“The Grace of God Was Upon Him”
“The Grace of God Was Upon Him”
Blessings folk!
Joseph, Mary and the Child had just had an encounter with Simeon and Anna.
Now, let us finish the birth narrative with the final verses…
Luk 2:39-40
When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth.
The Child continued to grow and become strong,
increasing in wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him.
Note what occurred.
Joseph and Mary performed everything according to the Law.
This gives us good foundation to believe that they raise the Child according to the Word.
They returned to Galilee…to Nazareth.
The Child - Jesus:
- Continued to grow
- Continued to become strong
- Continued to increase in wisdom
- Had the grace of God upon Him
Imagine Jesus at every stage of childhood…?
Would have been cool to see…
As Believers, we have the grace of God upon/within us.
May we continue to grow in this grace.
May we continue to grow strong in the Lord.
May we continue to increase in the wisdom of the Lord.
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“Anna”
“Anna”
Blessings folk!
Simeon had spoke.
He had blessed God.
He declared that the Child was a Light to the Gentiles and the Glory of Israel.
He had spoke words of warning to Mary.
At the moment of Simeon completing his statement, a woman came.
Luk 2:36-38
And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,
and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four.
She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers.
At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God,
and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
Anna.
She was a prophetess.
Yes!
There were prophetess.
Yes!
There are prophetess.
She was aged.
There is debate as to her age.
Some translations read as if she were “84” years old.
Other translations read as if she lived “84” years after the death of her husband.
Regardless, she was older.
She never left the temple.
She served day and night.
How?
By “circles”, “meetings”, “clubs”, etc.?
No!
By fasting.
By prayer.
Have you considered that?
That fasting and prayer are a service to the Lord.
Has He called you to do such?
She began to give thanks to God for the Child.
She spoke of Him to all who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem.
This means she was declaring that the Child was the redemption they had awaited.
We are called to declare the same truth.
Do so in the manner the Lord designs for you…
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“The Child Is Appointed…”
“The Child Is Appointed…”
Blessings folk!
Jesus…
The Babe…
The Child…
The Messiah…
Simeon declared that He was/is…
- The Light to the Gentiles
- The Glory of the people Israel
Luk 2:29-32
“Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace,
According to Your word;
For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
Simeon continues…
Luk 2:33-35
And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him.
And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary His mother,
“Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel,
and for a sign to be opposed—
and a sword will pierce even your own soul—
to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
Simeon blessed Mary and Joseph.
Mary and Joseph were amazed at what was being stated.
Simeon then prophetically speaks to Mary, Jesus’ mother.
A word to the mother.
Hum…?
The Child was/is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel.
The Child was/is appointed for a sign to be opposed.
A sword would pierce the soul of Mary.
The end/purpose would be that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.
Whoa!
What does all this mean?
Think on it.
Mary did.
She pondered these things in her heart.
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“Light To Gentiles. Glory of Israel”
“Light To Gentiles. Glory of Israel”
Blessings folk!
Now, hear the Word of the Lord through Simeon…
Luk 2:29-32
“Now Lord, You are releasing Your bond-servant to depart in peace,
According to Your word;
For my eyes have seen Your salvation,
Which You have prepared in the presence of all peoples,
A LIGHT OF REVELATION TO THE GENTILES,
And the glory of Your people Israel.”
Remember, the Spirit had promised Simeon that he would not die until he saw the Lord’s Salvation - the Lord’s Messiah.
The first thing Simeon says is that he was a bond-servant of the Lord.
A bond-servant that was now released to depart in peace.
According to the Word of the Lord.
Why?
Because his eyes were looking upon the salvation of the world - in a small child.
Salvation prepared in the presence of all peoples.
Simeon quoted Scripture - “a light of revelation to the gentiles”.
A promise made by God to Abraham.
The child was a light of revelation to the gentiles.
The child was the glory of the Lord’s people Israel.
Simeon had waited.
His patience was fulfilled in a moment.
Why do we grow impatient?
Wait upon the Lord.
Trust in Him.
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“Simeon”
“Simeon”
Blessings folk!
Joseph and Mary had fulfilled the Law.
Jesus was circumcised.
Jesus was named.
The days of purification had begun.
