Anticipating the King's Arrival: Joy and Sovereignty

Devotional

Day 1: God's Sovereignty in Historical Events

The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem was not a random occurrence but a fulfillment of prophecy, orchestrated by God through historical events. This demonstrates God's sovereignty and His ability to work through the complexities of human history to achieve His divine purposes. The decree by Caesar Augustus, which led Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, serves as a reminder that God is in control of all things, even when we cannot see His hand at work. This understanding encourages believers to trust in God's plans and timing, knowing that He is always at work behind the scenes. [01:11:04]

"For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, and who will turn it back?" (Isaiah 14:27, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a situation in your life where you feel uncertain or out of control. How can you trust in God's sovereignty and His ability to work through this situation for His purposes?

Day 2: The Humility of Christ's Birth

Jesus' birth in a manger signifies the humility and accessibility of God. Despite His divine nature, Jesus chose to enter the world in the most humble circumstances, teaching us the value of humility and service. This act of humility challenges us to reflect on our own lives and consider how we can embody the same spirit of humility in our interactions with others. It is a reminder that true greatness is found in serving others and putting their needs above our own. [01:07:40]

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." (Philippians 2:3, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a specific way you can serve someone in your community this week. How can you demonstrate humility in this act of service?

Day 3: The Pure and Redemptive Power of God

The theme of power, both human and divine, is explored in the context of Jesus' birth. While human power can often lead to corruption and self-interest, God's power is pure and redemptive. The birth of Jesus was a divine intervention that changed the course of history, reminding us to seek God's power in our lives and to use it for His glory. This understanding calls us to reflect on how we use the power and influence we have in our own lives. [01:00:50]

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you feel weak or powerless. How can you invite God's power to work through your weakness for His glory?

Day 4: Trusting in the Fulfillment of Prophecy

The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the birth of Jesus underscores the reliability of God's Word. This encourages believers to trust in God's promises and to have faith in His timing. The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, as foretold by the prophets, serves as a powerful reminder that God's Word is true and that His promises will come to pass. This understanding invites us to deepen our trust in God's faithfulness and His ability to fulfill His promises in our lives. [01:12:39]

"Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.'" (Isaiah 46:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a promise from Scripture that you are holding onto. How can you actively trust in God's timing and faithfulness to fulfill this promise in your life?

Day 5: Preparing for the King's Return

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we are also reminded of His promised return. Believers are called to prepare their hearts and lives to receive Him, living in a way that reflects His love and grace. This anticipation of the King's return challenges us to examine our lives and consider how we can live in a manner that honors Him. It is a call to action, encouraging us to be ready for His return by embodying His teachings and sharing His love with others. [01:34:11]

"Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming." (Matthew 24:42, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific change you can make in your daily life to better prepare for Jesus' return? How can this change help you reflect His love and grace to those around you?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of "The King is Coming," focusing on the anticipation and significance of Jesus' birth as narrated in the Gospel of Luke. We began by acknowledging the power and majesty of God, who orchestrates events beyond our understanding. The sermon series, "The Arrival," has been guiding us through the Advent season, and today we delved into the theme of joy, as foretold in the Christmas story.

The narrative from Luke 2:1-11 was our scriptural foundation, highlighting the decree by Caesar Augustus that led Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah's birthplace. This passage reminds us of God's sovereignty and His meticulous orchestration of events to fulfill His promises. The birth of Jesus, though humble and unassuming, was a pivotal moment in history with global implications.

We also reflected on the concept of power, both human and divine. The sermon drew parallels between historical figures who sought power and the ultimate power of God, who controls all things. The birth of Jesus was not just a local event but a divine intervention that changed the course of history. It was a reminder that God's plans are always at work, even when we cannot see them.

Furthermore, we discussed the importance of recognizing and celebrating the unique gifts and contributions of individuals, rather than comparing them. This ties into the broader theme of understanding and embracing the diversity of God's creation.

As we anticipate the return of the King, we are called to prepare our hearts and lives to receive His power and presence. The sermon concluded with a call to action, encouraging us to be ready for the King's return and to live in a way that reflects His love and grace.

