December 15, 2012

^"This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  Matthew 1:18-21

 

I was visiting my brother in Sacramento a number of years ago.

 

My family and his decided that we would spend an afternoon floating the American River in a raft. We had a blast.

 

Our pleasant afternoon nearly turned tragic, though.

 

Looking up river we saw that our raft was approaching a section of rapids. As the raft began to pick up speed in the first part of the rapids my brother went to the back set of oars and I grabbed the front oars. We began steering the raft through the rocks and the rapids.

 

Suddenly someone yelled, "Where's Mikey?"

 

Mikey, my brother's youngest son had been wanting to use the oars but had been told know. Unbeknownst to me, when I slid backwards to get to the oars Mikey had lunged forward. I never felt it, but he bumped into me and fell overboard into the rapids and under the raft.

 

Again, someone yelled, "I don't see him!"

 

It had to be a moment of divine intervention because immediately and simultaneously my brother and I both shouted, "He's under the ratf!"

 

Without thinking nor remembering how I got there, I instantly found myself over the front of the raft holding onto it and dragging my feet on the rocks below. At the same instant and again, without thinking, my brother slid to the back of the raft. My weight at the front of the raft slowed it enough that the swirling water shot Mikey out toward the back of the raft where my brother, Mike, grabbed him up out of the water.

 

Mikey was saved from a sure death!

 

His disobedience had gotten him into a deadly spot. The force of the current kept him trapped. He was unable to free himself. Unless an outside force came to his rescue he was doomed.

 

Does any of that sound familiar? It should! That's your story! That's my story!

 

That story is the story behind the Christmas story. God sent "JESUS" - "the salvation of God"! That's why the angel was insistent with Mary and Joseph, "You SHALL call his name "JESUS" for He will save His people from their sins."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 14, 2012

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." John 1:14

 

Paul Harvey told the story about a family on Christmas Eve. This family had a tradition where the Mother and children would go to the Christmas Eve service, and the Father would stay home and read the paper. When the family returns home from church, they would all gather to open up their presents.

 

The Father was not an evil man, but he just couldn't believe in the childhood stories anymore of God coming as a baby in a manger. As the family left for church, he opened up the evening paper and began to read by the fireplace.

 

Suddenly, he heard tapping on the window. It was a bird flying against the glass of his window trying to get out of the snow into the warmth of his home. The man had compassion on the bird, and he went outside, hoping to bring it in.

 

As he approached the bird, the bird just flew against the window even harder. Pretty soon, the bird flew into the bushes below the window, half frozen, yet too afraid to be caught by this huge man. The more the man tried to reach for the bird, the more the bird flew frantically into the snow and thorns of the bushes.

 

After a few minutes in the cold and seeing the bird continue to injure its self, the man yelled out in frustration, "Stupid bird, can't you understand that I'm trying to help?" The man paused and thought, "If only you understood you wouldn't fly away ... if only ... if only I could become a bird maybe I could get you to understand."

 

Just then, the church bells rang, as they always have on the hour. But when the man heard the bells this time, he fell to his knees and began to cry, saying, "Oh, God, I didn't understand. Oh, God, I didn't understand."

 

God's Son came in human form that we might understand from where we have come, for what reason we were separated and how we could be restored to God.

 

 

December 13, 2012

"But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21

It was in December of 1903, that after many attempts, the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, were successful in getting their "flying machine" off the ground and into the air at Kitty Hawk. Thrilled over the accomplishment, they telegraphed this message to their sister Katherine: "We have actually flown 120 feet. Will be home for Christmas." Katherine hurried to the editor of the local newspaper and showed him the message. He glanced at it and said, "How nice. The boys will be home for Christmas." He totally missed the big news ----- for the first time in human history, man had flown!

 

I love that story! Here is a small town newspaper with the chance to break a story of a historic accomplishment that forever change history, and he total missed the point! I wonder how that worked out for him?

 

Granted the flight was only the distance from home plate to second base, but it had never been done before and it was CERTAINLY newsworthy! Someone somewhere got the story but this poor guy missed the chance of a lifetime!

 

When I think of this editor I think of so many people, who like him, miss the whole point of Christmas. The point of Christmas is CHRIST!

 

It isn't Xmas!

 

It isn't just a "holiday"!

 

It is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Who came to "save His people from their sins". There is not only significance in the Person Who was born in that manger in the stable behind the inn, but there is tremendous importance in His Name, "Jesus"!

