HOW DID WE DO?

HOW DID WE DO?

This is the last Sunday of 2020. Many of us may say “Yaaaa! Glad this is over!” It has been a tough year for all of us. And nobody saw it coming. There may have been hints and some prophets saw this year as a time of preparation for future fruitfulness, but nobody saw this coming. I didn’t. 

I went back to the sermon I preached the first Sunday in 2020. It was on January 5; you can go back and read it on our sermon blog or listen to it on our website. This was my text for that morning. 

Psalm 103:1–5 (NKJV) Bless the Lord, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth (life) with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

My emphasis for 2020 was on satisfaction and renewal. Let me go over my definitions. 

Satisfaction

Satisfaction is the contentment that comes when all our needs met. It comes not from possessions and riches. I have seen many who are rich but not satisfied. 

As Christians we live in a tension between two diametrically opposed ideas. The first is a holy discontent with what is not right in our lives. Acting against that is this inward peace that comes from godly contentment, knowing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness. 

Renewal

Renewal is a freshness in our soul. It carries the idea of restoration and repair, of making things the way they should be again. 

This was my concluding text. 

Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Now I’m not a prophet or the son of a prophet, but that last verse was pertinent to where we have been. We have learned to depend on the Lord for everything in our lives. We have gotten weary, but God has proven Himself faithful. And He will continue to prove Himself faithful in the years to come. 

Let’s look at some earlier verses in Isaiah 40 and see three things Isaiah promises us.

1. God never tires of helping us.

Isaiah 40:28 (NKJV) Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable.

Psalm 103:13-14 (NKJV) As a father pities his children, So the Lord pities those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.

Hebrews 4:14–16 (NKJV) Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Psalms‬ ‭121:3-4‬ ‭(NKJV)‬‬ He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Shall neither slumber nor sleep.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

2. God always strengthens us. 

Isaiah 40:29 (NKJV) 29 He gives power to the weak and to those who have no might He increases strength.

2 Corinthians‬ ‭12:9-10‬ ‭(NKJV)‬‬ And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 10 Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

3. God always renews us. 

Isaiah 40:30-31 (NKJV) Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, 31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.

Psalm 34:10 (NKJV) The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing.

What should you do in response? What are some personal steps of action you can take?

1. How have you fared this year?

2. Where are you struggling?

3. What can you do?

4. What can God do?

Having these promises, how do we go into this next year? I believe this trial is not going away soon. Jeremiah reminded Israel that the outlook for a quick return to Jerusalem is not likely. Here are the instructions he gave to Israel. 

Jeremiah 29:5–7 (NKJV) Build houses and dwell in them; plant gardens and eat their fruit. 6 Take wives and beget sons and daughters; and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, so that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there, and not diminished. 7 And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace, you will have peace.

1. Provide for yourself. 

2. Provide for your family

3. Provide for your city. 

MINISTRY TIME

ADVENT SCRIPTURES: LOVE

 ADVENT SCRIPTURES FOR 2020

Week Four: Love

 

John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

 

Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV) The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love. Therefore, with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

 

Romans 8:35, 38-39 (NKJV) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

Romans 5:5 (NKJV) Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

 

Romans 5:8 (NKJV) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

 

Titus 3:4 (NKJV) But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,

 

1 John 4:8 (NKJV) He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

 

1 John 4:9 (NKJV) In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.

 

1 John 4:19 (NKJV) We love Him because He first loved us.

 

Matthew 22:37–38 (NKJV) Jesus said to him,  “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.”

 

Matthew 22:39–40 (NKJV) And the second is like it:  “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

 

1 John 4:11 (NKJV) Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

 

1 John 4:21 (NKJV) And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

 

Colossians 3:19 (NKJV) Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. 

 

Matthew 5:43–44 (NKJV) You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

 

1 John 4:10 (NKJV) In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

 

1 John 3:1 (NKJV) Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!

IF WE EVER NEEDED LOVE

 IF WE EVER NEEDED LOVE, IT’S NOW

 

This is the last Sunday of Advent: the Love Sunday. This is what Christmas is all about.

 

How do we describe the love of God? It has been written about and sung about for centuries.

 

Perhaps there are some listening today who have never heard about the love of God. It is good for all of us to be reminded about the true message of Christmas, God’s incomparable love. 

 

Let’s hear God Himself tell us about this love by reading about it from His Word. 

 

TEXT John 3:16 (NKJV) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

 

It is an everlasting love. 

 

Jeremiah 31:3 (NKJV) The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying:“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;

Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

 

It is an inseparable love. 

 

Romans 8:35, 38-39 (NKJV) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

It is an abundant love.  

