Part One: The Introduction of the Son of Man (1:1–4:13)

I. The Purpose and Method of Luke’s Gospel 1:1–4

A. The Method: a narrative

1 Inasmuch as many (whether historians or whomever) have taken in hand to

set in order a narrative (to compile an historical account) of those things which

have been fulfilled (which Jesus Christ accomplished) among us,

1. Utilizing eye witnesses

2 just as those who from the beginning (who were living at the time everything

was happening) were eyewitnesses (saw these accomplishments first hand) and

ministers of the word (wanting to tell others what they witnessed) delivered them

(their accounts) to us, (who weren’t there, or at least there all the time)

2. Utilizing thorough investigation

3 it seemed good to me also (personally), having had perfect understanding

(thorough and accurate account) of all things from the very first (from the

beginning), to write to you an orderly (organized) account, most excellent

(most noble) Theophilus (which means “loved by God”),

4 that you may know the certainty (the truth) of those things in which you

were instructed (taught or informed).

John 8:32— And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Unbelief Is an Affliction That Plagues the Best of Us

I. Being righteous doesn’t mean we will always exercise faith, (1:5-6)

5 There was in the days of Herod, (Herod the Great, who ruled from 37-4

B.C.) the king of Judea, a certain priest (priests served in the temple 2 weeks

out of the year) named Zacharias (“Jehovah has remembered”), of the division

of Abijah.(24 divisions of priests [1 Chron. 24]) His wife was of the daughters of

Aaron (the first priest), and her name was Elizabeth (“God is my oath” meaning

the Absolutely Reliable One). 6 And they were both righteous before God,

walking in (believing in and living according to) all the commandments and

ordinances (regulations) of the Lord blameless (above reproach).

Zachariah was a righteous man, a man above reproach, but a man who still

had a ways to go in walking by faith. That discourages as well as encourages me.

Ex. Elijah after killing all the priests of Baal—Jezebel said she’d have his head,

and he fled.

II. Having needs doesn’t necessarily generate faith, (7)

7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, (which was about

the worst thing that could happen to a Jewish woman, as they all hoped to give

birth to the Messiah)1 and they were both well advanced in years (well beyond

child bearing years).

Ex. Praying for Peter to get out of jail. When we pray, are we really looking for

God to answer? Or do we give up on some prayers because we don’t get certain

answers?

III. Serving the Lord doesn’t guarantee faith, (8-10) 8 So it was, that while he was (taking his turn)

serving as priest before God in the order of his

division, (at Jerusalem)

9 according to the custom of the priesthood (as

they all took their turn), his lot (to determine his duty)

fell to burn incense (which was performed twice a day)

when he went into the temple of the Lord (it was the most honored and solemn

part of the priests duties as it was the place closest to veil separating the person

from the holy of holies—It was an honor that they could only receive once in a

lifetime if they ever got to do it at all!). 2

1 Rachel, Jacob’s wife said, “Give me children, or else I die” (Gen. 30:1).

Barrenness was wrongly viewed as God’s disfavor concerning someone, and many of these women ended up being shunned. 2 Zechariah proceeds toward the golden altar. He is accompanied by two assistants. One of these men is carrying

in a golden bowl burning coals from the altar of burnt-offering, and is spreading them out on the altar of incense. He

then withdraws. The other assistant is carrying a golden censer filled with incense. He arranges the incense upon

the altar.

And now profound silence ensues, for the most solemn action of the ritual is about to occur. A signal is given. The

sacred moment has arrived for Zechariah to place the incense upon the coals, causing a cloud to arise, its

fragrance rising and spreading. Together with the ascending aroma a fervent prayer, consisting of thanksgiving for

blessings received and of supplication for peace upon Israel, now issues from the heart and lips of the priest. The

people, gathered “outside” the sanctuary but “inside” its courts (Israel’s Court, Women’s Court, with priests and

Levites in evidence especially in the Priests’ Court; see map, N.T.C. on Mark, p. 488) are also praying, in a

10 And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside (in the

temple courts) at the hour of incense (in the morning or mid-afternoon).

Ex. All of the disciples left Jesus in the garden.

IV. God’s personal intervention won’t necessarily produce faith, (11-18)

11 Then (very unexpectedly) an angel of the Lord (in all of his

obvious strength, holiness, and brilliance) appeared to him,

standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled (filled with

alarm, distress), and fear fell upon him…(he was seized, gripped,

overwhelmed with fear)

19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am (the archangel) Gabriel

(God’s messenger—Michael is Israel’s defender), who stands in the presence of

God, and was sent (by God) to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings

(this wonderful news from the mouth of your Creator God).

Ex. Jesus told Peter to pray because Satan was on his tail. He wanted to sift the

disciples like wheat. Peter failed the Lord by denying Him 3 times, but Peter was

restored afterwards.

V. Our lack of faith won’t stop the Lord’s will, (13-17, 23-24) Elizabeth will have a

son

13 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid (Stop freaking out! Get a hold

of yourself and cheer up!), Zacharias, for your prayer is heard (it may have

been his prayer for the nation Israel, and/or a prayer for a child uttered in the

distant past); and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, (will no-longer be

barren)

But is it absolutely necessary to make this choice? Is there not a very close relation between the two? Is it not true that the son to whom Elizabeth would

prostrate position and with outstretched hands. Then they wait for Zechariah to return from the altar of incense and

to proceed eastward to the steps in the front of the sanctuary (Holy Place and Holy of Holies). On these steps

Zechariah, accompanied by other priests, is expected to pronounce the Aaronic blessing on the people. This

benediction will be followed by songs of praise, public offerings, etc. (Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953-2001). Vol. 11: New

Testament commentary : Exposition of the Gospel According to Luke. New Testament Commentary (68–69). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.)

give birth was destined to be the forerunner of the Messiah, through whom salvation would come for Israel; in fact, for all God’s children, whether Jew or Gentile?3

A. He will be called John (1:13) 13b … and you shall call his name John (meaning “Jehovah—given” or “Jehovah has been gracious”).

B. He will become a Nazirite (1:15)

15 For he (John) will be great (Megas! Huge!) in the sight of the Lord,4 and

shall drink (be filled or influenced by) neither wine nor strong drink. He will

also be filled with (influenced by) the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s

womb.

