Our Place in God's Story

Our Place in God’s Story

Then you read it again, or watch it again, and it’s still good… but that initial first time thrill is gone. Then you read it again, watch it again, and again… and it begins to not meet you where you are any more. You have grown, changed. Heck maybe the story helped you do that. But it’s had it’s time in your life, and now it’s time to move on.

Do you have a favourite book or movie? Do you remember the first time you saw it or read it? A story that met you where you were. It grabbed your attention. And you delighted in it. When you bumped into your friends it’s all that you spoke about. What a great experience.

Intro

Then you read it again, or watch it again, and it’s still good… but that initial first time thrill is gone. Then you read it again, watch it again, and again… and it begins to not meet you where you are any more. You have grown, changed. Heck maybe the story helped you do that. But it’s had it’s time in your life, and now it’s time to move on.

Do you have a favourite book or movie? Do you remember the first time you saw it or read it? A story that met you where you were. It grabbed your attention. And you delighted in it. When you bumped into your friends it’s all that you spoke about. What a great experience.

What do we expect Zecheriah’s answer to be? I would expect Zecheriah to start with some hardcore bragging. That’s what I do with my kids. It’s 90% of the reason that I still have a facebook account. Have a look at these.

Then you read it again, or watch it again, and it’s still good… but that initial first time thrill is gone. Then you read it again, watch it again, and again… and it begins to not meet you where you are any more. You have grown, changed. Heck maybe the story helped you do that. But it’s had it’s time in your life, and now it’s time to move on.

Here is an embarrassing Nat fact for you. A book that was like this for me when I was a teenager was ‘A walk to remember’ by Nicholas Sparks. The same author that wrote ‘the Note Book’. I don’t know what to say. It met me were I was as an emotionally confused teenager. I read it in one sitting. The Story about a Christian teenage girl dying just as she finds love, was what some part of me was looking for. Safe to say that even at that time, I was not sharing my delight in this book the my mates. There are some things you keep to yourself.

Then you read it again, or watch it again, and it’s still good… but that initial first time thrill is gone. Then you read it again, watch it again, and again… and it begins to not meet you where you are any more. You have grown, changed. Heck maybe the story helped you do that. But it’s had it’s time in your life, and now it’s time to move on.

· Enjoy a rare Ella update! Making all other kids look like ugly trolls in comparison since 2014. Don’t bother replying I don’t check facebook.

Here is an embarrassing Nat fact for you. A book that was like this for me when I was a teenager was ‘A walk to remember’ by Nicholas Sparks. The same author that wrote ‘the Note Book’. I don’t know what to say. It met me were I was as an emotionally confused teenager.

Do you have a favourite book or movie? Do you remember the first time you saw it or read it? A story that met you where you were. It grabbed your attention. And you delighted in it. When you bumped into your friends it’s all that you spoke about. What a great experience.

Then you read it again, or watch it again, and it’s still good… but that initial first time thrill is gone. Then you read it again, watch it again, and again… and it begins to not meet you where you are any more. You have grown, changed. Heck maybe the story helped you do that. But it’s had it’s time in your life, and now it’s time to move on.

Thankfully, that was just a stage. I outgrew the story reasonably fast but the truth is, that for many of us the Christmas story has become just this. There was the time that we first encountered it. Jesus, God, became a man, a baby for me. And it met you were you were. Hearing about lowly shepherds worshipping, angels singing all about the glory of a baby king, who was here to save you was what you needed. But then over time, you heard the story again, and again, and again, and you found that it does hold the same shine it once did. This year will be my 32 Christmas. I can tell you, that having grown up in the church and a Christian home 32 is the absolute minimum number of times that I have heard the story of Jesus coming to earth. After so many listens. The question begins to slowly creep into your mind like a spider ‘I have out grown Christmas’. The story for Jesus is good, heck it is necessary to every young Christian, but I’m older now. I’ve got what I needed from it. I’m happy to listen, but it honestly doesn’t hold the same importance to me.