 

The name "Jesus" that the angel announced originated from the Hebrew "Yeshua" and it means "to deliver" or "to rescue" or "to save". In the Old Testament this name was rendered "Joshua". Joshua, who had the huge responsibility of following Moses in leading God's people over the Jordan and into Canaan - the Land of Promise.

 

Likewise, the Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born to a virgin was given the powerful and prophetic name of "Jesus" because as the angel proclaimed, "He would save His people from their sins." He would, indeed, "rescue", "deliver" or "save" His people from their sins.

 

And did He ever "save" His people and "rescued" them from sin and "delivered" them from death!

 

That is why there is power in the Name of Jesus! That is why we call it "CHRISTmas" - because Jesus was born to become the Messiah that would "save His people from their sin".

What's in a name? When it is the name of Jesus - EVERYTHING!
 

Praise the NAME of Jesus!
 

Merry CHRISTmas!

 

 

 

 

 

 

December 12, 2012

"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly." Romans 5:6

The Apostle Paul writes after the fact that all the events of Christmas happened at precisely the right time and in exactly the right way!

I believe that is true. You probably do too!

But, for Mary and Joseph, not so much! Christmas was an inconvenience for them!

 

Think about it!

 

What a terrible time to get pregnant! Mary was engaged to a wonderful man and was making plans for the dream wedding. But then the angel shows up with another plan. Mary would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear a son. As far as she was concerned, it couldn't have happened at a worse time!

 

What a terrible time for the Caesar to declare a tax! Just when Mary and Joseph were trying to scrape up enough money to begin their new life together, now they have to cough up a bunch of it to Rome! From their perspective it couldn't have happened at a worse time!

 

What a terrible time to have to take a trip! Mary was nine months pregnant! And what a terrible trip to have to take, across the hilly, rocky roads of Galilee - ON A DONKEY!

 

What a terrible place to have to go! Bethlehem? Such a tiny little place with only one hotel! And what a terrible time for that one hotel to be all booked!

 

And, what a terrible time for the king to get paranoid! Mary has just given birth to a baby - in a manger inside a stable no less - and not they have to hit the road for another trip! This time they must head down to Egypt to escape the edict of the king to kill all newborn boys. What a hassle!

 

Just when everything seemed to be going wrong, God brought the miracle of salvation! When everything was uncomfortable and inconvenient for Mary and Joseph it was perfect timing for God!

 

That is another of the amazing truths of Christmas! God's timing is always perfect even if it doesn't fit your schedule! When everything seems to be going wrong, God can still work a miracle! IF you are obedient to Him in spite of the inconveniences.

 

This Christmas season, trust God's timing! Trust His sovereign goodness! Even if it looks like the worst time for something to happen, remember that when everything seemed to be going wrong God brought a miracle!

 

Obedience is a willingness to be out of control - and under His control!

December 11, 2012

"But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord." Luke 1:13-15

"You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1:31-33

 

In our pluralistic and politically correct culture, you will often hear this phrase tossed out by well-meaning people under the pretense of open-mindedness, "We all worship the same God, it doesn't matter whether we call Him "God" or "Allah" or "Buddha" or whatever."

 

Uh, sorry! It matters! It matters a lot!

 

First, there is the little matter of the First Commandment - actually, the first four, were very clear and specific that there is only One God and it is "Jehovah" the God of the Hebrews. The Old Testament lists a series of names that describe character of "Jehovah", but it only enhances and strengthens the uniqueness of our God.

 

While this is a less weighty argument, it is nevertheless significant that Gabriel, the archangel who stands in the presence of Jehovah God, was very specific about what Zachariah and Mary were to name their sons. The same God Who was blessing them with miracle babies also had a definite idea of what He wanted them to be named!

 

In the ancient Hebrew culture a name had great importance. Names were given according to some unique feature of a child's physical nature or regarding their character. A name had an almost prophetic quality. Parents named their child in a way that would inspire and help shape his future character and values. Unlike today when a name is often chose from a favorite celebrity, Hebrews were very intentional about the name they gave their child understanding it had eternal implications.

 

No wonder Gabriel stressed to Zachariah that this miracle son that God was going to give them MUST be named "John"! Why?

 

Because God said so! But also because "John" means "God is gracious". Who better to preach repentance in preparation for the coming of the Messiah than a son named "John - God is gracious"? After all, the Scriptures tell us that it is the "kindness of God that leads us to repentance" (Romans 2:4). Repentance would be futile had without God's gracious plan to send His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. So, who better to declare the message of turning from sin and clinging to grace than one named "John - God is gracious"?