Then, suddenly, a man appears.
Read carefully…
Luk 2:25-28
And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus,
to carry out for Him the custom of the Law,
then he took Him into his arms, and blessed God, and said,
Simeon.
A righteous man.
A devout man.
In Jerusalem.
A man who looked “for the consolation of Israel”…the Messiah…the Savior.
A man on whom was the Holy Spirit.
Think on this.
It often shocks current believers to learn that the Spirit came upon people prior to the time of the birth of the Lord…well before the pouring out of the Spirit we see in Acts 1.
The Spirit had revealed something to Simeon.
Simeon would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.
The Lord does this.
He informs.
He reveals.
Then, Simeon came in the Spirit into the Temple.
The Spirit led him.
When Jesus and His parents came to carry out the custom of the Law, Simeon took Jesus into his arms and blessed God.
He then spoke…which we will look at later.
For now, think on it.
The Spirit was upon Simeon.
The Spirit is within every true Believer.
The Spirit revealed things to Simeon.
The Spirit reveals to every true Believer.
The Spirit led Simeon to the Temple.
The Spirit leads us…if we allow.
Be of the Spirit.
Not of the flesh.
Be righteous.
Be devout.
Be faithful.
Be patient.
Be Spirit-Filled!
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“Eight Days Later…"
“Eight Days Later…"
Blessings folk!
Jesus was born!
His parents, Mary and Joseph, raised him within the faith - Judaism.
Luk 2:21-24
And when eight days had passed,
before His circumcision,
His name was then called Jesus,
the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.
And when the days for their purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord
(as it is written in the Law of the Lord,
“EVERY firstborn MALE THAT OPENS THE WOMB SHALL BE CALLED HOLY TO THE LORD&rdquo,
and to offer a sacrifice according to what was said in the Law of the Lord,
“A PAIR OF TURTLEDOVES OR TWO YOUNG PIGEONS.”
The Law given by the Lord stated that every male was to be circumcised on the eighth day after birth.
They named Him then.
They did so.
Then, the Law called for “days of purification”.
Purification for the mom/child.
33 days if a boy-child.
Then, the Law called for the firstborn male that opened the womb to be offered to the Lord.
They did so.
They brought an offering.
An offering that revealed they were of modest means.
Mary and Joseph did according to the Word of the Lord.
May we do according to His Word.
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“September 11, 3 B.C.”
“September 11, 3 B.C.”
Blessings Folk!
A blessed Christmas Day to all!!
No.
We do not know with absolute certainty that Jesus was born on December 25th.
There are valid arguments for the date.
There is a better argument for another date - September 11, 3 B.C.
Yep.
That is interesting.
Take time to watch/read…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWsPWkFz_14
https://drmsh.com/september-11-happy-birthday-to-jesus/
Interesting, no?
Regardless, the date is not important.
Also, no where in Scripture are we told to “celebrate the birth of the King”.
It is fine to remember.
It is fine to celebrate.
It is not good to go the way that most have gone in the western world.
We are told to anticipate His coming again.
We are told to do the work of the Kingdom until his return.
So, celebrate His birth by anticipating His return.
2 Pe 3:11-13
Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way,
what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,
looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat!
But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth,
in which righteousness dwells.
Live in this knowledge.
Rejoice!
1Th 3:11-13
Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you;
and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another,
and for all people, just as we also do for you;
so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.
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“Prophet of the Most High”
“Prophet of the Most High”
Blessings folk!
Zacharias closes his prophesy with continued declaration of Who the Most High is and insight into what this little baby, John, would do.
Luk 1:76-79
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
For you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS;
To give to His people the knowledge of salvation
By the forgiveness of their sins,
Because of the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,
TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.”
Think on it…
This little new-born baby of Zacharias…
Will be called the prophet of the Most High.
Will go before the Lord.
Will prepare the way of the Lord.
Will give the Lord’s people THE knowledge of salvation.
- Note, THE knowledge. Not “a” knowledge”. Not “a” way. “The” way.
Will give the people the knowledge buy the forgiveness of their sins.
Why?
Because of the tender mercy of God.
This mercy of God has brought forth the “Sunrise”, the “Dayspring” from on high who will visit.
Why?
