Hope and Faith in the Silence of Waiting
Summary
As we gather on this Christmas weekend, it's a time to reflect on the profound significance of the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The anticipation of Christmas invites us to remember the hope that the birth of Jesus brings into our lives. After the prophetic messages of Malachi, there was a period of 400 years of silence from God, leaving many in Israel and Judah in a state of waiting and longing for the promised Messiah. This period of silence was a test of faith, as people clung to the prophecies and promises of God, hoping for the fulfillment of His word.
Reflecting on my personal journey, Beth and I experienced a similar period of waiting and uncertainty. We served in a church where leadership was faltering, and it was a challenging time. Despite the difficulties, we held onto the hope that God had a future for us, even when it seemed unclear. Our story is a testament to the power of hope and faith in God's promises, even in the darkest times.
The prophecies of Isaiah and Micah offer profound hope. Isaiah speaks of a child who will be born, a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. These titles reveal the divine nature and eternal reign of the Messiah, promising a kingdom of justice and peace. Micah's prophecy points to Bethlehem, an unexpected place for the birth of a ruler, reminding us that God's deliverance often comes in unexpected ways.
As we navigate our own periods of waiting and uncertainty, we are reminded that God's promises are true and that His timing is perfect. The hope of the Messiah, fulfilled in Jesus, assures us that God is faithful to His word. As we celebrate this season, let us hold onto the hope that Jesus brings, trusting in His promises and looking forward to His return.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Hope in Silence: Just as Israel experienced 400 years of silence before the Messiah's arrival, we too may face periods of waiting. These times test our faith, but they also deepen our reliance on God's promises. In silence, we learn to trust that God is working behind the scenes, preparing us for His perfect timing. [03:24]
2. Serving God Amidst Challenges: Our journey in a challenging church environment taught us that our service is ultimately to God, not to flawed human leaders. Even when circumstances seem hopeless, serving with integrity and faithfulness can lead to personal growth and impact others positively. [14:18]
3. God's Promises Fulfilled in Unexpected Ways: The prophecies of Isaiah and Micah remind us that God's deliverance often comes from unexpected places, like Bethlehem. This teaches us to remain open to God's surprising ways of fulfilling His promises in our lives. [31:24]
4. The Eternal Nature of the Messiah: The Messiah's titles in Isaiah reveal His divine nature and eternal reign. This assures us that Jesus' kingdom is one of justice and peace, offering hope in a world of instability and uncertainty. [38:14]
5. Holding onto Hope in God's Promises: In times of uncertainty, we can find hope in the promises of God. Scriptures like Matthew 11:28 and John 14:27 remind us of the rest and peace Jesus offers, encouraging us to trust in His faithfulness and look forward to His return. [50:44]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:47] - Reflecting on Christmas
[03:24] - The Silence After Malachi
[06:30] - Personal Journey of Waiting
[09:31] - Challenges in Leadership
[12:14] - Serving with Hope
[14:18] - Faithfulness Amidst Trials
[17:45] - Beth's Journey in Counseling
[19:43] - Israel's Dark Times
[21:15] - Prophecies of Hope
[25:15] - Context of Isaiah's Prophecy
[28:04] - Micah's Message to Judah
[31:24] - Unexpected Deliverance
[34:19] - The Promise of a Child
[38:14] - Titles of the Messiah
[41:09] - The Eternal Kingdom
[42:21] - Micah's Prophecy Fulfilled
[46:55] - The Messiah's Eternal Nature
[50:06] - Hope in Waiting
[53:15] - Trusting in Jesus' Return
[54:24] - Invitation to Communion
[56:37] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 9:6-7
- Micah 5:2
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Observation Questions:
1. What were the titles given to the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6, and what do they signify about His nature? [22:43]
2. How does the prophecy in Micah 5:2 describe the origins of the Messiah, and why is Bethlehem significant? [22:43]
3. According to the sermon, what was the state of Israel and Judah during the time of these prophecies? [25:15]
4. How did the pastor describe his personal experience of waiting and uncertainty, and how does it relate to the period of silence after Malachi? [06:30]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What might the titles of the Messiah in Isaiah 9:6-7 suggest about the kind of leadership and kingdom He would establish? [22:43]
2. How does the unexpected choice of Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah reflect God's way of fulfilling His promises? [31:24]
3. In what ways did the pastor's story of serving in a challenging church environment illustrate the power of hope and faith in God's promises? [14:18]
4. How can the period of silence after Malachi be seen as a test of faith for the people of Israel, and what lessons can be drawn from it? [03:24]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a period of waiting or uncertainty. How did you hold onto hope during that time, and what role did your faith play? [06:30]