 

Romans 5:5 (NKJV) Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

 

It is a proven love. 

 

Romans 5:8 (NKJV) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

 

It is a directed love. 

 

Titus 3:4 (NKJV) But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,

 

It is a personal love. 

 

1 John 4:8 (NKJV) He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

 

It is a visible love. 

 

1 John 4:9 (NKJV) In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.

 

It is an initiated love. 

 

1 John 4:19 (NKJV) We love Him because He first loved us.

 

All of our attempts to define the love of God fall miserably short.

 

The Love of God

(As performed by Mercy Me)

 

The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell
It goes beyond the highest star
And reaches to the lowest hell

The guilty pair, bowed down with care, God gave His Son to win
His erring child He reconciled
And pardoned from his sin

 

Could we with ink the ocean fill
And were the skies of parchment made, Were every stalk on earth a quill And every man a scribe by trade

 

To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry 
Nor could the scroll contain the whole Though stretched from sky to sky

 

Hallelujah 
Hallelujah
Hallelujah

 

O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints' and angels' song

 

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Robby Shaffer / Jim Bryson / Mike Scheuchzer / Nathan Cochran / Bart Millard / Pete Kipley; The Love of God lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

 

What is our response to this love?

 

Love your Lord.

 

Matthew 22:37–38 (NKJV) Jesus said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment.

 

Love your neighbor.

 

Matthew 22:39–40 (NKJV) And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

 

Love one another. 

 

1 John 4:11 (NKJV) Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

 

Love your brother.

 

1 John 4:21 (NKJV) And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

 

Love your wife.

 

Colossians 3:19 (NKJV) Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them. 

 

Love your enemy.

 

Matthew 5:43–44 (NKJV) You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

 

MINISTRY TIME

 

1 John 4:10 (NKJV) In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

 

1 John 3:1 (NKJV) Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!

 

 

ADVENT SCRIPTURES: JOY

 ADVENT SCRIPTURES FOR 2020

Week Three: Joy

Matthew 1:20–21 (NKJV) Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

 

Matthew 2:9–10 (NKJV) When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

 

Luke 2:8–11 (NKJV) Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

 

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

 

Isaiah 53:4–6 (NKJV) Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted.

5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

 

Romans 6:14 (NKJV) For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

 

Romans 8:2 (NKJV) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

 

Revelation 21:3–5 (NKJV) And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

 

Revelation 22:1–3 (NKJV) And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.

 

Philippians 2:9–11 (NKJV) Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the namewhich is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

Romans 10:13 (NKJV) For  “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

 

Isaiah 61:1–3 (NKJV) The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,

To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 

3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness,

The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

 

Psalm 30:5 (NKJV) For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

 

Psalm 126:5–6 (NKJV) Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing,

Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, Bringing his sheaves with him.

 

Isaiah 35:10 (NKJV) And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

IF WE EVER NEEDED JOY

 IF WE EVER NEEDED JOY, IT’S NOW

What do you think is the favorite Christmas song in this country? Let’s take a survey. If you are watching the live stream, go to the chat and type in your answer. You can do the same thing here in the sanctuary. 

While we wait let me give you some other survey results. There is a difference if we consider all Christmas songs or just carols. 

Top 10 Christmas Songs on Spotify in the United States:

1. "All I Want for Christmas is You" by Mariah Carey

2. "Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree" by Brenda Lee

3. "It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" by Andy Williams

4. "Last Christmas" by Wham

5. "Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms

6. "It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas" by Michael Bublé

7. "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby

8. "The Christmas Song" by Nat King Cole

9. "Holly Jolly Christmas" by Burl Ives

10. "Let it Snow! Let is Snow! Let it Snow" by Frank Sinatra

The list of carols is different with “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night” leading the way. Another article states that “Silent Night” is the most popular carol of all time. 

“Joy to the World” cracks the top 10 in some surveys. We sang it this morning. Joy is associated with Christmas because it plays an important part in the story of the birth of Jesus. 

First to the shepherds…

Luke 2:8–11 (NKJV) Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Then to the wise men…

Matthew 2:9–10 (NKJV) When they heard the king, they departed; and behold, the star which they had seen in the East went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

So, on this third Sunday of Advent, the Joy Sunday, let’s talk about the part joy plays in our life. If we ever needed joy, it’s now! PRAYER

The angels said: “I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Joy was coming because a Savior was coming. That Savior’s name is Jesus. In fact, His very name means Savior. 

Matthew 1:20–21 (NKJV) Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” The angels said this is good news. Jesus has come to save us from our sin. 

1. From the penalty of sin.

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

These words echo the prophecy of Jesus’s sacrifice. 