Then you read it again, or watch it again, and it’s still good… but that initial first time thrill is gone. Then you read it again, watch it again, and again… and it begins to not meet you where you are any more. You have grown, changed. Heck maybe the story helped you do that. But it’s had it’s time in your life, and now it’s time to move on.

Here is an embarrassing Nat fact for you. A book that was like this for me when I was a teenager was ‘A walk to remember’ by Nicholas Sparks. The same author that wrote ‘the Note Book’. I don’t know what to say. It met me were I was as an emotionally confused teenager. I read it in one sitting. The Story about a Christian teenage girl dying just as she finds love, was what some part of me was looking for. Safe to say that even at that time, I was not sharing my delight in this book the my mates. There are some things you keep to yourself.

· This little girl is the reason other parents keep trying!... now we have two!

Here is an embarrassing Nat fact for you. A book that was like this for me when I was a teenager was ‘A walk to remember’ by Nicholas Sparks. The same author that wrote ‘the Note Book’. I don’t know what to say. It met me were I was as an emotionally confused teenager.

Thankfully, that was just a stage. I outgrew the story reasonably fast but the truth is, that for many of us the Christmas story has become just this. A story that excited us, but now over time, and so many it doesn’t hold the same shine it once did. The idea begins to slowly creep into our minds like a spider is ‘I have out grown Christmas’. The story for Jesus is good, heck it is necessary to every young Christian, but I’m older now. I’ve got what I needed from it. I’m happy to listen, but it honestly doesn’t hold the same importance to me.

Here is an embarrassing Nat fact for you. A book that was like this for me when I was a teenager was ‘A walk to remember’ by Nicholas Sparks. The same author that wrote ‘the Note Book’. I don’t know what to say. It met me were I was as an emotionally confused teenager.

· Another Mills girl to make your life worth living

I would be surprised if anyone was actively thinking ‘I have out grown the Christmas story’, but there would be many that feel it. The question that we are really left asking is ‘what is the next story?’ What will capture my attention next? What will help me grown as a person next?

Thankfully, that was just a stage. I outgrew the story reasonably fast but the truth is, that for many of us the Christmas story has become just this. There was the time that we first encountered it. Jesus, God, became a man, a baby for me. And it met you were you were. Hearing about lowly shepherds worshipping, angels singing all about the glory of a baby king, who was here to save you was what you needed. But then over time, you heard the story again, and again, and again, and you found that it does hold the same shine it once did. This year will be my 32 Christmas. I can tell you, that having grown up in the church and a Christian home 32 is the absolute minimum number of times that I have heard the story of Jesus coming to earth. After so many listens. The question begins to slowly creep into your mind like a spider ‘I have out grown Christmas’. The story for Jesus is good, heck it is necessary to every young Christian, but I’m older now. I’ve got what I needed from it. I’m happy to listen, but it honestly doesn’t hold the same importance to me.

Thankfully, that was just a stage. I outgrew the story reasonably fast but the truth is, that for many of us the Christmas story has become just this. A story that excited us once, but now over time it doesn’t hold the same shine it once did. The idea begins to slowly creep into our minds like a spider in the dark . the Idea of ‘I have out grown the Christmas story’. The story for Jesus birth is good, heck it is necessary to every young Christian, but I’m older now. I’ve got what I needed from it. I’m happy to listen, but it honestly doesn’t hold the same importance to me. Is this how you feel?

Thankfully, that was just a stage. I outgrew the story reasonably fast but the truth is, that for many of us the Christmas story has become just this. A story that excited us, but now over time, and so many it doesn’t hold the same shine it once did. The idea begins to slowly creep into our minds like a spider is ‘I have out grown Christmas’. The story for Jesus is good, heck it is necessary to every young Christian, but I’m older now. I’ve got what I needed from it. I’m happy to listen, but it honestly doesn’t hold the same importance to me.