To shine upon those who sit in darkness.
To shine upon those who sit in the shadow of death.
To guide our feet into the way of peace.
Zacharias was declaring that Messiah was appearing and that John was His forerunner.
The millennia of waiting was over.
Messiah was coming…soon.
Yes, He is coming…soon.
Are you ready?
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“Blessed Be The Lord God Of Israel”
“Blessed Be The Lord God Of Israel”
Blessings folk!
Zacharias was a faithful priest.
Faithful to his call.
Faithful to his wife.
Faithful to His God.
In fulfilling his priestly function he encountered an angel.
An angel that told him that he would have a son.
He did not believe.
He questioned.
He was deaf and mute until the child was born.
He now believed.
His prophesy over the child at the circumcision ceremony reveals much.
We read it all yesterday.
Now think about what we learn about God and His ways…
Luk 1:67-75
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of David His servant—
As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—
Salvation FROM OUR ENEMIES,
And FROM THE HAND OF ALL WHO HATE US;
To show mercy toward our fathers,
And to remember His holy covenant,
The oath which He swore to Abraham our father,
To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.
Zacharias knew exactly what was occurring.
That which had been anticipated for millennia was now.
God was visiting.
God was accomplishing salvation for His people.
God was raising up a horn of salvation for the people..,in the house of David.
God was fulfilling His prophetic Word.
Salvation from enemies.
Rescue from those who hate them.
God was fulfilling His promise to Abraham.
Why?
So that His people might…
- Serve Him without fear
- Serve Him in holiness
- Serve Him in righteousness
Zacharias knew all this and spoke if forth.
He knew His son was the beginning…the forerunner.
Zacharias rejoiced and prophesied.
Do the same.
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Zacharias Prophecies
“Zacharias Prophecies”
Blessings folk!
Zacharias had been unable to speak for ten months.
Read what he spoke after the Holy Spirit came upon him and set his tongue free.
Give close attention to what the Lord was doing.
How was Zacharias interpreting all this?
Luk 1:67-79
And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
For He has visited us and accomplished redemption for His people,
And has raised up a horn of salvation for us
In the house of David His servant—
As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets from of old—
Salvation FROM OUR ENEMIES,
And FROM THE HAND OF ALL WHO HATE US;
To show mercy toward our fathers,
And to remember His holy covenant,
The oath which He swore to Abraham our father,
To grant us that we, being rescued from the hand of our enemies,
Might serve Him without fear,
In holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
For you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS;
To give to His people the knowledge of salvation
By the forgiveness of their sins,
Because of the tender mercy of our God,
With which the Sunrise from on high will visit us,
TO SHINE UPON THOSE WHO SIT IN DARKNESS AND THE SHADOW OF DEATH,
To guide our feet into the way of peace.”
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“His Name is John”
“His Name is John”
Blessings folk!
The birth of Jesus narrative continues with the completion of the Elizabeth, Zacharias, John story…
Luk 1:57-66
Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son.
Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her.
And it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child,
and they were going to call him Zacharias, after his father.
But his mother answered and said, “No indeed; but he shall be called John.”
And they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by that name.”
And they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called.
And he asked for a tablet and wrote as follows,
“His name is John.”
And they were all astonished.
And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed,
and he began to speak in praise of God.
Fear came on all those living around them;
and all these matters were being talked about in all the hill country of Judea.
All who heard them kept them in mind, saying,
“What then will this child turn out to be?”
For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him.
Zacharias was deaf and dumb due to his unbelief when the angel appeared.
Now, Zacharias was “bucking” cultural tradition.
He did what the angel said to do.
Name the child “John”.
When he did, his hearing returned and his tongue was set loose!
He praised God.
The same will happen to us.
Many are bound by traditions that quench the flow of the Spirit.
Unbelief reigns among Believers.
Think on that.
What if we simply declared the truth of the Word?
What if we simply believed?
What might the Lord do?
He would break forth in prophetic truth within us!
He would bring forth praise through us.
Such matters would be spoken throughout our communities…to the praise of the glory of His grace.
Selah!
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Three Months
“Three Months”
Blessings folk!
Mary visited Elizabeth and Zacharias.
We have seen the proclamations of Mary and Elizabeth.