Key Takeaways

1. God's Sovereignty in History: The birth of Jesus in Bethlehem was a fulfillment of prophecy, orchestrated by God through historical events. This reminds us that God is in control of all things, and His plans are always at work, even when we cannot see them. [71:04]
2. The Humility of Christ's Birth: Jesus' birth in a manger signifies the humility and accessibility of God. Despite His divine nature, Jesus came into the world in the most humble circumstances, teaching us the value of humility and service. [67:40]
3. Power and Its Influence: The sermon explored the theme of power, both human and divine. While human power can corrupt, God's power is pure and redemptive. We are reminded to seek God's power in our lives and to use it for His glory. [60:50]
4. The Importance of Prophecy: The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the birth of Jesus underscores the reliability of God's Word. It encourages us to trust in God's promises and to have faith in His timing. [72:39]
5. Preparation for the King's Return: As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we are also reminded of His promised return. We are called to prepare our hearts and lives to receive Him, living in a way that reflects His love and grace. [01:34:11]
** [94:11]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[45:23] - Offering of Praise
[46:34] - Advent Series Introduction
[48:34] - The Creator and His Creation
[55:51] - The GOAT Debate
[57:10] - Historical Jealousies
[60:50] - Power and Corruption
[62:24] - Proclamation of Power
[63:44] - Caesar Augustus' Decree
[66:08] - Birth of Jesus
[68:42] - Political Context of Jesus' Birth
[71:04] - God's Sovereignty
[72:39] - Fulfillment of Prophecy
[74:44] - Joseph's Role
[78:44] - Virgin Birth Significance
[82:07] - Promise of Power
[85:19] - Fullness of Time
[94:11] - Anticipation of the King's Return
[99:21] - Invitation to Fellowship
[106:51] - Trusting God in Storms
[109:24] - Prayer and Trust in God

Sermon Clips

But Master, while we're thinking about your blessings upon blessings upon blessings on us, Lord, we cannot help but even right now, thank you for your darling Son, who was born just to die, just to be raised for our salvation, as a gift of your grace. And Master, we stand in awe of how you love on us and care for us and show compassion toward us. [00:45:45] (36 seconds)

The birth of Jesus is the greatest miracle that this world has ever seen. The birth of Jesus has no redemptive value if it is not for the Lord. If he did not die on the cross and rise from the dead. That's what set his birth apart from any other birth. By taking on human flesh, the son of God was able to die on the cross and rise again. So, here it is. His rescue mission climaxed at Calvary. But it commenced in Bethlehem. [01:06:44] (47 seconds)

The birth of this child to a peasant carpenter and his teenage bride took the world by storm because God is in control. He was then, and he is today. And the truth is, no matter where you are, no matter how you feel, even this moment, God controls nations. God controls rulers. God controls statutes. God controls events. God controls the details. [01:10:06] (37 seconds)

God was at work behind the scenes to ensure that his son, Jesus, was born at the right time and in the right place. You got to see God's handiwork in it. We would never have heard of him if Jesus had been born 70 years before or after these political occurrences. We would not have been, he would not have been qualified to be our savior if God had not sovereignly manipulated world. [01:10:50] (35 seconds)

This tells us that the God who control the story of Jesus controls the story of all who trust him, which is why we can have faith in Romans 8, 28. Even now, all things work together for those who love him and are called according to his purpose, which says no matter what you are experiencing even now, the power belongs to God. [01:11:25] (32 seconds)

There are things that had to happen in order to fulfill biblical prophecy. Verse one through three tell the world events at the time when Jesus was born. Verse four and five tell how these details affected Mary and Joseph. The Old Testament promised the coming of the Messiah, the Messiah King. Israel had waited for centuries for God to fulfill his promise. [01:12:19] (33 seconds)

So God swept Joseph and Mary up in the redemptive drama of world politics to identify Jesus as the divinely, rudely promised, long-awaited Messiah King. You gotta understand Joseph's royal lineage. Verse four says, and Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem because he was in the house and lineage of David. [01:13:26] (34 seconds)

Micah predicted where the Messiah would be born. God watched over his word to ensure Jesus was born where he said he would be. Because God is a person who keeps his word. Verse 5 says, Joseph traveled to Nazareth, to Bethlehem, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with his child. This verse gives two critical facts about Mary. Mary, number one, we know that she was engaged to Joseph. [01:18:34] (35 seconds)

So, the Virgin Mary was miraculously moved by the Holy Spirit and gave birth to the Son of God in fulfillment of Messianic prophecy. Isaiah 7 .14. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel. Nothing about Christmas is more important than the virgin birth. If it didn't happen the way scripture says, Christianity cannot offer real truth, real power, real hope, real peace. Real joy or real love. [01:20:56] (50 seconds)

God made sure she gave birth to Jesus at the right place and at the right time. Galatians 4, 4, and 5 says, but when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law to redeem those who were under the law so that we might receive adoptions as sons. Jesus was born in the fullness of time. [01:25:19] (29 seconds)

The King is coming. Are you ready to receive his power? The King is coming. Are you equipped? To receive what he is bringing forth. The King is ready to now be empowered by him. The King is coming. Somebody ask us, well, Pastor, how will we know when we see the King? How will we know that the King is coming? I just knew you'd ask me that question. [01:34:08] (30 seconds)

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