Embracing Hope in the Waiting: The Word Made Flesh

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound theme of waiting, particularly waiting for a word from the Lord. We began by reflecting on the universal experience of waiting, whether it's for something mundane or deeply significant. This waiting can often be filled with anxiety and uncertainty, as illustrated by my personal story of waiting for a job offer. This led us to consider the biblical narrative of waiting, particularly the 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments, a period when God's people were yearning for a word from the Lord.

We then turned to the Gospel of John, where we find the ultimate Word, Jesus Christ. John introduces Jesus as the Logos, the divine Word that was with God and was God. This Word is not just a concept but a person who became flesh and dwelt among us. For the Greeks, Logos represented the rational principle of the universe, while for the Jews, it was God's creative and revelatory power. In Jesus, these concepts converge, offering a Word that is both powerful and personal.

We also discussed the power of words in our lives, how they can shape, hurt, or heal us. In our current culture, words hold immense power, and we have the responsibility to use them wisely. Jesus, as the Word made flesh, embodies the ultimate expression of God's love and truth, offering us a language of mercy and grace.

As we enter the season of Advent, we are reminded that we are still in a period of waiting, not just for Christmas but for the fulfillment of God's promises. This waiting is not passive but filled with hope and trust in the Word that has come and will come again. We are invited to rehearse the story of Jesus, to let it shape our waiting, and to find hope in the promise of resurrection and new life.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Universality of Waiting: Waiting is a common human experience, often filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Whether waiting for a job offer or a word from the Lord, it challenges our patience and trust. In these moments, we are invited to surrender our anxieties to God, trusting in His timing and purpose. [42:36]

2. The Silence Before the Word: The 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments remind us of the profound longing for God's voice. This period teaches us that even in silence, God is at work, preparing the way for His ultimate revelation in Jesus Christ. Our waiting is not in vain, for God is faithful to His promises. [53:11]

3. Jesus as the Logos: In the Gospel of John, Jesus is introduced as the Logos, the divine Word that was with God and was God. This Word is both powerful and personal, offering us a glimpse into the heart of God. Jesus embodies the ultimate expression of God's love and truth, inviting us into a relationship with Him. [54:22]

4. The Power of Words: Words hold immense power in our lives, capable of shaping, hurting, or healing us. As followers of Christ, we are called to use our words wisely, reflecting the grace and truth of Jesus. In a world where words can be used to harm, we are invited to speak life and hope. [55:55]

5. Advent: A Season of Hopeful Waiting: Advent is a time of waiting, not just for Christmas but for the fulfillment of God's promises. This waiting is active, filled with hope and trust in the Word that has come and will come again. We are invited to rehearse the story of Jesus, allowing it to shape our waiting and fill us with hope. [01:08:56]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [42:36] - The Question of Waiting
- [43:54] - Trusting God with Our Waiting
- [44:37] - Introduction to John 1
- [47:04] - Personal Story of Waiting
- [53:11] - The Silence Before the Word
- [54:22] - Jesus as the Logos
- [55:55] - The Power of Words
- [56:37] - Language as a Living Thing
- [57:36] - The Responsibility of Language
- [01:00:47] - The Word Made Flesh
- [01:02:54] - The Word of Blessing
- [01:08:56] - Advent: A Season of Hopeful Waiting
- [01:10:00] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 1:1-3, 14

Observation Questions:
1. What does John 1:1-3 tell us about the nature of the Word? How is the Word described in relation to God? [44:37]
2. How does the sermon describe the period of 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments? What were the people of God waiting for during this time? [53:11]
3. In the sermon, how is the concept of Logos explained differently for Greeks and Jews? [54:22]
4. What personal story did the pastor share about waiting, and how did it relate to the theme of waiting for a word from the Lord? [47:04]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of Jesus as the Logos challenge or deepen our understanding of God's communication with humanity? [54:22]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that waiting can be an active process filled with hope and trust? How does this perspective change the way we view waiting in our own lives? [01:08:56]
3. How does the sermon illustrate the power of words in our lives, and what responsibility do we have as followers of Christ in using our words? [55:55]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of Advent as a season of waiting, and how does it connect to the broader narrative of Jesus' life and mission? [01:08:56]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you were waiting for something significant. How did you handle the anxiety and uncertainty during that period? What might you do differently now, knowing what you learned from the sermon? [47:04]
2. The sermon discusses the power of words. Can you think of a recent situation where your words either hurt or healed someone? How can you be more intentional about using your words to reflect the grace and truth of Jesus? [55:55]
3. As we enter the Advent season, what are some practical ways you can actively wait with hope and trust in God's promises? How can you incorporate the story of Jesus into your daily life during this time? [01:08:56]
4. Consider the idea of Jesus as the Logos, the divine Word. How does this understanding influence your relationship with Him? What steps can you take to deepen this relationship? [54:22]
5. The sermon mentions the 400 years of silence before Jesus' arrival. How do you respond to periods of silence or waiting in your spiritual life? What practices can help you remain faithful and hopeful during these times? [53:11]
6. How can you use the concept of waiting as an opportunity to surrender your anxieties to God and trust in His timing and purpose? What specific anxieties do you need to surrender today? [42:36]
7. Reflect on the unexpected ways God has spoken into your life. How can you remain open to hearing His voice in new and surprising ways? [01:02:54]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the Uncertainty of Waiting
Waiting is a universal experience that often brings anxiety and uncertainty. Whether it's waiting for a job offer, a diagnosis, or a word from the Lord, these moments challenge our patience and trust. In these times, we are invited to surrender our anxieties to God, trusting in His timing and purpose. The act of waiting can be transformative, teaching us to rely on God's faithfulness and to find peace in His presence. As we navigate these periods of uncertainty, we are reminded that God is with us, working behind the scenes for our good. [42:36]

