Joyful Transformation Through the Presence of Jesus

Devotional

Day 1: Joy as a Response to Jesus' Presence

The presence of Jesus brings a profound joy that transcends circumstances, as illustrated by the unborn John the Baptist leaping in his mother Elizabeth's womb upon Mary's greeting. This joy is a natural response to encountering Jesus, reminding us of the awe and excitement of His presence in our lives. It is a joy that is not dependent on external situations but is deeply rooted in the assurance of His love and grace. This joy is a reflection of the divine, a glimpse into the heart of God who delights in His creation and desires for us to experience the fullness of life in Him. [27:04]

Luke 1:44-45 (ESV): "For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."

Reflection: Think of a moment when you felt the joy of Jesus' presence. How can you cultivate that joy in your daily life, regardless of your circumstances?

Day 2: Embracing Jesus' Joyful Image

Jesus is often portrayed as solemn, but His life was filled with joy and celebration. Understanding Jesus as a joyful figure can transform our perception of Him and inspire us to live joyfully. His ministry was marked by moments of laughter, feasting, and genuine connection with others. This joyful image of Jesus challenges us to reconsider how we view our own lives and faith journeys. It invites us to embrace a life of joy, not as a fleeting emotion but as a deep-seated state of being that reflects the heart of God. [28:50]

John 15:11 (ESV): "These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full."

Reflection: How does viewing Jesus as a joyful figure change your understanding of Him? What steps can you take to reflect His joy in your interactions with others today?

Day 3: Mary's Magnificat as a Prophetic Call

Mary's Magnificat is not just a lullaby but a prophetic call to action, celebrating God's new work through Jesus and inspiring us to engage in the Messianic ministry of mercy and justice. This song of praise and prophecy highlights the transformative power of God's love and the call to participate in His redemptive work. It challenges us to extend mercy, perform mighty deeds, and lift up the humble, following the example set by Mary and other faithful servants of God. [36:27]

Luke 1:52-53 (ESV): "He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty."

Reflection: In what ways can you engage in acts of mercy and justice in your community? How can Mary's Magnificat inspire you to take action today?

Day 4: Joy as a Fundamental Aspect of God's Character

Joy is a fundamental aspect of God's character, and through Jesus, our joy is made complete. This joy is internal and not dependent on external circumstances, offering us a deep well of strength and hope. It is a joy that sustains us through trials and challenges, reminding us of the eternal promises of God. As we embrace this joy, we are empowered to live lives that reflect His love and grace, becoming beacons of hope in a world that often lacks joy. [32:41]

Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV): "Then he said to them, 'Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'"

Reflection: How can you tap into the joy of the Lord as your strength today? What practices can help you cultivate an internal joy that is not swayed by external circumstances?

Day 5: Living the Messianic Ministry

We are called to continue Jesus' ministry by extending mercy, performing mighty deeds, and lifting up the humble, following the example of figures like St. Nicholas who lived out these principles. This call to action is a reminder of our responsibility to be active participants in God's redemptive work in the world. By living out the joy and mission of Jesus, we become agents of transformation, bringing hope and healing to those around us. [44:12]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: What is one specific way you can extend mercy or perform a mighty deed in your community this week? How can you follow the example of St. Nicholas in your daily life?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we focused on the profound joy and transformative power that the presence of Jesus brings into our lives. We began by lifting up our prayers for those in need, acknowledging that God knows the deepest needs of each individual and asking Him to meet them at their point of need. We also prayed for our leaders, both spiritual and civil, seeking wisdom and guidance for them. As we moved into the heart of our worship, we reflected on the joy that Jesus' presence brings, as illustrated by the unborn John the Baptist leaping in his mother Elizabeth's womb upon Mary's greeting. This joy is a reminder of the awe and excitement that should fill our hearts when we encounter Jesus.

We explored how Jesus is often portrayed in media as solemn and serious, yet the reality of His life and ministry was filled with joy, laughter, and celebration. Jesus' presence was a source of joy and transformation, not only for those He healed and taught but also for us today. We are reminded that joy is a fundamental aspect of God's character, and through Jesus, our joy is made complete. This joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is a deep, abiding presence within us.

The sermon also highlighted the significance of Mary's Magnificat, a song of praise and prophecy that celebrates the new work God is doing through Jesus. This song is a call to action, inspiring us to engage in the Messianic ministry of extending mercy, performing mighty deeds, and lifting up the humble. We are called to continue this ministry, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to bring about transformation in our world.

