers for a child, and your wife becomes pregnant.

            How would you respond to this unexpected turn of events? Would you terminate the pregnancy due to unforeseen complications? Or would you welcome and embrace the child, realizing it was God's will? Perhaps this was the high priest Zachariah's dilemma when he heard the angel's words in the Temple saying, "Don't be afraid, Zechariah! God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. ¹⁴ You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth." Luke 1:13-15 (NLT)

            Zechariah was awe-struck by this angelic visitation and barely spoke. God made him unable to speak for nine months because of his unbelief. After completing his priestly duties, he went home and delivered this news to his wife. Soon enough, Elizabeth became pregnant. How did she respond to this challenging situation? She went into seclusion for five months.

            More importantly, she recognized God's will in that pregnancy and said, "He has taken away my disgrace of having no children." Is it a disgrace not to have children? It was indeed, in ancient Israel, that barren women were considered cursed and ridiculed in society. Lev 20:21-22.         However, there are several examples of barren women whose prayers were answered:

Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel: These three matriarchs were initially barren, but God granted their prayers. Hannah, the mother of Samuel, was barren initially, but God granted her prayers. The Shunamite woman was barren at first, but God granted her prayers. These incidents illustrate that God has the power to grant children and also to withhold children from being born.

            In the case of this elderly priestly couple, God heard their prayers and granted them a child, and they named him John, which means "the grace or mercy of God," who became the forerunner of Jesus, the Savior of the world. What seemed like a highly impossible and disgraceful situation, God turned into a Joyful moment because this couple trusted and embraced God's will in their lives. What difficult situation are you facing in your life? You, too, have hope!

II. A Young Woman's Dream Turned into a Nightmare

            Imagine you are a teenage girl full of hopes, marrying a handsome young man and building a family. You met a hero of your heart, got engaged, and dreamed of marriage and a beautiful future. Something supernatural happened. An angel showed up by your kitchen sink and said, you will be pregnant and give birth to a son, and he will become great in the world.          How would you respond to this sudden spoiler news? Would you terminate the pregnancy due to inconveniencing your plans and the terrible consequences that followed? Perhaps that must have been going through the young virgin Mary, who was betrothed to be married to a young carpenter named Joseph. On the one hand, the angel Gabriel greeted Mary, saying highly favored of God and delivered shocking news of the birth of Jesus.

            How did Mary respond to this sudden status of favor and intrusion into her dream world? Mary knew, as per the custom, that being pregnant with a child before marriage meant a death sentence by stoning. She might have thought the news of her pregnancy would bring disgrace to the family, and Joseph may terminate the wedding; infact he contemplated it secretly.

            Despite all those possible disastrous scenarios, Mary responded beautifully to the angel who had brought that news. "I am the Lord's servant. May your word to me be fulfilled." Mary yielded to God's will. Soon after, Mary visited her old aunt, Elizabeth, who miraculously conceived a baby. Upon hearing Mary's voice, little John, who was in Elizabeth's womb, leaped for Joy, and Mary burst into a song: "My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant." Luke 1:46-56

            The underlying principle of these two rather unusual yet historically accurate stories is that God can turn any impossible situation the other way around and make it a Joyful moment, provided we yield ourselves to God's will even when things don't go as expected.  

III. Rejoicing In God. (Luke 2:8-12)

            It's been 400 years since the last prophet, Malachi, prophesied that God will send the prophet Elijah the prophet before the great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. Mal 4:5-6. These were the silent years where God did not speak, and there were no revelations from Heaven.

            Suddenly, Heaven became busy again, breaking the silence that night in the mountains of Palestine. A group of peasants watched their flocks that night. An angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them and said. "I bring you good news that will bring great Joy to all people. What was that " Good News" that the angel talked about? It was about the birth of Mary's child, Jesus, which means "The LORD Saves."

            Believing the angel's words, the shepherds hurried to Bethlehem and saw the baby Jesus lying in a manger as the angel had told them. When they saw him (Jesus), they spread the good news concerning what the angel told them about the child to everyone on their way back home.

            Elizabeth, Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds' challenging situations turned into moments of joy as they chose to rejoice in the Lord. Similarly, your difficult situation can become a moment of Joy as you choose to rejoice in our Lord Jesus Christ.