Isaiah 30:18 (ESV): "Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are currently waiting for an answer or resolution? How can you actively surrender this to God today, trusting in His perfect timing?


Day 2: Finding God in the Silence
The 400 years of silence between the Old and New Testaments remind us of the profound longing for God's voice. This period teaches us that even in silence, God is at work, preparing the way for His ultimate revelation in Jesus Christ. Our waiting is not in vain, for God is faithful to His promises. In times of silence, we are encouraged to remain hopeful and attentive, trusting that God is moving in ways we cannot see. This silent preparation is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people and His plan for redemption. [53:11]

Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV): "For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt God's silence in your life. How did you see His faithfulness revealed in hindsight, and how can that experience encourage you in your current season of waiting?


Day 3: Jesus, the Living Word
In the Gospel of John, Jesus is introduced as the Logos, the divine Word that was with God and was God. This Word is both powerful and personal, offering us a glimpse into the heart of God. Jesus embodies the ultimate expression of God's love and truth, inviting us into a relationship with Him. Through Jesus, we encounter a God who is not distant but intimately involved in our lives, offering us hope, healing, and transformation. The Logos is a reminder of God's desire to communicate His love and purpose to us in a tangible way. [54:22]

Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV): "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

Reflection: How does understanding Jesus as the Logos, the living Word, change the way you view your relationship with God? What steps can you take to deepen this relationship today?


Day 4: The Transformative Power of Words
Words hold immense power in our lives, capable of shaping, hurting, or healing us. As followers of Christ, we are called to use our words wisely, reflecting the grace and truth of Jesus. In a world where words can be used to harm, we are invited to speak life and hope. Our words can be a source of encouragement and healing, reflecting the love of Christ to those around us. By choosing our words carefully, we participate in God's redemptive work, bringing light into dark places and offering hope to the weary. [55:55]

Proverbs 18:21 (ESV): "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."

Reflection: Think of a recent conversation where your words could have been more life-giving. How can you intentionally use your words to encourage and uplift someone today?


Day 5: Advent: Active Waiting with Hope
Advent is a time of waiting, not just for Christmas but for the fulfillment of God's promises. This waiting is active, filled with hope and trust in the Word that has come and will come again. We are invited to rehearse the story of Jesus, allowing it to shape our waiting and fill us with hope. As we anticipate the celebration of Christ's birth, we are reminded of the greater hope of His return and the restoration of all things. This season invites us to live with expectant hearts, trusting in the promises of God and the hope of new life. [01:08:56]

Romans 8:24-25 (ESV): "For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."

Reflection: As you enter this Advent season, what is one promise of God that you are holding onto with hope? How can you actively prepare your heart to receive the fulfillment of this promise?

Quotes



"Words can restore and give life. They can also warp and disfigure. Whether we like to admit it, all of us have the ability to use language. And we've all been cruel victims of it, and we've also used our cruel words as perpetrators. I could have opened with one of many, many stories of myself using harsh words to mar someone else. They are sadly not lacking." [00:56:29] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


"The word became flesh and dwelt among us. I love Dale Bruner. I love his commentary. He says this, I think that the way a human being's audible words relate, to his or her inaudible thoughts, words and thoughts, which we very much want to know the thoughts. I've thought that many times with people that I love. What are you thinking?" [01:01:20] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


"Jesus identifies the Logos with Jesus Christ, portraying him as the agent of creation. Through him, all things were made, the source of life and light for all humanity, the ultimate revelation of God to humankind. You want to know who God is? God is the word made flesh, who dwelt among us." [01:02:37] (22 seconds) ( | | )

"Sarah Woodward says God brought the entire world to life by his very words he spoke the gospel of God and he spoke the gospel of God into being what he proclaims is true simply because he said it but the most powerful word God ever delivered to us was also his biggest blessing the word Jesus who became flesh and made his dwelling among us talk about a living language." [01:03:08] (23 seconds) ( | | )

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Nov 30, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?