This statement is probably similar to God’s statement about Jeremiah in Jeremiah

1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I

sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

It is probably reflective of Luke 1:41 as well, when Elizabeth met Mary when she

was pregnant with Christ. Luke 1:41— And it happened, when Elizabeth heard

the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was

filled with the Holy Spirit.

C. He will serve as the Messiah’s forerunner (1:16–17)

16 And he will turn many of the (yet sinful and unrepentant) children of Israel

to the Lord (to confession and repentance in) their God (God reveals to Israel

that even in their unrepentance, He never considers Himself not to be their God.

God will never cease to be intensely concerned for Israel).

3 Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953-2001). Vol. 11: New Testament commentary : Exposition of the Gospel According to Luke. New

Testament Commentary (70). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

4 Matthew 11:11— “Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John

the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

And yet, John will say in John 3:30— “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease.”

17 He (John) will also go before Him (Christ the Messiah) in the spirit and

power (in the passion and influence) of Elijah, ‘to turn the hearts of the fathers

to the children (different views: (1) to restore harmony in families; to unite the

hearts of the fathers—Jews, with the children—Gentiles, or (3) to unite again the

affections of the patriarchs once again with their repentant decedents),’ and the

disobedient (unrighteous) to the wisdom (true understanding) of the just

(righteous), to make ready a people prepared for the Lord (prepared to

recognize and listen to Him).”

VI. Our lack of faith won’t stop the Lord’s rebuke, (18-20) 18 And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? (How can I be

sure that what you say is true?) (It seems pretty fanciful to me) For I am an old

man, and my wife is well advanced in (way beyond her childbearing) years.”

19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am (the archangel) Gabriel

(the messenger of God to Israel), who (literally) stands in the (very) presence of

God, and was sent (by God) to speak to you and bring you these glad (not

fanciful) tidings.

The angel is telling Zechariah what God is going to do through him, not what

Zechariah is going to do all on his own.

20a But behold, (an appropriate sign and consequence to the improper use of

your tongue is) you will be mute and (thus) not able to speak until the day

these things take place, because you did not believe my words …

VII. Our lack of faith won’t stop the Lord’s work, (20b-22) 20b … my words which will (absolutely) be fulfilled in their own time (their

proper time).”

21 And the people waited for Zacharias (to come out from offering incense),

and marveled that he lingered so long in the (holy place of the) temple (as the

priests performed the task as quickly as possible fearing that they may offend God

in some way).

22 But (even) when he came out, he could not speak to them (just as Gabriel

said); and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he

beckoned to them and remained speechless.

VIII. Our lack of faith won’t stop the Lord’s grace, (14, 23-25) The Lord took away

Elizabeth’s reproach

14 And you will have (ecstatic) joy and (exuberant) gladness, and many will

rejoice at his birth (when he is born and later that he was born).

23 So it was, as soon as the days of his (Zachariah’s allotted) service were

completed, that he departed to his own house.

24 Now after those days (the days of his service) his wife Elizabeth

conceived; and she hid herself (kept herself in seclusion) five months, saying,

25 “Thus the Lord has dealt with me (treated me), in the days when He

looked on me (was merciful and gracious to me), to take away my reproach

(disgrace) among people.”

How Much Can God Reasonably Expect from Us?

Luke 1:26–38 (NKJV)

I. That He knows all about us, not vise versa

26 Now in the sixth month (of Elizabeth’s pregnancy) the

angel Gabriel was sent by God (again, but this time) to a city

of Galilee named Nazareth,

27 to a virgin betrothed (engaged) to a man whose name

was Joseph, of the house (ancestry) of David. The virgin’s

name was Mary.

The people in Judah disdained the Jews in Galilee and claimed they were not “kosher” because of their

contacts with the Gentiles there Matthew 4:15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of

Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: (Matt.

4:15). They especially despised the people from Nazareth John 1:45–46 “Philip found

Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and

also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” And Nathanael

said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come

and see.” (John 1:45–46). But God in His grace chose a girl from Nazareth in Galilee to be the mother

of the promised Messiah!5

II. That every request is accompanied by grace

5 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

28 And having come in (to her home), the angel said to her,

“Rejoice, highly favored one (lit., “Having been much graced”—

the reason being, God has selected her to bring the Messiah into

the world), the Lord is with you (He is acquainted with you and

committed to you); blessed are you among women!” (The

desired distinguished favor that all women desire I give to you.)

What do we know about Mary?

She was a Jewess of the tribe of Judah,

a descendant of David,

and a virgin (Isa. 7:14).

She was engaged to a carpenter in Nazareth named Joseph (Matt.

13:55),

and apparently both of them were poor (Lev. 12:8; Luke 2:24).

Among the Jews at that time, engagement was almost as binding as marriage

and could be broken only by divorce. In fact, the man and the woman were called

“husband” and “wife” even before the marriage took place (compare Matt. 1:19

and Luke 2:5). Since Jewish girls married young, it is likely that Mary was a

teenager when the angel appeared to her.6

29 But when she saw him, (the archangel Gabriel) she was troubled (very

startled, deeply perplexed) at his saying, and considered (tried to figure out)

what manner of greeting this was (Mary was trying to put everything she was

seeing and hearing together—She was trying to collect herself and organize her

thoughts).

Psalm 138:6— Though the LORD is on high, yet He regards the lowly; but the

proud He knows from afar.

Isaiah 57:15— For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose

name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a [crushed]

and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the

[crushed] ones.

30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary (what I said is true),

for you (truly) have found favor with God.

III. That we adjust our plans to His, not vise versa

6 Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.

31 And behold (the favor you have found is that), you will conceive in your

womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus, (which means

“Yahweh saves”).7

32 He will be great (megas, huge), and will be called the Son of the Highest

(an extension of the deity of God Himself); and the Lord God will give Him the

throne of His father David (the power and authority to take dominion of the world

that is rightfully His).

The devil may have the dominion of the world in his hands at the moment as

the prince of the power of the air, but God the Father is the overseer of it. (Rev. 5)

33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever (the dominion of the

world will not change hands again), and of His kingdom there will be no end.”