Mary stayed three months.
How do we know?
Luk 1:56
And Mary stayed with her about three months, and then returned to her home.
Remember that Mary was visited by Gabriel when Elizabeth was in her sixth month.
Luk 1:26
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth,
So, it appears that Mary might have stayed until the birth of John.
That would make sense.
Something has always intrigued me.
Joseph.
When did Mary tell Joseph?
Before she left to visit Elizabeth?
After she returned?
Did she come back and tell Joseph “I’ve been gone three months. I’m expecting a child. Do not worry. The Father is God”?
The Word does not tell.
We do know that Joseph was told.
We do know he he decided to “put her away”…much better than stoning…
Mat 1:19
And Joseph her husband,
being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her,
planned to send her away secretly.
He desired no harm to Mary.
He did not want to disgrace her.
But, then an angel of the Lord gave him direction…
Mat 1:20
But when he had considered this,
behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying,
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife;
for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
Think upon the emotions, the stress, the confusion, the turmoil that all this brought upon Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Zacharias.
Still, they chose…eventually…to praise the Lord.
They chose obedience to His Word.
May we do likewise.
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“He Has Done…”
“He Has Done…”
Blessings folk!
Picking up from yesterday…
We reread Mary’s song of praise…
Luke 1:46-55
And Mary said:
“My soul exalts the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
“For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
“For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.
“AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION
TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.
“He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
“He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
“HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
“He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever.”
What else do we learn about God?
- His mercy is upon generation after generation…toward those who fear Him
- Do you fear Him?
- He has done might deeds with His arm
- He has scattered the proud of heart
- He has brought down rulers from their thrones
- He has exalted those who are humble
- He has filled the hungry with good things
- He has sent the rich away empty-handed
- He has given help to His servant, Israel
- In remembrance of His mercy
- As He spoke to the forefathers
- Abraham
- Abraham’s descendants…forever
This is the Lord Who was doing mighty things in Mary.
This is the Lord Who does mighty things in/through us.
Rejoice!
Exalt Him!
Exult in the Lord!
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“The Mighty One Has Done Great Things…”
“The Mighty One Has Done Great Things…”
Blessings folk!
Mary exalted the Lord.
Mary’s spirit rejoiced in God her Savior.
Elizabeth had affirmed all that was occurring.
They were rejoicing together.
Read Mary’s response again…
Luke 1:46-55
And Mary said:
“My soul exalts the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
“For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
“For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.
“AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION
TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.
“He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
“He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
“HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
“He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever.”
Note how Mary viewed herself…
- The Lord’s humble bondslave
- One who all generations would count as blessed
- One for whom the Lord has done great things
Note what Mary said about the Lord…
- He had regard for her humble state
- He blessed Mary by choosing her
- He, the Mighty One, had done great things for Mary
- Holy is His name
We will continue later.
For today, know that the same applies to those who believe.
Believe.
Be blessed.
Believe.
The Lord will do great things.
Holy is His Name.
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“Mary Responds…”
“Mary Responds…”
Blessings folk!
We saw yesterday that Elizabeth broke forth in prophetic praise upon hearing the voice of Mary.
Mary’s response?
It is often called “the Magnificat”…my soul doth magnify the Lord!
Read it.
Will discuss the next couple of days…
Luke 1:46-55
And Mary said:
“My soul exalts the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
“For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
“For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.
“AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION
TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.
“He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
“He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
“HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
“He has given help to Israel His servant,
In remembrance of His mercy,
As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever.”
Questions for the day.
Does your soul exalt/magnify the Lord?
Is God your Savior?
Does your spirit rejoice in Him?
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“Elizabeth Cries Out…”
“Elizabeth Cries Out…”
Blessings folk!
The narrative continues…
Luk 1:39-45
Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah,
and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting,
the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
And she cried out with a loud voice and said,
“Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
“And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me?
“For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the baby leaped in my womb for joy.
“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment
of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.”
Immediately upon hearing the news from Gabriel, Mary went to visit Zacharias and Elizabeth.
Give close heed to the flow and timing…
When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting…no intimate discussion/talk…just greeting…
At that point, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb leaped.
Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.
Then Elizabeth speaks/prophesies.