Isaiah 53:4–6 (NKJV) Surely He has borne our griefs

And carried our sorrows;

Yet we esteemed Him stricken,

Smitten by God, and afflicted.

5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

2. From the power of sin.

Romans 6:14 (NKJV) For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.

Romans 8:2 (NKJV) For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

3. From the presence of sin. 

Revelation 21:3–5 (NKJV) And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”

Revelation 22:1–3 (NKJV) And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him.

Jesus, what a wonderful Name. Can you say it with me? Jesus. The Name spoken to Mary by the angel. The Name revealed to Joseph in a dream. The Name that is greater than every Name!

Philippians 2:9–11 (NKJV) Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Whatever you need today is available to you in the name of Jesus. All you have to do is call upon Him. 

Romans 10:13 (NKJV) For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Listen to what Jesus came to do!

Isaiah 61:1–3 (NKJV) The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, Because the Lord has anointed Me To preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,

To proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 

3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness,

The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

MINISTRY TIME The wise men were filled with joy because they found what they were looking for. 

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

What do you need today? Joy is yours today. However you define it, it can be yours. 

Psalm 16:11 (NKJV) You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 30:5 (NKJV) For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for life; Weeping may endure for a night, But joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 126:5–6 (NKJV) Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, Bearing seed for sowing,

Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,

Bringing his sheaves with him.

Isaiah 35:10 (NKJV) And the ransomed of the Lord shall return, And come to Zion with singing, With everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, And sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

1 Peter 1:8 (NKJV) whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

ADVENT SCRIPTURES: PEACE

ADVENT SCRIPTURES FOR 2020

Week Two: Peace

Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. 

Mark 4:35–41 (NKJV) On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

Luke 2:13–14 (NKJV) And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” 

John 14:1 (NKJV) Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 

John 14:27 (NKJV) Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

John 20:19–22 (NKJV) Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

John 20:26 (NKJV) And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!”

Philippians 4:6–7 (NKJV) Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Colossians 3:15 (NKJV) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body and be thankful. 

IF WE EVER NEEDED PEACE

 IF WE EVER NEEDED PEACE, IT’S NOW

A group of friends is gathered around a holiday table enjoying each other’s company and discussing plans for the future. The host of the dinner party reminds them that he will be leaving soon. The whole mood in the room changes. Uncertainty and fear move in a like a dark cloud. The host hopes to reassure his friends. He says, “Let not your heart be troubled.” John 14:1 (NKJV)

Of course, I am referring to Jesus’s words to His disciples in the upper room before His betrayal and crucifixion. Just a few minutes later He would tell them, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27 (NKJV)

Years before, a group of shepherds outside of Bethlehem were audience to a heavenly choir proclaiming, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14 (NKJV)

So, on this second Sunday of Advent, we celebrate “peace,” peace on earth, peace toward men, and peace for us. If we ever needed peace, it’s today. We have fears within and fears without, an uncertain future and a tumultuous present. We see a nation divided, political turmoil, racial unrest, economic insecurity, and a relentless plague.  

Right in the middle of it all, Jesus shows up, proclaiming peace. Taking His rightful place as Isaiah’s “Prince of Peace,” He is not content to just speak peace, He makes peace in threatening situations. 

Surely the disciples remembered this event. 

Mark 4:35–41 (NKJV): On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!”

Let’s look at some principles in this story that can help us. I don’t know what your storm is, but three things I know from this story. 

1. Jesus is with you in your storm.

2. Jesus is resting in your storm. 

3. Jesus will calm your storm.

After Jesus was crucified, the disciples were in a different kind of storm. In hiding for fear of being arrested as accomplices or terrorists, they contemplated their future. Jesus appears in the middle of their trouble. 

John 20:19–22 (NKJV): Then, the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20 When He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord.

21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

Later, Jesus appears to them again. This time, Thomas is there. He is full of doubt and unbelief. Jesus shows up anyway!

John 20:26 (NKJV): And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace to you!”

Even when we have doubts, Jesus comes and brings His peace. You may be full of doubts today, but Jesus Himself will come and give you His peace. 

The sea of life is raging

The storm clouds round me roll

I’m tossed about in turmoil

It’s growing very cold

By myself I’d never make it

But this one thing I know

When I speak the name of Jesus

The storm clouds have to go.

When I say ‘Master’

My sorrows disappear

When I say ‘Father’

He drives away my fears

When I say ‘Savior’

My blinded eyes can see

When I say ‘Jesus’

He speaks peace to me.

(“When I Say Jesus” by Phil Johnson)

INVITATION/MINISTRY TIME