IV. That no sacrifice is too big

34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be (how can this happen),

since I do not know a man?” (I’m still a virgin)

Mary’s question was not one of unbelief and asking for a sign, like Zacharias’,

but one of pragmatics. Mary was rightly assuming that this was going to happen

soon and (1) she was engaged to Joseph and (2) their marriage was down the

road a ways, and (3) she knew the Lord would never indorse fornication. Hence

the question.

35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come

upon you (to fill you as He did with Samson giving him miraculous strength, and

as He did Solomon giving him unearthly wisdom), and the (creative) power of the

Highest will overshadow you (rest upon you as well enabling this miraculous

work to be performed within you); therefore, also, (since this is all of God’s doing)

that Holy (perfect, unblemished, sinless) One who is to be born will be called

the Son of God (as He is of God, and thus is God).

V. That no act of faith is to great

36 Now indeed (in addition to what is about to happen to you), Elizabeth your

relative has also (differently, but still miraculously) conceived a son in her old

age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren.

37 For (the reason I’m telling you this it that) with God nothing will be

impossible.” (God is able to do whatever He pleases, however He pleases,

7 Matthew 1:21— she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus (“Yahweh saves”), for He will save His people from their sins.”

whenever he pleases. It is as easy for God to take a barren women who is well

past her childbearing years and cause her to become pregnant as it is for God to

take a young virgin, who has known no man, and cause her to become pregnant)

VI. That every act of obedience is rewarded

38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the

Lord! (for we are all servants of the Master, it’s just that not

all of us are obedient servants) Let it be to me according to

your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Isaiah 6:8— I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: “Whom shall I send, and who

will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I! Send me.”

There is no hesitation even with Mary’s marriage and reputation at stake. She

never asked what about Joseph, she never asked what will the neighbors think,

she never said “You expect too much!”

Jeremiah 32:17 (NKJV)

17 ‘Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your

great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.

Matthew 19:26 (NKJV)

26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but

with God all things are possible.”

I. That He knows all about us, not vise versa

Hairs on your head

Thoughts and intents of your heart

He created you with your strengths and weaknesses (Moses)

Does it ever cross your mind, how thoroughly God knows you?

II. That every request is accompanied by grace

He never calls us a sinner again after salvation

Beloved---friends---saints---His children---the bride of Christ

III. That we adjust our plans to His, not vise versa

Lose our life

Pick up our cross and follow Him

Be conformed to His image

Are you aware of an adjustment that God is asking you to make?

IV. That no sacrifice is too big

V. That no act of faith is to great

VI. That every act of obedience is rewarded

The Joy of Elizabeth and Mary

Luke 1:39–56 (3/21/10)

I. The Joy of Elizabeth, (39-45)

A. The joy of Mary’s visit, (39-40)

39 Now Mary arose in those days (in Nazareth,

of Galilee) and went into the hill country (South

Palestine—we are not told exactly where Zacharias

and Elizabeth lived) with haste (without delay), to a

city (or the region) of Judah, (a journey of 80 to

100 miles)

40 and entered the house of (her older relatives)

Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.

B. The joy of the Messiah’s presence, (41, 43)

41 And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of

Mary (Mary announcing her arrival), that the babe (John the

Baptist) leaped in her womb (acted excitedly); and Elizabeth

was filled (at that moment) with (the presence and influence of)

the Holy Spirit.

Even before His birth, Jesus was impacting people around Him!

His power is limited by nothing. Even as He was being formed in

the womb, He impacted lives.

43 But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come

to me? (Who am I that the Messiah, my Master, should visit me!)

Elizabeth is filled and overflowing with:

Reverence

Awe

Joy

Gratitude

Have you ever wondered the same, concerning your salvation?!

C. The joy of the Messiah’s servant, (42, 45)

42 Then she spoke out (not quietly but excitedly) with a loud voice and said

(again under the influence of the Holy Spirit who revealed to Elizabeth), “Blessed

are you (Mary) among (all) women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

(the Messiah, Emanuel, God with us!)

45 Blessed is she (Mary) who believed (who responded to the God’s news

with faith), for there will be (no doubt about it) a fulfillment of those things

which were told her from the Lord.”

I don’t believe Elizabeth is putting down Zacharias here for his lack of faith, but

is greatly encouraged and challenged by Mary’s faith. We should be encouraged

and challenged by one anothers faith!

D. The joy of the Messiah’s influence, (44)

44 For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears

(as soon as I heard your voice, Mary), the babe (John) leaped (acted excitedly) in

my womb for joy.

The Lord is meant to bring joy to all, regardless of circumstances.

Already miraculous things are resulting from Christ’s presence

Because Jesus is now seated at the right hand of the Father, doesn’t

mean that He can’t profoundly impact your life:

o I am with you always, even unto the end of the age

o Without Me you can do nothing

II. The Joy of Mary, (46-56)

A. What God did for Mary, (46-49)

46 And Mary said (responded): “My soul (my innermost being), magnifies

(exalts, celebrates), the Lord (my Master), and my spirit (that which gives me life

and breath), has rejoiced,

Picture simple, humble Mary (clad in her customary dress), standing in a line-up of

Miss universe hopefuls. What chance does she have against the higher echelon

of prominent, talented, sophisticated professionals of being crowned?! Mary,

even in her day was surrounded by the higher echelon, but God cast His eyes

care and affection upon a simple maidservant, Mary, who was virtually unnoticed

by everyone except her family.

That's the beauty of being a servant of such a Master, as our Lord Jesus.

You don't have to reach any social, physical, economic or intellectual standing

before Jesus Christ notices you, uses you and honors you.

That's the beauty of loving and being loved by such a Master.

Do you need someone to believe in you?

Do you need someone that will never give up on you?

Do you need someone who will always have time to listen to you?

Do you need someone who will never use you?

Do you need someone who will always have your best in mind?

Mary was joyously grateful that she had found such a One and so can you be!

God knows no nobodies. Everybody is somebody.

We are all created in God’s image

We are all fearfully and wonderfully made

47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God (Theos, Divinity), my Savior, (whose

abode is my womb at the moment)

Jesus Christ is God, God the Son, Emanuel—God with us!

48 For He (God), has regarded (cast His eyes upon me, searched me out in this

crowded world and acted graciously upon me in spite of), the lowly (the simple,

humble), state of His maidservant for behold, henceforth all generations (all

descendents of the human race), will call me blessed, (for being the privileged

one who brought the Savior and Master into the world).