She cries out with a loud voice.
She questions…
How has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me?
How did she know Mary was with child?
How did she know that the child was the Lord?
She explains some.
When she heard the sound of Mary’s voice the baby lept.
Lept for joy!
Then this…
Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord!
How did she know that Mary had believed?
How did she know of the spoken word?
The Spirit filled her.
The Spirit revealed to her.
A Word of revelation to Elizabeth.
A Word of confirmation/affirmation to Mary.
Listen!
What might the Lord be speaking through you?
What might the Lord be speaking to you?
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“May It Be Done To Me…”
“May It Be Done To Me…”
Blessings folk!
Gabriel is visiting Mary.
Gabriel is bringing a pronouncement…the conception and birth of a boy.
We continue…
Luk 1:34-38
Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”
The angel answered and said to her,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you;
and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God.
“And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age;
and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month.
“For nothing will be impossible with God.”
And Mary said,
“Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.”
And the angel departed from her.
Mary wondered.
Mary questioned.
She asked “how?”
She received an answer.
Note the detail:
- The Holy Spirit will come upon you
- The Power of the Most High will overshadow you
- For this reason…the two above…the holy child shall be called the Son of God
- Holy
- Child
- Son of God
Then some confirming detail:
- Elizabeth was expecting - six months alone
Then, the great declaration - “for nothing will be impossible with God!”
Zacharias had questioned.
He was punished for unbelief.
Mary questioned.
She received an answer.
The difference?
The state of the heart.
Mary’s response?
“May it be done to me according to your Word”
Was that the moment of conception?
When she believed?
We do not know.
We do know she believed and it was so.
May we believe the Lord in all things.
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“Gabriel to Mary”
“Gabriel to Mary”
Blessings folk!
We have seen that Zacharias/Elizabeth have received the Word that they would have a son - John.
The narrative continues…
Watch for the answer to these questions…
When did this occur?
Who was present?
What was said?
What was the response?
Luk 1:26-33
Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth,
to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David;
and the virgin’s name was Mary.
And coming in, he said to her,
“Greetings, favored one!
The Lord is with you.”
But she was very perplexed at this statement,
and kept pondering what kind of salutation this was.
The angel said to her,
“Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.
“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.
“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High;
and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David;
and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”
In the sixth month…
The sixth month of what?
Of Elizabeth’s pregnancy!
Who was present?
Gabriel - bringing another message from the Most High.
Mary
What was said?
Mary, you are the favored one.
Mary, the Lord is with you.
Mary, you shall conceive a son…name Him “Jesus”.
Jesus?
Great
Son of the Most High
Shall be given the throne of His father David
Will reign over the hose of Jacob forever
His kingdom will have no end
Response?
Mary was perplexed.
Mary pondered what was meant by this greeting.
Can you imagine?
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“Dealt Favor”
“Dealt Favor”
Blessings folk!
An angel had appeared to Zacharias while he ministered in the temple.
He did not believe.
He found himself deaf and dumb (as we will see in the balance of the account).
Apparently this took some time.
Read on…
Luk 1:21-25
The people were waiting for Zacharias, and were wondering at his delay in the temple.
But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them;
and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple;
and he kept making signs to them, and remained mute.
When the days of his priestly service were ended, he went back home.
After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant,
and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying,
“This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked with favor upon me,
to take away my disgrace among men.”
The people wondered about the delay.
They really wondered when Zach came out unable to speak.
He made signs to them.
They realized that he has seen a vision.
Zach fulfilled his service duty…two weeks.
He went home.
At some point, a moment came that likely had not occurred for years.
Elizabeth was now bearing a child…a son…John.
She kept herself in seclusion.
Not from fear.
Not from fright.
From humility.
From excitement.
From an awareness that the Lord had looked upon her with favor…in her old age.
Her disgrace had been removed.
(Jews considered barrenness to be a sign of disfavor from the Lord.)
One can nearly hear a shocked, believing giggle over what the Lord had done.
Favor!
Disgrace removed!
Prayer answered!
A son who is the forerunner of Messiah!
And we have a hard time being patient with the timing of the Lord?
Aggressively wait upon the Lord.
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“Old and Unbelieving”
“Old and Unbelieving”
Blessings folk!