            Rejoicing in God doesn't happen automatically. It is a choice. When we rejoice in God, our hearts will be filled with Joy. Hear what the Apostle Paul, who faced many challenges, including chains, imprisonment, and slander, said, "Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then, you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Phil 4:4-7. (NLT). Let us rejoice in the Lord and experience joy in our difficult times.

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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[1] https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2022/december/joy-of-lord.html

The Shepherd King

                                                              THE SHEPHERD KING

            Any nation's rise and fall depend on its leader. If that leader is good and righteous, people in that nation experience peace, joy, and prosperity. But if that leader is evil, people live under fear and insecurity and will be deprived of fundamental human rights. How does God deal with wicked leaders who only profit themselves, oppress, and do not take care of people? How would God restore people's faith in Himself and one another?

            Last week, we saw that King Nebuchadnezzar took Israel and Judah into exile to Babylon due to people's rebellion and leadership failure. The Prophet Isaiah prophesied how God would restore Hope to those living in spiritual darkness through His son and establish His eternal Kingdom on the earth. A southern prophet, Micah, prophesied where this King would be born and how He would lead His people. I title this sermon The Shepherd King. Micah 5:1-4

I. Leaders are called to lead people as a shepherd would lead his flock.

            In the OT, God positions Himself as a Shepherd of people, especially the nation of Israel. To learn more about God being the shepherd of his people, refer to my sermons on Psalm 23. Here are some scriptures on how God leads his people as a shepherd would lead his flock. The Psalmist declared, "Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture." Psalm 100:3. Jeremiah prophesied, "'He who scattered Israel will gather them and will watch over his flock like a shepherd.' Jeremiah 31:10

            God raised other leaders and kings to shepherd his people. For example, Moses was a shepherd tending his father-in-law's sheep when God called him. He remained a shepherd of a larger flock, leading God's people, Israel, out of Egypt. "You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron" (Ps 77:20). God raised David from sheep Pens to shepherd his people Israel. David shepherded with integrity. Ps 78:70-72. He used a non-Israelite King named Cyrus as God's "anointed" shepherd, a Hebrew term for "messiah." Isaiah 44:23-45:8:

            Not all the leaders and kings were as faithful as Moses and David were in leading God's flock. Several of them abused their leadership and ill-treated people entrusted to them. Ezekiel explains God's charge and dealings against the wicked shepherds of Israel. We read in Ezekiel 34 that instead of taking care of the weak and healing the sick, injured, or stray sheep, they ruled them harshly and brutally. Instead of feeding and caring for the flock, they cared for themselves. The sheep were scattered and were attacked by wild animals.

            How did God deal with such selfish and unjust leadership? He removes those wicked leaders from their leadership positions and blocks provisions from their way so they can no longer feed themselves. He rescues the flock from their control and abuse. Now, what happens to the flock without a leader or a shepherd? God himself will be their shepherd again.

            We read, in Ezekiel 34:11-15, "For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness." I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord." Micah unfolds how God would execute His plan of redemption.

 

II. Micah's Prophecy of the Shepherd King

             Approximately 150 years after Ezekiel, Micah prophesied a few more details of the future King's nature, Kingdom, and birthplace. Micah 5:1-4 1. 1"Marshal your troops now, city of troops, for a siege is laid against us. They will strike Israel's ruler on the cheek with a rod.

            2 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." 3 Therefore, Israel will be abandoned until the time when she, who is in labor, bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites.

            4. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth." We will examine its fulfillment next week, and today, we will look at its broader implications. This prophecy contains two critical aspects of the future ruler of Israel.

            The future of Israel will be a King of a different kind, establishing a different kind of Kingdom. By his birth in Bethlehem, he claimed the same ancestry as King David. He displayed his kingly authority, making his enemies cringe with fear and followers filled with wonder.   Where did the wise men go when they came searching for the child born in Bethlehem? They went to the royal palace in Jerusalem because they were waiting for a King who would save Israel from the Roman Empire's tyranny. They asked King Herod, "Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." 3. When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him." Matthew 2:2-3.Even at such a young age, Mary's child, Jesus, sent such terror into his enemies' hearts.