It is no small thing that God knows you by name.

It’s mind boggling that He knows all the zillions of stars by name.

It’s deeply personal that He knows you by name.

B. What God did for us, (50-53)

49 For He who is mighty (i.e., the Almighty—who is filled with incomparable

greatness—the God with Whom nothing is impossible), has done great (megas,

glorious, wonderful) things for me (He has mega blessed me in ways I don’t

deserve at all), and holy is His name (and nothing He has gloriously done has

compromised His purity—He is and remains infinitely above all His creatures

and creation—the One within her, God the Son, has escaped the sin curse

too!—His infinite holiness is able to vanquish all impurity!).8

50 And His mercy (His compassion) is on (any and all) those who fear (those

who are filled with a reverent regard for) Him from generation to

generation (throughout all generations, Jews and Gentiles alike).

51 He has shown strength with His arm (to deliver and devour, to heal and

afflict, to forgive and harden, to encourage and dishearten, to bless and

curse); He has scattered the proud (meaning punished them— He has

dispersed them, dethroned them, deprived them of their riches, and driven

them away empty.9—if not in this life, in eternity) in the imagination of their

hearts (in their prideful, arrogant, full of themselves schemes, enterprises).

No sinner is outside the limits of God grace—or discipline!

52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones (knocked the rich and

powerful off their high horses—physically and/or emotionally and spiritually),

and exalted the lowly (lifted up the humble in high places—physically

and/or emotionally and spiritually).

A patient was waiting nervously in the examination room of a famous specialist.

"So who did you see before coming to me?" asked the proud doctor.

The patient answered, "My local General Practitioner."

8 Isaiah 57:15— For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity,

whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a

[crushed] and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the

heart of the [crushed] ones.

9 Hendriksen, W., & Kistemaker, S. J. (1953-2001). Vol. 11: New Testament commentary : Exposition of the Gospel According to Luke. New Testament Commentary (107). Grand Rapids: Baker Book House.

"Your GP?" scoffed the doctor. "What a waste of time! Tell me, what sort of

useless advice did he give you?"

"He told me to come and see you."

Arrogantly, there are those that believe that have life sown up. They have arrived.

They are above and beyond the reach and equivalent of the normal people.

They are sovereign over their lives.

But Mary sees [herself as anything but sovereign over her life].

God turns human attitudes and the orders of society upside down.

He acts with power and scatters the prideful.

They are dispersed, dethroned, and deprived.

And the needs of the poor, whether physical or spiritual, they are not met by

God.

53 He has filled (satisfied) the hungry (the needy) with good things (that they

lacked), and the rich (the full) He has sent away empty (deprived of what

they had).

C. What God did for Israel, (54-56)

54 He has helped (assisted and supported) His servant Israel (the nation, in the

past and will now in the future through the Messiah), in remembrance of

His mercy (concerning those who deserve judgment),

55 As He spoke (made this promise of merciful redemption) to our fathers, to

Abraham and to his seed forever” (“...in you all the families of the earth

will be blessed” [Gen 12:3]).

56 And Mary remained with her (Elizabeth) about three months (either until

John’s birth, or shortly before his birth), and returned to her house (at Nazareth).

ILL Notebook: Love (sunshine)

Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby was on the way,

she did what she could to help her 3-year-oId son, Michael, prepare for a new

sibling. They found out that the new baby was going to be a girl, and day after

day, night after night, Michael sang to his sister in Mommy’s tummy. He was

building a bond of love with his little sister before he even met her.

In time, the labor pains came. Soon it was every five minutes. Every three...every

minute. But serious complications arose during delivery and Karen found herself in

hours of labor.

Finally, after a long struggle, Michael’s little sister was born. But she was in very

serious condition. With a siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushed the

infant to the neonatal intensive care unit in Knoxville, Tennessee.

The days inched by. The little girl got worse. The pediatrician had to tell the

parents, "There is very little hope. Be prepared for the worst." Karen and her

husband contacted a local cemetery about a burial plot. They had fixed up a

special room in their house for their new baby but now they found themselves

having to plan for a funeral.

Michael, however, kept begging his parents to let him see his sister. "I want to sing

to her," he kept saying. Week two in intensive care looked as if a funeral would

come before the week was over. Michael kept nagging about singing to his sister,

but kids are never allowed in intensive care.

Karen made up her mind, though. She would take Michael whether they liked it or

not! If he didn’t see his sister right then, he may never see her alive. She dressed

him in an oversized scrub suit and marched him into ICU. He looked like a walking

laundry basket.

But the head nurse recognized him as a child and bellowed, "Get that kid out of

here now! No children are allowed.” The mother rose up strong in Karen, and the

usually mild-mannered lady glared steel-eyed right into the head nurse’s face, her

lips a firm line. "He is not leaving until he sings to his sister!"

Karen towed Michael to his sister’s bedside. He gazed at the tiny infant losing the

battle to live. After a moment, he began to sing. In the pure-hearted voice of a 3-

year-old, Michael sang: "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me

happy when skies are gray…”

Instantly the baby girl seemed to respond. The pulse rate began to calm down and

become steady. "Keep on singing, Michael," encouraged Karen with tears in her

eyes.

"You never know, dear, how much I love you, Please don’t take my sunshine

away…" As Michael sang to his sister, the baby’s ragged, strained breathing

became as smooth as a kitten’s purr.

Tears had now conquered the face of the bossy head nurse. Karen glowed. "You

are my sunshine, my only sunshine. Please don’t, take my sunshine away..."

The next day...the very next day...the little girl was well enough to go home!

Woman’s Day Magazine called it "The Miracle of a Brother’s Song." The medical

staff just called it a miracle. Karen called it a miracle of God’s love!

Mary called it “He who has done great things for me—the One who has shown

strength with His arm—the One who has filled the hungry with good things…”

Have you lost your joy? You can find it again where Mary found hers.

Mary's knowledge of the fact that the Messiah was about to come (announced to

her by the angel, Gabriel), caused her innermost and spiritual being to magnify

and rejoice in God. What is the condition of your innermost and spiritual being

today. Is it filled with spiritual joy. You may be thinking, "Pastor, you don't know

what is going on in our house, you don't know what happened at work, you don't

know about the letter I received. You just don't understand, Pastor. I can't have

that kind of spiritual joy in my soul and spirit.".