 

Now, be sure, if you miss the grace of God and if you become confused by this politically correct myth about all gods being equal, then you will only know the wrath and justice of God.

 

Gabriel also was clear to Mary that her miracle child would be a son and she was to name Him "Jesus". Very specific!

 

The name "Jesus" comes from the Hebrew name "Yeshua" which is used 27 times in the Old Testment and has a rich and extensive documentation. It means "God saves" or "salvation". Since Jesus was the Son of God ("Yeshua" came from "Jehovah") should we not worship that God? And does that not clearly separate that God (our God) above all other gods? Names matter!

 

The good news of Christmas is about a "gracious God" Who sent His Son to bring "salvation"! That message was made clear when God sent "John" to prepare the way for "Jesus"!

 

What's in a name? Eternal salvation and personal access to fellowship with the God of the Universe, that's all.

December 10, 2012

The story of Zacchaeus shows God's serious love expressed at Christmas. He Jesus to seek those who are lost. This story shows how Jesus comes seeking.

 

Jesus knew what Zacchaeus was hoping, and He knew where he was hiding and He knew where he was hurting. Jesus also knows when to help, afterall, that is exactly what He came to do.

 

"But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham."  Luke 19: 8-9

USUALLY WE ARE READY TO LET GOD HELP WHEN:

TIRED OF HOPING

TIRED OF HURTING

 

TIRED OF HIDING

 

That’s about where Zacchaeus was when Jesus found him – he was ready to receive from the Lord and He shows how you can find help from Him:

 

V. 6 – He Responded to His Call - “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.”

 

V. 8 – He Repented to Him - “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor”

V. 8 – He Made Restitution – “and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

V. 9 – He Received Salvation - “Today salvation has come to this house”

 

Who wouldn’t want to be “found” by a God Who Knows your hopes and has better hopes for you?

 

READY TO RESPOND TO HIS CALL?

 

Who wouldn’t want to be “found” by a God Who knows what your hiding but loves you and seeks you anyway?

READY TO REPENT?

 

Who wouldn’t want to be “found” by a God Who knows your hurts and how to heal them?

 

READY TO MAKE IT RIGHT?

 

Who wouldn’t want to find a God Who knows how to help you out of your sin and your guilt and your fear?

 

READY TO RECEIVE? All the people saw this and began to mutter, “Today salvation has come to this house”

 

Jesus came seeking. Will you be found?

 

 

 

December 9, 2012

God sent the Seeking Savior to earth at Christmas!

When Jesus comes seeking He:

Knows what you hope and He knows where you hide AND He knows where you hurt:

^"A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy", V. 2

Verse 2 gives two reasons why Zacchaeus was hurting:

 

1) He was a chief tax collector = traitor or sell out – which meant he was despised and an outcast.

 

The Romans knew better than to try to collect taxes from the Jews, so they recruited Jews to do the collecting for them among their own people. So it is easy to understand why a tax-collector was hated. Zacchaeus was and he knew it!

 

2) He was wealthy = he was a legal thief – that brought shame and loneliness

A Jew who agreed to collect taxes from his own people for the Romans was required to collect a certain percentage fo them but above that amount he could charge whatever he wanted above that amount. It was a lucrative business! In fact, it was sanctioned stealing!

Verse 7 shows an insight into how he was regarded by his neighbors – “sinner”

 

"All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”

 

The fact is, he WAS a sinner. He was a greedy thief and everyone knew it.

No one wants to hurt. No one likes to hurt and while much of his pain was self-inflicted it was hard to live with.

 

I would imagine all of us were hurting when Jesus came seeking for us. And like Zacchaeus, most of our pain was self-inflicted but it was real and we needed some relief.

It is good to know that Jesus knows where each of us hurt when He comes to us. That is why He gave out the invitation:

 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

 

Deep down pain - the pain in your heart and mind and spirit - doesn't just go away. It doesn't get better on its own. In fact, it normally gets worse for several reasons. One, we tend to nurse it and rehearse it which causes it to hurt more. Second, pain often prompts us to push Jesus away thus preventing Him from bringing the healing that only He can bring.

When Jesus came seeking for Zacchaeeus, He met Zach at the point of his pain.

Jesus is waiting - seeking - to meet you at the point of your pain.

Will you meet Jesus there this morning?