I would be surprised if anyone was intentionally thinking ‘I have out grown the Christmas story’, but there would be many that feel it. And the question that we are really left asking is ‘what is the next story?’ What will capture my attention next? What will help me grown as a person next?

Thankfully, that was just a stage. I outgrew the story reasonably fast but the truth is, that for many of us the Christmas story has become just this. A story that excited us once, but now over time it doesn’t hold the same shine it once did. The idea begins to slowly creep into our minds like a spider in the dark . the Idea of ‘I have out grown the Christmas story’. The story for Jesus birth is good, heck it is necessary to every young Christian, but I’m older now. I’ve got what I needed from it. I’m happy to listen, but it honestly doesn’t hold the same importance to me. Is this how you feel?

Here is an embarrassing Nat fact for you. A book that was like this for me when I was a teenager was ‘A walk to remember’ by Nicholas Sparks. The same author that wrote ‘the Note Book’. I don’t know what to say. It met me were I was as an emotionally confused teenager.

This morning we are going to be listening to the second song of Christmas. Last week Mark mentioned that there are four songs sung in the bible around the birth of Jesus. Last week Mark, preached on the Magnificate, the song of Mary the mother of Jesus. This week we will hear the Benedictus, the song of Zecheriah the Father of John the Baptist.

I would be surprised if anyone was actively thinking ‘I have out-grown the Christmas story’, but there would be many that feel it. The question that we are really left asking is ‘what is the next story?’ What will capture my attention next? What will help me grown as a person next?

· How do you say “My kids are better than yours in every way, and it’s never going to change” politely? Who am I kidding, I don’t need to say anything. You all known it already in your hearts

I would be surprised if anyone was actively thinking ‘I have out grown the Christmas story’, but there would be many that feel it. The question that we are really left asking is ‘what is the next story?’ What will capture my attention next? What will help me grown as a person next?

Thankfully, that was just a stage. I outgrew the story reasonably fast but the truth is, that for many of us the Christmas story has become just this. A story that excited us once, but now over time it doesn’t hold the same shine it once did. The idea begins to slowly creep into our minds like a spider in the dark . the Idea of ‘I have out grown the Christmas story’. The story for Jesus birth is good, heck it is necessary to every young Christian, but I’m older now. I’ve got what I needed from it. I’m happy to listen, but it honestly doesn’t hold the same importance to me. Is this how you feel?

I would be surprised if anyone was actively thinking ‘I have out-grown the Christmas story’, but there would be many that feel it. The question that we are really left asking is ‘what is the next story?’ What will capture my attention next? What will help me grown as a person next?

I would be surprised if anyone was intentionally thinking ‘I have out grown the Christmas story’, but there would be many that feel it. And the question that we are really left asking is ‘what is the next story?’ What will capture my attention next? What will help me grown as a person next?

And what we are going to find in this song of Zechariah’s is three things.

I would be surprised if anyone was actively thinking ‘I have out-grown the Christmas story’, but there would be many that feel it. The question that we are really left asking is ‘what is the next story?’ What will capture my attention next? What will help me grown as a person next?

This morning we are going to be listening to the second song of Christmas. Last week Mark mentioned that there are four songs sung in the bible around the birth of Jesus. The songs of Mary, Zecheriah, the angels with the shepherds and Simmion.

And what we are going to find in this song of Zechariah’s song is three things.

· My Kids. Not just better than yours but better than you as well…

This morning we are going to be listening to the second song of Christmas. Last week Mark mentioned that there are four songs sung in the bible around the birth of Jesus. Last week Mark, preached on the Magnificate, the song of Mary the mother of Jesus. This week we will hear the Benedictus, the song of Zecheriah the Father of John the Baptist.

This morning we are going to be listening to the second song of Christmas. Last week Mark mentioned that there are four songs sung in the bible around the birth of Jesus. The songs of Mary, Zecheriah, the angels with the shepherds and Simmion.