Before we go any further in this direction, we need to remember something. Mary

is in a condition that no unmarried Christian girl wants to find herself in. What is

it? PREGNANT "But, Pastor. It's different with Mary. She is pregnant by the

Holy Spirit not because of sinful living." Try to tell your family that, or your

neighbors and friends. Oh yes, and add to that, that the Child you are caring is

God the Son. Tell them that it's the truth because an angel told you so."

Who did the angel appear to? CNN New or Christian Broadcasting? No, he

appeared Mary and then to Joseph. God tells us in His Word that "there is nothing

new under the sun." The community talked about Mary then, just like they would

talk about your daughter today. Yet Mary's spiritual inner being still exalts and

rejoices in her God. (Even though she is pregnant out of wedlock--even though

she will have to travel 70 miles [as the crow flies], on a donkey in the final days of

pregnancy--even though she will have to give birth to the Messiah in a smelly

stable--even though King Herod will try to kill her baby--even though she and her

family will have to flee to Egypt [about 200 miles away], for their lives.)

Do you think that because Mary exalted and rejoiced in God that she had a

perpetual smile on her face while riding to Bethlehem in her last days of

pregnancy? Do you think she relished the idea of giving birth in a crowded barn.

Do you think that she physically jumped around shouting hallelujah when the live

of the baby was threatened and they had to flee from their home and country to

Egypt. No, and I am not asking if you have a perpetual smile on your face, or are

physically jumping around shouting hallelujah. I'm asking you, what is the

condition of your inner being, your invisible, spiritual inner man as God calls it in

Ephesians. Mary's was flourishing. Is yours too, or is it floundering?

Phil. 4:4-7; Eph. 5:19

Mary -- Pregnant ,On donkey, In stable, In Egypt

God will give me the grace to handle the gossip

God will work it out somehow so that the people will know that the Child she

carries is the Messiah.

God will give me the strength to travel the 70 miles to Bethlehem

God will understand my giving birth to the Messiah in a stable

God will protect them from Herod

God will provide a home and work for them in Egypt

God will help them with their heartache from being separated from their families

Mary believed that God:

Would never leave or forget her

Will provide the appropriate grace and mercy for every need in every

circumstance

Is always the one in charge

Knows exactly what He's doing

Has a specific reason for doing all things as He does

Knows the perfect time and place to enact His will

Works all things according to the good pleasure of His will

While Mary's outer man was being buffeted and challenged, her inner man was

being consoled and empowered. Her flesh may have been weak at times, but her

soul and spirit were continually refreshed by drinking from the fountain of living

water.

How is the fact of your salvation affecting that part of you today?

The mere lip songs of a person pretending to be a Christian and the sentimental

songs of the world never penetrate to the needy spirit in man.

The Birth of a Son and a Hope

Luke 1:57–66 (NKJV) – 2010

Elizabeth Gives Birth to John

57 Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered (to have her baby), and she

brought forth (in her old age as the archangel Gabriel said) a son. 58 When her neighbors

and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her (recognizing the miracle it

was), they rejoiced with her (concerning what the Lord had done for her). 59 So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child (as the Law of

Moses required); and they (those gathered around Zacharias and Elisabeth) would have

called him by the name of his father, Zacharias. 60 His mother (Elizabeth) answered and

said, “No; he shall be called John” (affirming Gabriel’s instructions).

61 But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this

name.” (As miraculous as this birth was, they thought surely the baby should be named in the

honor of a special member of the family, like the father.) 62 So they made signs to his father—

(Zacharias) what he would have him (the baby) called.

63 And he asked for a writing tablet (because he still couldn’t speak), and wrote, saying,

“His name is John,” (also affirming Gabriel’s instructions). So they all marveled (they were

dumb struck, astonished, filled with wonder and amazement). 64 Immediately (after affirming to

everyone that the baby was to be called John) his (Zacharias’) mouth was opened and his

tongue loosed, and he spoke (for the first time after talking with Gabriel at the temple),

praising God (the same in principle as Nebuchadnezzar did when he was freed from his animal

like features). 65 Then fear came on all who dwelt around them (they treaded softly around

them, they talked carefully about them, they dealt honestly with them, they thought respectfully

of them—as they recognized God’s presence, work and affirmation upon them); and all these

sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea (everyone was talking

about Zacharias’ and Elizabeth’s story). 66 And all those who heard them (the stories of what

God had done) kept them in their hearts (they didn’t just go in one ear and out the other—but

they spent a lot of time meditating on them), saying, “What kind of child will this be?” (How

will God use this babe, John, to impact the world around him?) And the hand of the Lord was

with him. (This last sentence is a Semitic Idiom which speaks of the fact that “God is with us, for

us, and has a plan and purpose for our lives.”10)

1:63 Writing Tablets

He asked for a writing tablet, and to everyone’s astonishment he wrote, “His name is

John.”

Writing tablets were in use among various ancient nations. They are referred to in Isaiah 30:8,

Habakkuk 2:2, and metaphorically in Proverbs 3:3, Jeremiah 17:1, and 2 Corinthians 3:3. Among the

Romans they were occasionally made of ivory or of citron-wood, but generally of beach, fir, or some

other common wood. They were covered with a thin coating of wax, in which the letters were formed by a

stylus, an instrument preceding the modern pen. It was made of gold, silver, brass, iron, copper, ivory, or

bone. One end was pointed for writing, while the other was smooth, flat, and circular, for erasing, and for

smoothing the wax surface that it might be used again. The outside part of the tablet held in the hand was

not coated with wax, and around the edge of the inside was a thin, narrow ledge, so that when two tablets

came together, the waxed surfaces would not touch each other and become marred.

Writing tablets

A book was often made of several of these tablets combined,

fastened together at the backs by means of wires that also served as

hinges. Tablets were used for almost all writings where the document

was not lengthy. Letters, or even wills, were written upon them. In order

to seal the tablets, holes were made in the outer edge, through which

tripled thread was passed and fastened with a seal.11

1. Their lives revealed God’s forgiveness extended to them.

The world is looking for forgiveness through insufficient means.