            But as he grew up, unlike the earthly kings and rulers of his day, he would not operate with arrogance and pride. Instead, he was gentle, compassionate, and caring. Like a shepherd, He led his followers, fulfilling Micah's prophecy: "He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God." Hence, we call Him The Shepherd King. You know who I am talking about. His name is Jesus Christ, Mary's child.

            While He was on the earth, He fed the hungry, healed the sick, the disabled, and the blind, raised the dead, and delivered people oppressed by demonic spirits. He preached the message of the Kingdom, calling people to repent. To all those who repented and believed in Him, he gave them the right to become the children of God. Like a Good Shepherd, He laid his life down so that the sheep that did not yet belong to him could become His flock under his care.

            What is the Shepherd King doing in the World today? The Shepherd King Jesus is very active through His Holy Spirit in the affairs of the World. He is protecting and perfecting His flock, the Church, and the bride from inside and outside enemy attacks. He is humbling and even removing world leaders who mistreat God's people. He is feeding God's people with the words of Truth, and one day; He will return as the King to judge the living and the dead. Matt 25:31-46.He will establish His eternal Kingdom on earth and rule in righteousness and Justice. All those who believe in Him now and follow Him will also reign and rule with our Shepherd King forever.

            In the meantime, what are we to do as the children of the Shepherd King? We are the shepherd princes and princesses and are called to follow in the footsteps of our heavenly Shepherd King and shepherd Church and the community wherever we are placed. Tim Laniak helps us understand our role as shepherds in our communities. "Every community has leaders.          And all leaders are shepherds. Pastors and Politicians. Corporate executives and stay-at-home parents. Chaplains and coaches. Teachers and health care workers. Construction supervisors and county commissioners. Virtually all of us are shepherds, responsible to God for how we lead those in our care."[1] How do we care for those God has entrusted to us?

            One day, the King will return and hold us accountable for how we have led our lives and whether we cared for others. During these dark days of December, many feel lonely and isolated. How can we reach out to them and show them the Love of Christ through words and deeds? Let's not be overly focused on our selfish needs but be on the lookout to meet others' needs. When we willingly serve our Shepherd, King Jesus, when the Chief Shepherd returns, we will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. (I Peter 5:4).

 

 

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[1] Timothy S. Laniak, “While Shepherds Watch Their Flocks.” Page 18

FINDING HOPE IN DARK TIMES

                                      FINDING HOPE IN DARK TIMES

In a recent segment on NPR's Morning Edition, Rev. Cameron Partridge shared about an idea he developed during his years as a college chaplain. "You know, you've got the end of the semester. You've got finals. Preparation to leave for home. So, Advent barely got to be observed." Traditionally, the season of Advent is observed in the Christian liturgical calendar during the four weeks preceding Christmas. But Partridge decided to start it a few weeks sooner to draw attention to the necessary, urgent themes of the season.

He says the shift gave students "an opportunity to actually really be present together and to observe it together, which could be grounding in a time of great intensity." This seems of utmost importance, especially given the extended conflict in the Middle East, the prolonged war between Russia and Ukraine, and many facing an uncertain future after the recent elections.

"We can't pretend that everything is fine," he says. There is tumult in the World, and it is real, challenging, and deeply affecting people." Petersen believes Advent for Christians is as much about Hope for the Second Coming of Jesus, sometimes called the Second Advent, that will usher in God's reign as it commemorates God's first coming in the person of Jesus in first-century Palestine. Petersen says that tension is where we all reside, which is why Advent is what we need. "In its dwelling in the already and the not-yet, Advent can ground and strengthen us in all of that uncertainty and help give us the ability to connect with God and one another."[1]

For the next four Sundays, we will reflect on God's enduring promises to humanity as we light four candles, sing classic Advent hymns, and read hope-giving scriptures about Christ's first and second Advent. On this first Sunday, as we light the first purple candle, which represents Hope, we will look at where to find Hope in Dark Times Isaiah 9:1-7

 

I. Dark Times In Israel's History.

To understand this fascinating prophecy in Isaiah 9:1-7 and its future implications, we must read it in the context when Isaiah received this prophecy from God. The book derives its name from a Southern prophet, Isaiah, whose name means, "The Lord is salvation."