An angel had just appeared to Zacharias and told him that he and Elizabeth would have a son.
The son was to be named John.
John would be the forerunner of Messiah.
Zacharias’ response?
Rejoicing?
Worship?
Praise?
Nope.
He questioned.
Luk 1:18-20
Zacharias said to the angel,
“How will I know this for certain?
For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.”
The angel answered and said to him,
“I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God,
and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.
“And behold, you shall be silent and unable to speak until the day when these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”
We can not verbally hear the tone of his response, though we can hear the tone!
There was doubt.
There was unbelief.
There was statement of fact based upon this unbelief…”I’m old. So is my wife”
This is confirmed when we see the outcome…
Gabriel is a bit miffed.
He states…
- I am Gabriel…let’s Zach know who he is
- I stand in the presence of God…let’s Zach know where he is from and by what power he says these things
- I have been sent…let’s Zach know the purpose
- To speak to him
- To bring good news
Good news!
And Zach was whining.
What happened?
Due to Zach’s unbelief he would be silent/unable to speak until these things take place.
All would/will be fulfilled in their proper time.
So, where do you stand?
As a true Believer do you know Whose you are?
Do you know where you stand?
Do you know your purpose and why you are sent?
Or…
Are you unbelieving?
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“You Will Bear A Son - John”
“You Will Bear A Son - John”
Blessings folk!
The story of Jesus’ birth continues…
We pick up the account of Zacharias and Elizebeth…
Luk 1:8-17
Now it happened that while he was performing his priestly service before God in the appointed order of his division,
according to the custom of the priestly office,
he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense.
And the whole multitude of the people were in prayer outside
at the hour of the incense offering.
And an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing to the right of the altar of incense.
Zacharias was troubled when he saw the angel, and fear gripped him.
But the angel said to him,
“Do not be afraid, Zacharias,
for your petition has been heard,
and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son,
and you will give him the name John.
“You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.
“For he will be great in the sight of the Lord;
and he will drink no wine or liquor,
and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb.
“And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God.
“It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah,
TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN,
and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous,
so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
What does this have to do with the birth of Jesus?
This child, to be named John, would be the forerunner of the One prophesied.
John would move in the spirit and power of Elijah.
He would turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children.
The angel told Zacharias that he and his wife would be the parents of the forerunner!
Their petition from long ago…to have children…had been heard.
John would be great in the sight of the Lord.
He would be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb.
Can you imagine the thoughts and response of Zacharias?
We have some insight…to be continued…
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“Righteous Walk Though Barren”
“Righteous Walk Though Barren”
Blessings folk!
Luke’s account of the birth of Jesus begins with a lead-in story.
Luk 1:5-7
In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah; and he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
They were both righteous in the sight of God,
walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord.
But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both advanced in years.
Zacharias
Elizabeth
A priest.
His wife.
Both were of priestly lineage.
Both were righteous before God.
Both walked blameless in all the commandments of the Lord.
Both walked blameless as to the requirements of the Lord.
Yet, as to children, they were barren.
Too often when “barrenness” is in our life…lack of this/that…we assume it is because we have sinned…done something wrong, etc.
Perhaps it could be “to the praise of the glory of His grace.”
Though barren, they walked.
May we do likewise.
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“The Exact Truth”
“The Exact Truth”
Blessings folk!
We continue reading the Scripture about the birth of Jesus.
On to Luke.
Luke states that he had a chronological purpose…
Luk 1:1-4
¶
Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things
accomplished among us,
just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word,
it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus;
so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.
Luke acknowledges that many had compiled accounts of the “things accomplished among us”…the things of Jesus.
Luke lets us know that he spoke with eyewitnesses and servants of “the word”.
He had heard the accounts from witnesses.
Therefore, he sought to investigate everything carefully from the beginning.
He sought to write it out for Theophilus.
He sought to write it “in consecutive order”.
Luke’s purpose?
So that Theophilus could know the exact truth about the things he had been taught.
Thus we have Luke (and Acts)!
Learn the exact truth…
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“A Nazarene”
“A Nazarene”
Blessings folk!
Joseph was told by an angel of the Lord in a dream to take Mary as his wife.