Because they do, they find they struggle with processing their bitterness—

anger—fear—guilt—depression—desire for vengeance, etc. For example:

Firefly--I want to forgive. I know I won't forget but I want to learn to forgive

so that I may find peace within. Can you forgive? How do you forgive?

Florry--I think for me, forgiveness really does just come with time, when the

anger dissipates, and you are just left wondering why you are still annoyed

with this event or person.

10 Utley, R. J. D. (2004). Vol. Volume 3A: The Gospel According to Luke. Study Guide Commentary Series (Lk 1:66). Marshall, Texas: Bible Lessons International. 11 Freeman, J. M., & Chadwick, H. J. (1998). Manners & customs of the Bible (Rev. ed.].) (498–499). North Brunswick, NJ: Bridge-Logos Publishers.

Tripod--Try to empathize, put yourself in the other person's place. That

might give you more compassion and mercy regarding the situation

Lucinda--If someone is truly sorry or remorseful about the issue then it may

be worth it to forgive and move on.

Daisho--True forgiveness starts with understanding yourself. Once you

understand yourself, you can accept yourself, flaws and all. Once you

understand yourself, you understand that we're all the same and we all have

flaws. Forgiving and letting go comes naturally from this.

Vega--I think it's really hard to forgive someone, especially if it was a deep

or serious wound; I think the best one can do is accept what happened and

decide if you want to continue having a relationship or friendship with that

particular person.

Burgy--I think that forgiveness is one of the most challenging things in this

world, and I wrestle with it constantly. Sometimes it seems impossible to

truly forgive others, or myself.

Bitter-Animator--If someone wrongs me, like truly wrongs me… usually I'll

just start to shut them down in my head. That doesn't mean I do a huge

amount different on the outside. I just accept that my life will take a different

direction to theirs and try to move on.

Spiritual forgiveness –

Acts 16:31— Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

Human forgiveness –

Luke 17:3— If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents,

forgive him.

Peter: Mat. 18:21, 70 X 7 times – Hillary Clinton: In the Bible it says they asked

Jesus how many times you should forgive, and he said 70 times 7. Well, I want

you all to know that I'm keeping a chart.

1 John 1:9— If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our

sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2. Their lives evidenced that the world didn’t possess them.

Why name him John?! Naming someone after your family is what everyone

does. Get with the program! Stop being such a weirdo!!

We naturally want to fit in.

Few of us like sticking out.

We want to be liked.

We don’t like to be criticized.

How do we handle the peer pressure the world puts on us?

make a joke and change the subject

say “no” and keep saying “no”

leave the area

get help from someone you trust

be with others who share your beliefs and tell why you won’t give in to

the pressure

Think about what someone gets out of pressuring you to do something.

Learning skills like assertiveness can help.

Find things you are interested in.

Hang out with a range of different people and listen to what is important to them.

Learn from your mistakes and learn from your peers - their successes and their mistakes.

Observe people and the groups with whom they socialize.

Avoid situations that present problems.

Evaluate the risk.

Communicate: Say "No" forcefully and with eye contact.

Anticipate what your friends will say or do and decide beforehand how you will

react.

If you are in a situation where there is conflict, walk away.

Get involved in positive activities such as sports, volunteering, peer tutoring, or

youth clubs

Now there isn’t anything wrong with some of these practical steps you can take,

but they don’t really address the root issues. God on the other hand, does. God

goes straight to the heart because He tells us in, “Proverbs 23:7a – For as he

thinks in his heart, so is he…

God says in Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) – Guard your heart above all else, for it

determines the course of your life.

The root of peer pressure is a heart issue.

A. For example our heart determines the things that we are drawn towards, especially

with some peer pressure.

Proverbs 1:10–19 – 10 My son, if sinners entice you, Do not consent. 11 If they

say, “Come with us, Let us lie in wait to shed blood; Let us lurk secretly for

the innocent without cause; 12 Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, And

whole, like those who go down to the Pit; 13 We shall find all kinds of

precious possessions, We shall fill our houses with spoil; 14 Cast in your lot

among us, Let us all have one purse”— 15 [God says in response to this peer

pressure now,] My son, do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from

their path; 16 For their feet run to evil, And they make haste to shed blood. 17

Surely, in vain the net is spread In the sight of any bird; 18 But they lie in wait

for their own blood, They lurk secretly for their own lives. 19 So are the ways

of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners.

Peer pressure is nothing new. There is nothing new under the sun and God explains to us a root reason we fall into the trap of worldly peer pressure in verse 19; “So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain.”

You may want to gain:

Popularity

Attention

Approval

A certain boy friend or girl friend

Being a part of the in crowd

A better position at work

A better pay raise

A car, house, or something else you can’t really afford God tells us at the end of Proverbs 1:19 the results of falling into peer pressure;

“It takes away the life of its owners.”

I like the way The Message Bible puts it in Proverbs 1:18–19 (The Message) --

That’s what these people are doing—they’re doing themselves in. When you

grab all you can get, that’s what happens: the more you get, the less you

are.

God’s warning is in verse 15; “do not walk in the way with them, Keep your foot from their path”

B. Another example that the root of peer pressure is a heart issue revolves around the

things we move away from, especially with some peer pressure.

Galatians 2:11–14 – 11 Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I [Paul]

withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; 12 for before certain

men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came,

he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the

circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him,

so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. 14 But when I

saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to

Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and

not as the Jews, why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?”

God explains to us here, another root reason we fall into the trap of worldly peer pressure in verse 14a; “…I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel…”

Peter, Barabas, and others were not straightforward, unwavering concerning

the teaching of the gospel of Christ.

The Jerusalem Bible says “they were not respecting the true meaning of the

Good News”;

The New English Bible says, “their conduct did not square with the truth of

the Gospel”;

The Phillips Bible says, “this behavior was a contradiction of the truth of

the Gospel”. 12

God tells us that the way to overcome this kind of peer pressure is found in

Romans 12:1–2 – I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God,

that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God,

which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what

is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

12 Arichea, D. C., & Nida, E. A. (1993). A handbook on Paul's letter to the Galatians. UBS handbook series; Helps for translators (42). New York: United Bible Societies.

Other passages we can go to that address this issue are:

1 Corinthians 15:33 – Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good

habits.”

Hebrews 3:13 (NLT) – You must warn each other every day, while it is still

“today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against

God.