As we concluded, we were reminded of the example of St. Nicholas, who lived out the principles of the Magnificat by using his resources to help the poor and oppressed. This serves as a powerful reminder of our call to action, to live out the joy and mission of Jesus in our own lives.

Key Takeaways

1. Joy in Jesus' Presence: The presence of Jesus brings profound joy, as seen in the unborn John the Baptist leaping for joy. This joy should be a natural response to encountering Jesus, reminding us of the awe and excitement of His presence in our lives. [27:04]
2. Redefining Jesus' Image: Jesus is often portrayed as solemn, but His life was filled with joy and celebration. Understanding Jesus as a joyful figure can transform our perception of Him and inspire us to live joyfully. [28:50]
3. Mary's Magnificat as a Call to Action: Mary's song is not just a lullaby but a prophetic call to action, celebrating God's new work through Jesus and inspiring us to engage in the Messianic ministry of mercy and justice. [36:27]
4. Joy as God's Character: Joy is a fundamental aspect of God's character, and through Jesus, our joy is made complete. This joy is internal and not dependent on external circumstances, offering us a deep well of strength and hope. [32:41]
5. Living the Messianic Ministry: We are called to continue Jesus' ministry by extending mercy, performing mighty deeds, and lifting up the humble, following the example of figures like St. Nicholas who lived out these principles. [44:12]
** [44:12]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[06:22] - Prayers for the Community
[07:52] - Prayers for Leaders
[14:54] - Opening Prayer
[23:41] - Joy in Jesus' Presence
[27:04] - The Unborn John Leaps for Joy
[28:50] - Redefining Jesus' Image
[30:16] - Jesus' Joyful Ministry
[31:52] - Joy as God's Character
[32:41] - Joy vs. Happiness
[33:18] - The Holy Spirit's Filling
[33:57] - Mary's Magnificat
[34:53] - The Origin of Lullabies
[36:27] - Magnificat as a Call to Action
[37:41] - The Power of Lullabies
[38:56] - The Mission of Jesus
[39:52] - The Messianic Ministry
[41:14] - Jesus' First Sermon
[42:42] - The Example of St. Nicholas
[44:12] - Living the Messianic Ministry
[45:59] - Embracing the Incarnation
[46:51] - Call to Action
[47:39] - Ministry Time
[58:18] - Declaration of Faith
[61:32] - Communion
[63:44] - Closing Blessing
[72:42] - Sending Out

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the reaction of the unborn John the Baptist when Mary greeted Elizabeth, and what does this signify? [27:04]
How is Jesus often portrayed in media, and how does this differ from the sermon’s depiction of His life and ministry? [28:50]
What are some of the key themes found in Mary's Magnificat, and how do they relate to the Messianic ministry? [36:27]
How did St. Nicholas exemplify the principles of the Magnificat in his life? [44:12]

Interpretation Questions

How does the joy experienced by John the Baptist in the womb reflect the joy that Jesus' presence should bring into our lives today? [27:04]
In what ways does redefining Jesus' image as a joyful figure impact our understanding of His ministry and our relationship with Him? [28:50]
How does Mary's Magnificat serve as a call to action for believers, and what specific actions does it inspire? [36:27]
What does the example of St. Nicholas teach us about living out the joy and mission of Jesus in practical ways? [44:12]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt profound joy in Jesus' presence. How can you cultivate that joy in your daily life? [27:04]
How can you challenge the solemn image of Jesus in your own life and embrace a more joyful understanding of His character? [28:50]
What specific actions can you take to engage in the Messianic ministry of mercy and justice as inspired by Mary's Magnificat? [36:27]
Identify a way you can use your resources to help the poor and oppressed, following the example of St. Nicholas. [44:12]
How can you ensure that your joy in Jesus is not dependent on external circumstances but is a deep, abiding presence within you? [32:41]
Consider the people in your life who may not know Jesus. How can you share the joy of His presence with them this week? [07:52]
What steps can you take to live out the principles of the Magnificat in your community, bringing about transformation and hope? [39:52]

Sermon Clips

"We are redeemed. Blessed is the kingdom of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and always. Amen. Please join me. Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts. By the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you and worthily magnify your holy name through Christ our Lord. Amen." [00:14:14] (38 seconds)

"When Mary greeted her kinswoman, the yet unborn John the Baptist, in his first prophetic act, leaped in his mother's womb. And the reason for that is, for his leaping is revealed to his mother, Mary. She is filled with the Holy Spirit, and through the accompanying presence and interpretive power of the Holy Spirit, she discerns that Mary is not only pregnant, but she has been chosen to be, quote, if you look in verse 43 of our text, the mother of my Lord. The Messiah is standing, or is in the womb, in front of Elizabeth, and as she is filled with the Holy Spirit, her unborn child, cousin John, leaps for joy in her womb." [00:26:13] (51 seconds)