He did.
Joseph was told by an angel of the Lord in a dream to take Mary and The Child to Egypt.
He did.
Joseph was told by an angel of the Lord in a dream to return to Israel with Mary and The Child.
He did.
We saw yesterday that those who wanted to harm Jesus were now dead.
It was safe to return from Egypt.
Mat 2:19-20
But when Herod died, behold,
an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, and said,
“Get up, take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel;
for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.”
But…now…
Mat 2:21-23
So Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel.
But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod,
he was afraid to go there.
Then after being warned by God in a dream, he left for the regions of Galilee,
and came and lived in a city called Nazareth.
This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophets:
“He shall be called a Nazarene.”
When Joseph and his family arrived in the land of Israel, Archelaus was reigning.
Joseph feared returning to Judea.
The Lord knew.
He knew all along.
God again warned Joseph in a dream.
Apparently to not go to Judea.
Joseph and family went to Nazareth.
They lived there.
They fulfilled prophecy - “He shall be called a Nazarene.”
Observing the 330+ prophesies fulfilled by the Lord in His first coming is amazing.
How much more so His second coming…
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“Angel: Go Into the Land of Israel”
“Angel: Go Into the Land of Israel”
Blessings folk!
The young boys of Ramah were killed in an attempt to eliminate Messiah.
Herod was enraged.
Herod eventually died.
The angel then fulfilled his promise…
Mat 2:19-21
But when Herod died,
behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, and said,
“Get up, take the Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel;
for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.”
So Joseph got up, took the Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel.
The angel was succinct…
Get up.
Take the child.
Take His mother.
Go to the land of Israel.
Note, the “land of Israel”.
This will be importantly shortly.
Why now?
Because those who sought the Child’s life were dead.
What did Joseph do?
What he did each of the four times he was instructed in a dream.
He obeyed.
He got up.
He took the Child/Mother.
He came into the land of Israel.
But…
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“Magi and The Child”
December 4, 2019
“Magi and The Child”
Blessings folk!
The Magi had arrived.
They asked where the King of the Jews was.
Herod panicked.
Herod sent for the Jewish leaders.
He asked where the “king” was to be born.
Bethlehem of Judea.
The account continues…
Mat 2:7-12
Then Herod secretly called the magi
and determined from them the exact time the star appeared.
And he sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search carefully for the Child;
and when you have found Him, report to me,
so that I too may come and worship Him.”
After hearing the king, they went their way;
and the star, which they had seen in the east,
went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother;
and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him.
Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod,
the magi left for their own country by another way.
Herod called the magi - secretly.
Why secretly?
So that he could determine the timing of all that was happening.
So that no one else would know.
Why?
We will see…he planned to kill the Child.
Herod then sent the magi to search for the Child.
Herod feigned interest in worshipping the Child.
The magi believed him.
They went.
They saw the star!
Much has been written as to what “the star” was.
Most explanations are less than satisfactory.
Just know this.
The Lord used it to lead the magi…with precision.
They found the Child.
They worshipped Him.
They humbled themselves before Him.
They were then warned by God in a dream.
Warned?
Yes!
They now understood Herod’s intent.
They went home by another route.
They had completed their task.
They worshipped.
They acknowledged and affirmed for all that the Child was the King of the Jews.
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Blessings folk!
The Magi had arrived.
They asked where the King of the Jews was.
Herod panicked.
Herod sent for the Jewish leaders.
He asked where the “king” was to be born.
Bethlehem of Judea.
The account continues…
Mat 2:7-12
Then Herod secretly called the magi
and determined from them the exact time the star appeared.
And he sent them to Bethlehem and said,
“Go and search carefully for the Child;
and when you have found Him, report to me,
so that I too may come and worship Him.”
After hearing the king, they went their way;
and the star, which they had seen in the east,
went on before them until it came and stood over the place where the Child was.
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother;
and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him.
Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod,
the magi left for their own country by another way.
Herod called the magi - secretly.
Why secretly?
So that he could determine the timing of all that was happening.
So that no one else would know.
Why?
We will see…he planned to kill the Child.
Herod then sent the magi to search for the Child.
Herod feigned interest in worshipping the Child.
The magi believed him.
They went.