This morning we are going to be listening to the second song of Christmas. Last week Mark mentioned that there are four songs sung in the bible around the birth of Jesus. Last week Mark, preached on the Magnificate, the song of Mary the mother of Jesus. This week we will hear the Benedictus, the song of Zecheriah the Father of John the Baptist.

This morning we are going to look at Zecheriah’s song at the birth of his son John, and what we are going to find that our place is in God’s story. Who I am, who you are, our growth and our story is not a stand alone book, but is bound within the pages of Gods redemption story, and that makes us so much more valuable. We are going to see that

And what we are going to find in this song of Zechariah’s is three things.

This is exactly the response that I expect from Zecheriah. And he has some good reasons for doing it. The kid is a miracle! They couldn’t have kids when they were young, they certainly couldn’t when they were old. This is not a couple of 40 years old finding out that there body wasn’t quite done. We are talking elderly people. Yet here is this baby boy whos conception was announced by an angel from God. Zecheriah has reason to brag.

This morning we are going to look at Zecheriah’s song at the birth of his son John, and what we are going to find that our place is in God’s story. Who I am, who you are, our growth and our story is not a stand alone book, but is bound within the pages of Gods redemption story, and that makes us so much more valuable. We are going to see that

1. That the Christmas story is more than just a book that we pick up and put down, it is apart of our identity. Of who we are.

This morning we are going to be listening to the second song of Christmas. Last week Mark mentioned that there are four songs sung in the bible around the birth of Jesus. The songs of Mary, Zecheriah, the angels with the shepherds and Simmion.

1. That the Christmas story, indeed the whole redemption story is more than just a book that we pick up and put down, it is apart of our identity. Of who we are.

And what we are going to find in this song of Zechariah’s song is three things.

More than that, when the angel told Zecheriah that the john was going to be conceived he gave a detailed description as to who he was going to be.

This morning we are going to look at Zechariah’s song at the birth of his son John, and what we are going to find is that we cannot out grow the Christmas story. Just as we cannot outgrow the story of redemption, of which Christmas is a part of. We are going to see our place in God’s story.

2. Who we are is not the main character or hero of the story.

1. That the Christmas story, indeed the whole redemption story is more than just a book that we pick up and put down, it is apart of our identity. Of who we are.

2. Who we are in this story is not the main character or hero of the story, that is Jesus. Who we are is the prize!

1. That the Christmas story is more than just a book that we pick up and put down, it is apart of our identity. Of who we are.

1. first, we are not the main character of the story, Jesus is.

Look at

2. Second, we are the prize!

3. While we are not the hero, we are the prize.

2. Who we are is not the main character or hero of the story.

2. Who we are in this story is not the main character or hero of the story, that is Jesus. Who we are is the prize!

3. We are not to ever outgrow the redemption story, we in-grow it. It is what we are all about.

1. first, our place in God’s story is not as the hero, or even the main character. That is Jesus.

3. We are not to ever outgrow the redemption story, we in-grow it. It is what we are all about.

· He will be great in the sight of the Lord

3. Third, our response to God’s story.

4. That our purpose in life comes from this story. We do not grow our of it, we grow into it.

3. While we are not the hero, we are the prize.

2. Second, while we are not the hero, our place in God’s story is as the prize!

3. Third, our response to God’s story.

And I pray in hearing this message we will be refreshed in our perspective of the Christmas story, and indeed the redemption story as a whole. And shoo away that creeping spider of an idea that we may have out grown the story’ and replace it with an excitement to grow by digging deeper into the Christmas story.

4. That our purpose in life comes from this story. We do not grow our of it, we grow into it.

3. Thirdly, our place in God’s story contains an invitation within it. An invitation to delight in our part of God’s story, or endure it.

· He will be filled with the Holy Spirit

And I pray in hearing this message we will be refreshed in our perspective of the Christmas story, and indeed the redemption story as a whole. And shoo away that creeping spider of an idea that we may have out grown the story’ and replace it with an excitement to grow by digging deeper into the Christmas story.