Hebrews 12:1 (NLT) – Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge

crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows

us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with

endurance the race God has set before us.

A pastor’s wife from Indiana offered the following example from when her daughter was in third grade. “One of her classmates had parents who both worked during the day, and he would come home to an empty house. One day he started playing with a cigarette lighter, and the house caught fire and burned to the ground. After that, everyone at school made fun of him and called him ‘Lightning Bug’ or ‘Firefly.’ When he would take his lunch to a table to eat, the others would get up and move away. Our daughter told me about it; she was quite upset. She explained that he was not a special friend of hers—she didn’t even like him very much—but she was concerned about the way he was being treated.

“I asked, ‘What do you think Jesus would want you to do about it?’ She thought a

minute and said she thought Jesus would want her to take her lunch and go sit with him. I agreed. So the next day at lunch she sat next to him, taking her little sister along for moral support. The following day a couple of others joined them. By the end of the week he was integrated into the group again. This was an amazing incident for me to observe. A basically timid child had found the power to resist peer pressure to help someone in trouble.”13

? Did this little girl set with boy for personal gain? No.

? Did she act according to the teaching of the gospel of Christ? Yes

The world isn’t going to give you this kind of counsel concerning peer pressure.

Are You a Drain on Others Or a Blessing?

3. Their lives raised the expectations of those around them.

13 Shelley, M. (1988). Vol. 16: The healthy hectic home : Raising a family in the midst of ministry. The Leadership library (95–96). Carol Stream, Ill.; Dallas: Christianity Today; Word Pub.; Distributed by Word Books.

Luke 1:65–66— Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these

sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 And all

those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child

will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.

A. Many people in the world feed on one another—using one another like rungs in a

ladder. All too often you are only a means to someone else’s ends.

humiliate

Matthew 2:8 – [Herod] sent [the wise men] to Bethlehem and said, “Go and

search carefully for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring

back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.”

Where self is involved, there is no afterthought. Either we focus on us or we focus on others.

Either way there is little left over to sift through when the deed is done. That is the nature of self;

it commands all of our attention, becoming either a soft wrap into which we slip by whose

warmth and security we are compelled to remain, not venturing out for anything or anyone, or it

becomes wrap in our hands by which all who touch it are comforted, strengthened and

benefited. Self is like a bubbling drink, full of carbonation. There is are only two ways to handle

it. Leave it in the can so that it retains its full carbonation or open the can and drink it. Once

opened, however, the dynamics of carbonation are changed. Drink it or lose it. These are the

only choices.

Selflessness is an art. By nature none of us are really into it nor do we really aim to master it. It

requires a change in us, something that puts away the old nature of selfishness and takes on a

new nature of selflessness. Our nature is to keep “us” for us. Or, at the very least, share some

but keep some. But, like that carbonated drink, sharing implies using, not retaining. To truly

deny oneself, to die to oneself, requires an all or nothing effort.

In Ernest Gordon’s true account of life in a World War II Japanese prison camp, Through the

Valley of the Kwai, there is a story that never fails to move me. It is about a man who through

giving it all away literally transformed a whole camp of soldiers. The man’s name was Angus

McGillivray. Angus was a Scottish prisoner in one of the camps filled with Americans,

Australians, and Britons who had helped build the infamous Bridge over the River Kwai. The

camp had become an ugly situation. A dog-eat-dog mentality had set in. Allies would literally

steal from each other and cheat each other; men would sleep on their packs and yet have them

stolen from under their heads. Survival was everything. The law of the jungle prevailed...until the

news of Angus McGillivray’s death spread throughout the camp. Rumors spread in the wake of

his death. No one could believe big Angus had succumbed. He was strong, one of those whom

they had expected to be the last to die. Actually, it wasn’t the fact of his death that shocked the

men, but the reason he died. Finally they pieced together the true story.

The Argylls (Scottish soldiers) took their buddy system very seriously. Their buddy was called

their “mucker,” and these Argylls believed that is was literally up to each of them to make sure

their “mucker” survived. Angus’s mucker, though, was dying, and everyone had given up on

him, everyone, of course, but Angus. He had made up his mind that his friend would not die.

Someone had stolen his mucker’s blanket. So Angus gave him his own, telling his mucker that

he had “just come across an extra one.” Likewise, every mealtime, Angus would get his rations

and take them to his friend, stand over him and force him to eat them, again stating that he was

able to get “extra food.” Angus was going to do anything and everything to see that his buddy

got what he needed to recover.

But as Angus’s mucker began to recover, Angus collapsed, slumped over, and died. The

doctors discovered that he had died of starvation complicated by exhaustion. He had been

giving of his own food and shelter. He had given everything he had -- even his very life. The

ramifications of his acts of love and unselfishness had a startling impact on the compound.

“Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:12).

As word circulated of the reason for Angus McGillivray’s death, the feel of the camp began to

change. Suddenly, men began to focus on their mates, their friends, and humanity of living

beyond survival, of giving oneself away. They began to pool their talents -- one was a violin

maker, another an orchestra leader, another a cabinet maker, another a professor. Soon the

camp had an orchestra full of homemade instruments and a church called the “Church Without

Walls” that was so powerful, so compelling, that even the Japanese guards attended. The men

began a university, a hospital, and a library system. The place was transformed; an all but

smothered love revived, all because one man named Angus gave all he had for his friend. For

many of those men this turnaround meant survival. What happened is an awesome illustration

of the potential unleashed when one person actually gives it all away. (Tim Hansel, Holy Sweat,

1987, Word Books Publisher, pp. 146-147.)

A columnist in a big city newspaper wrote an article asking what is wrong with the

world today. He talks about it coming apart at the seams, about it sinking about it

sinking into a dark abyss, about it feeding on itself. And he asks the question

again, “What is wrong with the world today?!” A man wrote the editor with a two

word reply that got everyone’s attention. He wrote, “I am.”

B. Others are just depressing people. Life is all about them and their woes.

1 Kings 21:4 (The Message) -- Ahab went home in a black mood, sulking over

Naboth the Jezreelite’s words, “I’ll never turn over my family inheritance to

you.” He went to bed, stuffed his face in his pillow, and refused to eat.

Some say that it is the alarm clock that makes all men arise and whine.

Others say that whining is the thing you try when all else fails.