They saw the star!
Much has been written as to what “the star” was.
Most explanations are less than satisfactory.
Just know this.
The Lord used it to lead the magi…with precision.
They found the Child.
They worshipped Him.
They humbled themselves before Him.
They were then warned by God in a dream.
Warned?
Yes!
They now understood Herod’s intent.
They went home by another route.
They had completed their task.
They worshipped.
They acknowledged and affirmed for all that the Child was the King of the Jews.
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“Where Is the King of the Jews?”
“Where Is the King of the Jews?”
Blessings folk!
We continue the Word of the Lord through the gospels related to Jesus’ birth.
Give close heed to the circumstance, timing and response.
Mat 2:1-6
Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king,
magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying,
“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews?
For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”
When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.
Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people,
he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born.
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:
‘AND YOU, BETHLEHEM, LAND OF JUDAH,
ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG THE LEADERS OF JUDAH;
FOR OUT OF YOU SHALL COME FORTH A RULER
WHO WILL SHEPHERD MY PEOPLE ISRAEL.’”
Too often we think that the “story of Christmas” is a sweet, cuddly, peaceful event.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
We seek such here.
The Magi had been traveling for weeks
They were following “His star”.
There is great debate as to what the “star/sign” was…beyond this format to discuss, but interesting.
The Magi simply arrived and proclaimed/inquired “where is He…?”
Herod heard about it.
Herod was troubled.
If the leader is troubled, everyone is trouble.
All Jerusalem was troubled.
So, what did they do.
They inquired of the chief priests and scribes as to where Messiah was to be born.
The answer was simple, forthright and in the Word - “in Bethlehem of Judea”.
They then quoted the Word from Micah 5:2.
Did this calm the trouble of Herod and the people?
As we will see, no.
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“Joseph Did…”
“Joseph Did…”
Blessings folk!
Ah…
We are beginning another season of remembering and rejoicing in the Lord’s coming - the first time.
Always in the forefront of our mind is His coming again.
The Lord gave much detail about His first coming.
Let’s remind ourselves of the story presented in the gospels.
Give close attention to some things.
Look at the things that many within the “confessing” church now deny.
They deny that a virgin can give birth.
They deny conception by the Holy Spirit.
They deny angels.
They deny that an angel of the Lord can appear.
They deny that the Lord can/will speak through dreams.
They deny prophetic words.
They deny the fulfillment of prophetic words.
After a brief genealogy of Jesus, we have this…
Mat 1:18-25
Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows:
when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph,
before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.
And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her,
planned to send her away secretly.
But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
“She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus,
for He will save His people from their sins.”
Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
“BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.”
And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him,
and took Mary as his wife,
but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus.
Joseph believed.
Joseph acted on that belief.
May we do likewise.
Remember, God’s way and timing are perfect.
Could He have waited until Joseph and Mary were complete in marriage?
Yes.
But, God has a plan.
God has purpose.
Rest, rejoice and trust in that.
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“In Their Greed They Will Exploit…”
“In Their Greed They Will Exploit…”
Blessings folk!
One last (maybe?), quick word on “greed”.
Know this.
False prophets and false teachers are motivated by greed.
They will use greed to mislead.
They will use the greed of others to manipulate.
2 Pe 2:1-3
But false prophets also arose among the people,
just as there will also be false teachers among you,
who will secretly introduce destructive heresies,
even denying the Master who bought them,
bringing swift destruction upon themselves.
Many will follow their sensuality,
and because of them the way of the truth will be maligned;
and in their greed they will exploit you with false words;
their judgment from long ago is not idle,
and their destruction is not asleep.
Do not be exploited by the false words of those motivated by greed.
How?
Know the Word of God.
Rest in the Word of God.
Trust the Word of God.
Be led by the Spirit.
Trust the Spirit of God.
Do not believe the word of man…especially “just because” of some organizational position.
Beware of the greedy false teachers/prophets tactics.
They will introduce destructive heresies.
They will do so secretly.
They will deny the Master who bought them - the Lord Jesus.
They will lead through sensuality…many will follow.
They will malign the way of truth.
Fear not.
They will be judged.
They will be destroyed.
Do not be among them.
Repent!
Know the Word and resist their way.
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