Point 1:

And I pray in hearing this message we will be refreshed in our perspective of the Christmas story, and indeed the redemption story as a whole. And shoo away that creeping spider of an idea that we may have out grown the story’ and replace it with an excitement to grow by digging deeper into the Christmas story.

Let’s pray then we will begin.

Do you know the story of Zechariah?

· He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their god

Let’s pray then we will begin.

What do we expect Zecheriah’s answer to be? I would expect Zecheriah to start with some hardcore bragging. That’s what I do with my kids. It’s 90% of the reason that I still have a facebook account. Have a look at these.

Do you know the story of Zechariah?

Zechariah and his wife were old and childless. One day they receive a visit from an angel telling them that they were going to have a child called John. And John would

Let’s pray then we will begin.

· He will have the power of the Spirit and Elijah

Do you know the story of Zechariah?

Zechariah and his wife were old and childless. One day they receive a visit from an angel telling them that they were going to have a child called John. And John would

· Be great in the sight of the Lord

Do you know the story of Zechariah?

Zechariah and his wife were old and childless. One day they receive a visit from an angel telling them that they were going to have a child called John. And John would

· Enjoy a rare Ella update! Making all other kids look like ugly trolls in comparison since 2014. Don’t bother replying I don’t check facebook.

· He will turn the hearts of parents to their children, and disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous

· He will make ready a people for the Lord

Zechariah and his wife were old and childless. One day they receive a visit from an angel telling them that they were going to have a child called John. And John would

· Filled with the Holy Spirit

· This little girl is the reason other parents keep trying!... now we have two!

· Be great in the sight of the Lord

· Another Mills girl to make your life worth living

· Be great in the sight of the Lord

· Filled with the Holy Spirit

This is what I expect to hear come from Zecheriah’s mouth when asked the question ‘who will he become?’ but what do we hear instead?

· Turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their god

· Filled with the Holy Spirit

Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy:

· He would have the power of the Spirit and Elijah

· Turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their god

· How do you say “My kids are better than yours in every way, and it’s never going to change” politely? Who am I kidding, I don’t need to say anything. You all known it already in your hearts

· Filled with the Holy Spirit

· He would have the power of the Spirit and Elijah

68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,

· My Kids. Not just better than yours but better than you as well…

· Turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their god

· He would turn the hearts of parents to their children, and disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous

· He would have the power of the Spirit and Elijah

· He would turn the hearts of parents to their children, and disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous

This is exactly the response that I expect from Zecheriah. And he has some good reasons for doing it. The kid is a miracle! They couldn’t have kids when they were young, they certainly couldn’t when they were old. This is not a couple of 40 years old finding out that there body wasn’t quite done. We are talking elderly people. Yet here is this baby boy whos conception was announced by an angel from God. Zecheriah has reason to brag.

· He would have the power of the Spirit and Elijah

for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.

· He would turn the hearts of parents to their children, and disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous

· & He would make ready a people for the Lord

More than that, when the angel told Zecheriah that the john was going to be conceived he gave a detailed description as to who he was going to be.

· & He would make ready a people for the Lord

69 He has raised up a mighty savior for us

· & He would make ready a people for the Lord

· He would turn the hearts of parents to their children, and disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous

Zecheriah’s response was one of disbelief. And because of this the angel made him mute until the day that all that was said had come true.

Zechariah’s response was one of disbelief. And because of this the angel made him mute until the day that all that was said had come true.

in the house of his servant David,

· & He would make ready a people for the Lord

Zechariah’s response was one of disbelief. And because of this the angel made him mute until the day that all that was said had come true.

Look at

This is where we meet our passage this morning in

70 as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,

This is where we meet our passage this morning in

· He will be great in the sight of the Lord

Zechariah’s response was one of disbelief. And because of this the angel made him mute until the day that all that was said had come true.