The Prophet began his ministry during a time of relative peace and prosperity under Judah's kings, but conditions deteriorated quickly, especially on the International scene. In 722 BC, Assyria became a superpower and deported the Northern Kingdom into exile. Later, in 701 BC, Assyria ravaged the Judean countryside, and Jerusalem almost fell.

During this darkest period of Israel, God showed Isaiah through a vision the reasons for Israel and Judah's exile. It was due to their rebellious and Idolatrous ways. Here is God's case against His people, Isaiah 1:4, "Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord, spurned the Holy One of Israel, and turned their backs on him."

God's assessment of the World today is similar to that of the nation of Israel. Many are rebellious, corrupt, and doing evil. They have forsaken God and turned their backs against Him. With that background, let us explore the need for Hope, what Biblical Hope looks like, and where we can find Hope.

  

II. What is Hope, and Why do we need it?

            In his book 8 Ways to Hope, William Miller defines Hope. "Hope is not a naive approach to seeing the World, where we ignore problems and engage in "wishful thinking." Instead, Hope is a complex response, involving "feeling, thought, action, vision, a life force, and a way of seeing or being." Having Hope, instead of living in fear or being cynical, helps us see possibility in present-day circumstances and not become overwhelmed.

            People who feel hopeful are good problem-solvers, more resilient and persistent, more engaged and productive at work, more creative and adaptable, and better at recovering from adversity. For these reasons, inculcating Hope in ourselves helps us handle problems and enjoy life more.[2]  Hope calls us to believe that even behind the darkest clouds, something more will bring sunshine into our lives. Hope is in the expecting and the waiting. We can never give up even when there is no visible sign that things will improve. This is the World's view on Hope. What does the Bible say?

1. The Biblical View of Hope

            We have just come through elections; depending on who you talk to, some sound optimistic, while others may sound hopeless and fearful of the future. How can God's children remain hopeful when the rest of the World may feel hopeless? By understanding what Biblical Hope looks like. Hope is essential for a healthy human existence.

            It is a critical concept in the Bible. Biblical Hope is not based on the ambitious promises of political leaders but on God, who is an all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-present help in Dark Times of trouble and despair. Biblical Hope is not in circumstance but in God, who never changes and is always reliable. Where do we find Hope in Dark Times?

III. Finding Hope In Dark Times (Isaiah 9:1-7)

Isaiah's prophecy begins with people living in Dark Times of gloom and distress. He promised them light at the end of a seemingly very long, dark tunnel of life. In Isa 9:2, he says, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness, a light has dawned." Darkness in this scripture does not necessarily refer to the absence of light. It is a symbolic reference to the sinful condition of the human soul and the complex and challenging situations that human beings go through living in the fallen World. 

The Psalms offer prayers of Hope when we face dark times.

• Psalm 9:18: "But God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish." 
• Psalm 23:4, "Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; Your rod and your staff comfort me."
• Psalm 34:17-18, "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those  who are crushed in spirit."
• Psalm 46:1: "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." 
• Psalm 43:5: "Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God." 
• Psalm 56:8: You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." (NLT)
• Psalm 62:5- 6: Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my Hope comes from him. Truly, he is my rock and my salvation." he is my fortress; I will not be shaken."

      Is your heart overwhelmed with troubles and sorrows? What is the darkest valley you are going through? Are you discouraged? Encourage yourselves in the Lord as David did, "Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your Hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." Ps 42:5. When you go home, find some time and do a word study on Hope in the Bible. I pray that you will find Hope in God in your dark times.

      When would people living in dark times experience true light? The Prophet Isaiah prophesied in Isaiah 9: 6-7, "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders." All answers to the despair of the people of Judah were found in a son who would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace." We will learn more about the child in the coming weeks.

      Discovering the Hope of our salvation is the essence of Advent. The Hope of the World is absent in our political leaders, the kings of this World, or any earthly government. Our Hope in dark times can not be found in people but only in a righteous God who is just in all of his ways and full of love and compassion. We can only be eternally secure, live in peace, and have joy in God's Eternal Kingdom. The good news is that we can access God's kingdom right here on Earth. May that be our quest during this Advent 2024.

 

 

 

 

  

 

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[1] Jason DeRose, “A longer Advent helps some Christians prepare for more than Christmas,” NPR (11-20-23)

[2] https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/eight_ways_you_can_feel_more_hopeful_even_in_dark_times