Luke 21 sermon notes
Sermon notes 11/17/07 HOPE
I. ) Being thus passed the vast ocean, and a sea of troubles before in their preparation (as may be remembered by that which went before), they had now no friends to welcome them, nor inns to entertain or refresh their weather-beaten bodies, no houses or much less towns to repair to, to seek for succor. It is recorded in scripture as a mercy to the apostle and his shipwrecked company, that the barbarians showed no small kindness in refreshing them, but these savage barbarians, when they met with them (as after will appear) were readier to fill their sides full of arrows then otherwise. And for the season it was winter, and they that know the winters of that country know them to be sharp and violent and subject to cruel and fierce storms, dangerous to travel to known places, much more to search an unknown coast. Besides, what could they see but a hideous and desolate wilderness, full of wild beasts and wild men? and what multitudes there might be of them they knew not. Neither could they, as it were, go up to the top of Pigsah, to view from this wilderness a more goodly country to feed their hopes; for which way so ever they turned their eyes (save upward to the heavens) they could have little solace or content in respect of any outward objects. For summer being done, all things stand upon them with a weather-beaten face; and the whole country, full of woods and thickets, represented a wild and savage hew. If they looked behind them, there was the mighty ocean which they had passed, and was now as a main bar and gulf to separate them from all the civil parts of the world. If it be said they had a ship to succor them, it is true; but what heard they daily from the master and company? But that with speed they should look out a place with their shallop, where they would be at some near distance; for the season was such as he would not stir from thence till a safe harbor was discovered by them where they would be, and he might go without danger; and that victuals consumed apace, but he must and would keep sufficient for themselves and their return. Yea, it was muttered by some, that if they got not a place in time, they would turn them and their goods ashore and leave them. Let it also be considered what weak hopes of supply and succor they left behind them, that might bear up their minds in this sad condition and trials they were under; and they could not but be very small. It is true, indeed, the affections and love of their brethren at Leyden was cordial and entire towards them, but they had little power to help them, or themselves; and how the case stood between them and the merchants at their coming away, hath already been declared. What could now sustain them but the spirit of God and his grace?
May not and ought not the children of these fathers rightly say: "Our fathers were Englishmen which came over this great ocean, and were ready to perish in this wilderness; but they cried unto the Lord, and he heard their voice, and looked on their adversity, etc. Let them therefore praise the Lord, because he is good, and his mercies endure forever. Yea, let them which have been redeemed of the Lord, show how he hath delivered them from the hand of the oppressor. When they wandered in the desert wilderness out of the way, and found no city to dwell in, both hungry, and thirsty, their soul was overwhelmed in them. Let them confess before the Lord his loving kindness, and his wonderful works before the sons of men.” From Of Plymouth Plantation by William Bradford, governor of Plymouth colony.
(Read as narrative. Omit parts and mention that that first year cold, bitter winter, sickness, no homes, half of the pilgrims died.)
Where was their hope?
And here we are today. We are the hope that the pilgrims dreamed of. Actually, we are way beyond any of their dreams.
I don’t know about you but this week I’m going to sit down before a huge feast with my family and friends and remember those people who had a vision, a HOPE in their God, our God.
II.) (What is HOPE? define hope)
Use your illustrations of going on a vacation- Hope is anticipation
Use your illustration of coming back from a vacation- HOPE is consummation (or better word). (Actually receiving what was promised, it is finished, being in the familiar, being home.)
III.) Hope is being told by your doctors that they have exhausted their treatment options for your cancer. Telling you they are arranging hospice care for you. Hope is what I see in Jackie Johnson’s eyes when she talks about her peace in the Lord.
Jackie has hope. Life is scary. Life is painful.
But Jackie knows this isn’t all there is. Her hope is in the Lord.
We have that hope too!
IV.) So we act according to that HOPE. Do we live each year, each week, each day in fear and anxiety? No, we live in ANTICIPATION and HOPE!
We can act in confidence and we can live through suffering and trials, like the pilgrims, like our beloved friend, Jackie, because of the HOPE Christ has given us!
We can serve and love unlikable neighbors, and encourage unbelieving family and friends because we have Christ’s hope for their future.
V.) We are pilgrims here on this earth. We have hope in a New WORLD, not to mention a New HEaven!
(Read Rev. end of passage of what our hope is in. Rounding out the pilgrims’
dream of the new world with our anticipation of a truly New Promising World.)
Notes, omitted text.
“Being thus arrived in a good harbor and brought safe to land, they fell upon their knees and blessed the God of heaven, who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean, and delivered them from all the perils and miseries thereof, again to set their feet on the firm and stable earth, their proper element. And no marvel if they were thus joyful, seeing wise Seneca was so affected with sailing a few miles on the coast of his own Italy; as he affirmed, that he had rather remain twenty years on his way by land, then pass by sea to any place in a short time; so tedious and dreadful was the same unto him.
But here I cannot but stay and make a pause, and stand half amazed at this poor people's present condition; and so I think will the reader too, when he well considers the same.