There was a lot of whinning going on in the Exodus. Numbers 11:10 (NLT)—

Moses heard all the families standing in the doorways of their tents whining,

and the Lord became extremely angry. Moses was also very aggravated.

I want leeks.

I want water.

I want meat, not this manna.

My feet hurt.

Are we almost there yet?

Waa, Waa, Waa

Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain—and most fools do, but Caleb and

Joshua lived above all the challenges—resting in God’s promises. Where do you

stand?

C. Yet others are jealous and don’t want to see you succeed and find fulfillment in

your life.

Psalm 106:16 (NIV) -- In the camp they grew envious of Moses and of Aaron,

who was consecrated to the Lord.

Adam and Eve were envious of God and wanted to be like Him, so they ate

the fruit.

Joseph’s brothers because of his dreams—heartache of father & fear of

Joseph.

Daniel’s colleagues—lion’s den

Judas—so guilty he threw his rewards away and even took his own life

John 3:25–27 – There arose a dispute between some of John’s disciples and the Jews

about purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with

you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified (speaking of Jesus Christ)—behold, He

is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!” 27 John answered and said, “A man can receive

nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven… 30 He must increase, but I must

decrease.

Jesus spoke of John’s reward for his attitude and actions in Matthew 11:11—

“Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater

than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.”

He must increase, but I must decrease. Live to help others succeed! A GOOD

leader is a GREAT servant!

D. Some pull you down by their oppression:

Proverbs 13:23 (NLT) – A poor person’s farm may produce much food, but

injustice sweeps it all away.

1 Kings 12:6–11, 16— Then King Rehoboam consulted the elders who stood before his

father Solomon while he still lived, and he said, “How do you advise me to answer these

people?” 7 And they spoke to him, saying, “If you will be a servant to these people today, and

serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants

forever.” 8 But he rejected the advice which the elders had given him, and consulted the young

men who had grown up with him, who stood before him. 9 And he said to them, “What advice do

you give? How should we answer this people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Lighten the yoke

which your father put on us’?” 10 Then the young men who had grown up with him spoke to him,

saying, “Thus you should speak to this people who have spoken to you, saying, ‘Your father

made our yoke heavy, but you make it lighter on us’—thus you shall say to them: ‘My little finger

shall be thicker than my father’s waist! 11 And now, whereas my father put a heavy yoke on you,

I will add to your yoke; my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with

scourges!’” …16 Now when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people

answered the king, saying: “What share have we in David? We have no inheritance in the son of

Jesse. To your tents, O Israel! Now, see to your own house, O David!” So Israel departed to

their tents.

These kinds of people don’t inspire you, they dishearten you.

Proverbs 12:25 – Heaviness in the heart of man makes it stoop: but a good

word makes it glad.

The disciples told the mothers who wanted Jesus to bless their children to

get lost, but Christ said, “Bring them to Me.”

Jesus said after His resurrection Jesus said to the women, “Be sure to tell

Peter you saw me.”

Paul said “I won’t take John Mark on this missionary journey”, and

Barnabas said then he would.

Towards the end of Paul’s ministry, while in prison, “Come to me, and

bring John Mark for he is profitable to me.”

4. Their lives exhibited the hand of God upon them.

Luke 1:65–66— Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these

sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 And all

those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child

will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.

The world says that:

Looks makes you important – looks are fleeting and only skin deep

Money makes you important – money can disappear in an instant

Power makes you important

A husband or a wife

Houses and other material things

Fancy cars make you important

Being something other than a homemaker is important

? Were any of these important to Jesus while He walked this earth? No,

and because they are not, people live their lives with this big void in their

lives. Some for the entirety of their lives. They keep shoving stuff into

the vortex, but nothing works.

? So what was important to Jesus? Relationships, people.

A. First and foremost our relationship with our Creator and God:

Luke 10:27 – “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all

your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and

B. Secondly our relationship with our neighbor:

[secondly] ‘your neighbor as yourself.’”

Matthew 10:39 – He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for

My sake will find it.

God tells us in Mark 10:31 – But many who are first will be last, and the last

first.”

1 Timothy 6:6–7 (NLT) – true godliness with contentment is itself great

wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world,

and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it.

When people see you, do they see the power, work and blessing of God upon

you like they did Joseph, Daniel and of course Christ?

Do you seriously look to what God has given you or do you even care

It was the question of the neighbours and of all who had heard the amazing story,

“What will this child turn out to be?” Every child is a bundle of possibilities. There

was an old Latin schoolmaster who always bowed gravely to his class before he

taught them. When he was asked why, he answered, “Because you never know

what one of these lads will turn out to be.” The entry of a child into a family is two

things.

First, it is the greatest privilege which life can offer a man and wife. It is

something for which to thank God.

Second, it is one of life’s supreme responsibilities, for that child is a bundle

of possibilities...14

Is that what the world says? NO! The worlds says that child may be a detriment to

you.

Once you are a Christian, God intends to use you for His goals. God has a MINISTRY for you in

His Church and a MISSION for you in the world! Regardless of your job of career, you are called

by God to FULL-TIME CHRISTIAN SERVICE!

If you are not involved in any service or ministry, what excuse are you using? Let me lift some

excuses which could have been used by others:

Abraham was old

Jacob was insecure

Leah was unattractive

Joseph was abused

Moses stuttered

Gideon was poor

Samson was codependent

Rahab was immoral

14 The Gospel of Luke. 2000 (W. Barclay, lecturer in the University of Glasgow, Ed.). The Daily study Bible series, Rev. ed. (17–18). Philadelphia: The Westminster Press.

David had an affair and all kinds of family problems

Elijah was suicidal

Jeremiah was depressed

Jonah was reluctant

Naomi was a widow

John the Baptist was eccentric to say the least

Peter was impulsive and hot-tempered

Martha worried a lot

The Samaritan Woman had several failed marriages

Zacchaeus was unpopular

Thomas had doubts

Paul had poor health

Timothy was timid

Do any of those sound like legitimate excuses to you? Those people could have used those

excuses as reasons NOT to serve God. But they each chose to use their FREEDOM to put

themselves to use in God’s work. And guess what – God used each one of them, problems and

all!

From Johnny Creasong’s Sermon: You Are Free to Serve the Lord