Tis The Season

Opening Scripture:

Isaiah 9:6–7 NIV

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

During the time that the prophet Isaiah was prophesying about Jesus (The Messiah) it was during a time of complete political Chaos.

The Northern Kingdom (Israel/Ephraim) and Syria (Aram) formed an alliance.

They attempted to force Judah (under King Ahaz) into joining them to revolt against the growing Assyrian Empire.

Judah refused—so Israel and Syria attacked Judah.

This left the people of Judah terrified, politically unstable, and spiritually wavering. Assyria loomed as a superpower threatening to crush all three nations.

King Ahaz responded to the crisis not with trust in Yahweh but with:

Political alliances (2 Kings 16)

Idolatrous practices

Even child sacrifice

Often times it appears the easy route is the best route — BUT what we will soon discover is that the easy route is the worst route.

King Ahaz chose what appeared to be the easy route by forming alliances with nations that were completely pagan — their values and ways of worship did NOT align with the one true God Yahweh.

Just Like King Ahaz we find ourselves facing a form of pressure that makes it feel like utter Chaos — Especially during the Christmas season.

It appears to be chaotic because of the stress to find the perfect gift/being able to afford that gift

bills stacking up with little financial resources

Everyone is in a rush to get the latest deal or even to find a good deal

High demand from your employer which results in working longer hours, leaving you drained and exhausted.

What Brings You Peace?

Micah 5:2, 4-5

Micah 5:4–5 NIV

He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be our peace when the Assyrians invade our land and march through our fortresses. We will raise against them seven shepherds, even eight commanders,

In ancient Near Eastern culture, a shepherd was:

Protector

Provider

Leader

Guide

Defender against enemies

one who lives among his sheep

The Messiah does not rule like earthly kings (through coercion or dominance)

God since the beginning of time has given us free will — We have the option to choose God or the world, we can NOT have both.

Often times it appears to be the easier option to give into the ways/systems of this world but what we will soon/quickly discover is that it is the world that causes chaos in our lives.

By choosing Jesus we chose peace, true peace… By Choosing Jesus we chose a reliable and good Shepard who is commited of watching over the flock, attending to them simply because He loves them.

Often times we choose materialistic things over spending time with loved ones or family — this brings issues within marriages, breaks relationships, and creates distance between friends.

Often times we choose entertainment rather than spending time in the presence of God through His word and prayer

Materialism, worldly systems, and excessive indulgence of entertainment can never bring you genuine peace that Jesus can

Peace That Overcomes Chaos

John 16:33 NIV

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

In Jesus ministry He often talked about having peace through faith

Faith is the substance in which positions us in a place to where we can receive genuine peace through Jesus!

Jesus forewarned us that we would have troubles in this life but HE also REMINDS us that because He has overcome the world we too can overcome!

Whatever chaos that you may have going on in your life at this moment always remember that through Jesus you are an overcomer!!

Is your faith rooted in the problem, or in the One who holds the solution?

In Every Season

Colossians 3:15 NIV

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

As believers in Christ Jesus we are called to both receive His peace and let it rule within our hearts — the only way to do this is by genuinely making Jesus Lord over our lives.

As disciples of Jesus we follow Him and by Following Him we walk with and in peace

With Jesus you can walk with peace even in the midst of chaos — You just simply make the decision to keep your focus on Him and only Him!

We are to be content in EVERYTHING! We should be grateful for all that God has done within our lives not complain about what we didn’t get.

Stay rooted in community:

Get Connected

Prepare to Engage

Answer the Call to Serve

Your Next Step

What is causing Chaos in your life?

Take the time to discover where you have placed Jesus in the midst of your seasons of chaos

‘Get connected (Are you in community? How often are you in community?)

Prepare to Engage — Step out of your comfort zone and get into a posture of conversation with someone about the gospel/the word of God.

Find a way to serve someone this week — do it with a heart of gratitude

Jesus is our peace in every season!!