2. The pastor mentioned serving God amidst challenges. How can you maintain integrity and faithfulness in your service, even when circumstances seem difficult? [14:18]
3. Consider the unexpected ways God might be working in your life. Are there areas where you need to remain open to His surprising plans? [31:24]
4. The sermon highlighted the eternal nature of the Messiah's kingdom. How does this assurance of justice and peace impact your perspective on current world events? [38:14]
5. In times of uncertainty, what specific promises of God do you find most comforting, and how can you remind yourself of these promises regularly? [50:44]
6. How can you apply the lessons from the pastor's personal journey of waiting and hope to your own life, especially in areas where you feel stuck or uncertain? [06:30]
7. Identify one area in your life where you need to trust in God's perfect timing. What steps can you take this week to surrender that area to Him? [50:06]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Trusting God's Timing in Silence
In the 400 years of silence between the prophetic messages of Malachi and the birth of Jesus, the people of Israel experienced a profound test of faith. This period was marked by anticipation and longing for the promised Messiah. During these times of waiting, the faithful clung to the prophecies and promises of God, trusting that He was working behind the scenes. Similarly, in our own lives, we may encounter seasons of silence where God's presence feels distant. These moments challenge us to deepen our reliance on His promises and trust in His perfect timing. [03:24]
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: Think of a time when you felt God was silent. How did you respond, and what can you do today to trust in His timing more fully?
Day 2: Serving with Integrity Amidst Challenges
Serving God can be challenging, especially when faced with difficult circumstances or flawed leadership. In such times, it's crucial to remember that our ultimate service is to God, not to human leaders. By maintaining integrity and faithfulness, we can grow personally and positively impact those around us. This perspective allows us to navigate challenges with hope, knowing that God sees our efforts and will use them for His purposes. [14:18]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: Identify a challenging situation in your service to others. How can you shift your focus to serving God in this context, and what steps can you take to maintain integrity?
Day 3: Embracing God's Unexpected Deliverance
The prophecies of Isaiah and Micah highlight that God's deliverance often comes from unexpected places, such as the humble town of Bethlehem. This teaches us to remain open to God's surprising ways of fulfilling His promises in our lives. By embracing the unexpected, we can witness God's creative and powerful work, which often surpasses our understanding and expectations. [31:24]
1 Corinthians 1:27-28 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are."
Reflection: Consider an area in your life where you are waiting for God's deliverance. How can you remain open to unexpected ways He might fulfill His promises?
Day 4: The Assurance of the Messiah's Eternal Reign
The titles given to the Messiah in Isaiah—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace—reveal His divine nature and eternal reign. These titles assure us that Jesus' kingdom is one of justice and peace, offering hope in a world filled with instability and uncertainty. As believers, we can find comfort in knowing that Jesus' reign is everlasting and that His promises are sure. [38:14]
Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV): "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end."
Reflection: Reflect on the titles of the Messiah. Which title resonates with you the most today, and how can it bring you hope in your current circumstances?
Day 5: Holding onto Hope in God's Promises
In times of uncertainty, we can find hope in the promises of God. Scriptures remind us of the rest and peace Jesus offers, encouraging us to trust in His faithfulness and look forward to His return. By holding onto these promises, we can navigate life's challenges with confidence, knowing that God is faithful and His word is true. [50:44]
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."
Reflection: Identify a specific promise from Scripture that you need to hold onto today. How can you remind yourself of this promise throughout your day, and what practical steps can you take to live in its truth?
Quotes
"You see, we were able to serve there because we had hope. We weren't hopeless, even though from a worldly perspective, it might have looked hopeless. It wasn't hopeless for us." [00:15:18] (16 seconds)
"God had very clearly not led me to leave that church yet, but that didn't mean that I would be staying there forever." [00:15:41] (8 seconds)
"Prophecy is a promise from God. And these prophecies, these prophecies of a savior were God's way of giving hope. It was God's way of giving hope to his people." [00:21:00] (15 seconds)
"And sometimes we wait for what feels like decades. But we wait. We wait because no matter how long you wait, while you wait, you're holding on to the promises of God." [00:33:32] (19 seconds)
Chatbot
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