"Redemption is finally at hand. And it's no wonder that the yet-to-be-born John the Baptist leaps for joy. But to be honest, I'm not sure our response, when Jesus shows up, our response to his presence is always joyful. We're not so excited because we've lost a sense of awe and a sense of identity about who Jesus really is. And perhaps we need to look at this and redefine our understanding of God." [00:27:32] (35 seconds)

"From today's gospel text, we learn that the first reaction to Jesus' presence on earth, of God in our midst, of Emmanuel, God with us, was joy. Joy so tremendous. Joy so utterly overwhelming. Joy so overwhelming, that it must somehow escape the bounds of earth and leap toward the heavens. In John Ortberg's book, The Life You've Always Wanted, he writes these words, and it's one of my favorite passages from that book. We will not understand God until we understand that God is the happiest being in the universe." [00:31:33] (43 seconds)

"Joy, hear me, joy is God's basic character. God is the happiest being in the universe. And he sent his son so that our joy might be fulfilled. Joy is different than happiness. Joy is a well that springs up from our belly. Joy is something that is internal. Joy ignores the external circumstances. Baby John leaped for joy. The presence of Jesus. But we all should be leaping for joy. Because he has come to turn the tables in our favor." [00:32:41] (45 seconds)

"Mary's lullaby was a classic Hebrew song of deliverance. There were five of those written in Old Testament times, sung by women who were thanking God for his compassion, for his intervision, and for his deliverance. His chosen people. Mary's Magnificat echoes the Song of the Sea in Exodus, sung by Miriam as God parted the sea and destroyed the Egyptian army. The Song of Deborah in Judges. The Song of Judith in the Apocrypha. And the Song of Hannah in 1 Samuel." [00:36:27] (44 seconds)

"Mary's hymn sang sweetly about the great gift that she had received from God. And the gift to all of humanity. Jesus in the flesh. But Mary's hymn also sang fiercely about the actions and changes that the Messiah would bring to the world. Because God has started something new. Mary's lullaby is sung to offer more than comfort. It was to inspire action. Mary's lullaby sung to Jesus was not designed to put him to sleep. It was designed to wake him up." [00:38:02] (37 seconds)

"The Magnificat woke the baby Jesus to his mission and message. Just as the sound of Mary's voice had awakened baby John to his mission of proclamation and preparation. The Messiah has come. Things will change. God is present. He is present and working great things in the world according to God's covenant and according to his historical promises. There's good reason to jump for joy at the incarnation of Christ." [00:38:59] (32 seconds)

"Saint Nicholas lived in the third century in what is now called Asia Minor, or the Middle East. He rose in the ranks of the church. He even attended that first council of the church in Nicaea in 325. But instead of accepting his high role and rank in the new church hierarchy, Nicholas chose a different path. Having inherited significant wealth, Nicholas didn't just refuse it, chuck it, or give it all away in one lump sum. Instead, Nicholas spent his life and his inheritance on saving others, especially the very people named in Mary's Magnificat, the poor, the hungry, the powerless." [00:43:00] (46 seconds)

"Nicholas purchased pardons for those condemned to death because their primary crime was being poor, being in debt, and being desperate. During a time of famine, Nicholas bought grain and distributed it for free to those who were destitute and desperate. St. Nicholas lived out the lullaby sung by Mary to Jesus in utero. St. Nicholas took words of comfort and joy and transformed them into a witness of challenge and love. And it's what every one of us are called to do. It's what the Christmas story reminds us to do." [00:44:03] (42 seconds)

"We see these prophetic words play out in the lives of John and Jesus. We see that same Messianic ministry since that time. Throughout history, we are called to engage in that Messianic ministry. We've been commissioned to extend mercy, to perform mighty deeds, to lift up the humble, to feed the hungry. Guys, this morning, in this Christmas season, on Advent 4, we should be leaping for joy because the Messiah has come to turn the tables in our favor." [00:44:55] (37 seconds)

"And he's come to show us what the Messianic ministry is all about and then to hand that off to us. And we should be leaping for joy. God has embraced us and empowered us to do the same works that Jesus did in greater words because he went to the Father and he sent us his Holy Spirit. My soul does magnify the Lord. Is that how you feel this morning? Is your soul well up inside of you when you think about this amazing feat, the Incarnation, and all that it entails?" [00:45:33] (39 seconds)

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