57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.

This is where we meet our passage this morning in

57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.

· He will be filled with the Holy Spirit

59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. 60 But his mother said, “No; he is to be called John.” 61 They said to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” 62 Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. 63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this child become?” For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.

71 that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.

59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. 60 But his mother said, “No; he is to be called John.” 61 They said to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” 62 Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. 63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this child become?” For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.

· He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their god

It is this question that Zecharaiah is going to answer. “What will this child become?” what will he grow into? How will he grow? It’s a pretty reasonable question, the kid is a miracle. Born to people that where barren in their youth, let alone in their 80’s. And they have just seen a mute person become able to speak when the kid is named. Who will he become? What will his story be? Surley it will be something amazing!

57 Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.

59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. 60 But his mother said, “No; he is to be called John.” 61 They said to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” 62 Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. 63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this child become?” For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.

72 Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,

Point 1:

59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. 60 But his mother said, “No; he is to be called John.” 61 They said to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” 62 Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. 63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. 64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. 65 Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. 66 All who heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this child become?” For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.

What do we expecting Zecheriah’s answer to be? I would expect Zecheriah to start with some hardcore bragging. That’s what I do with my kids. It’s 90% of the reason that I still have a facebook account. Have a look at these.

· He will have the power of the Spirit and Elijah

and has remembered his holy covenant,

Point 1:

“What then will this child become?”. It is no wonder that this is the question asked. The people are excited by Johns birth! How could they not be, it was surrounded by miracles. News paper titles “Bouncing baby boy found in ancient dusty womb” or “Baby presses un-mute button for once”. It is no wonder the people are asking “What will this child become?” Something great, surely. Maybe a great leader of the people. A prophet like no other before. Perhaps the long awaited saviour? A hero and the main character of story at the least? “What will this child become?”

· Enjoy a rare Ella update! Making all other kids look like ugly trolls in comparison since 2014. Don’t bother replying I don’t check facebook.

73 the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,

Point 1:

· He will turn the hearts of parents to their children, and disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous

· He will make ready a people for the Lord

· This little girl is the reason other parents keep trying!... now we have two!

“What then will this child become?”. It is no wonder that this is the question asked. The people are excited by Johns birth! How could they not be, it was surrounded by miracles. News paper titles “Bouncing baby boy found in ancient dusty womb” or “Baby presses un-mute button for once”. It is no wonder the people are asking “What will this child become?” Something great, surely. Maybe a great leader of the people. A prophet like no other before. Perhaps the long awaited saviour? A hero and the main character of story at the least? “What will this child become?”

We have all seen the Lion king. There is that scene at the beginning of the movie where old Rafiki takes the new born Simba up the top of Pride rock to announce to the land, “Here is Simba, the future king, the hero of the story, the main character, this is who it is all about”. And there is a cacophony of rejoicing from the crowd of animals. It announces to us, right at the begging of the movie, that this story is going to be all about the kid becoming the king. Imagine if at Simba’s birth, old Rafiki climbs the rock to announce the future king and the lion cub that he hold aloft is not Simba, but an entirely different cub… Suddenly Simba is not the main character. It’s not about him becoming king, but about this other lion cub.

to grant us 74 that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,

This is what I expect to hear come from Zecheriah’s mouth when asked the question ‘who will he become?’ but what do we hear instead?

This is what happens in the opening of Zechariahs song. The people have asked “what will this child become”. And Zechariah opens his mouth and announces to the world, behold your future king, your hero, and main character. And it isn’t John that he speaks about, it’s an entirely different lion cub. Jesus. Zechariah’s response is that John will not be the hero or the main character. John’s place is in God’s redemption story. But it is Jesus that is the hero and the main character. This is apart of Johns identity. Who he is, what he will become. This is Zechariahs answer.

might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness

We have all seen the Lion king. There is that scene at the beginning of the movie where old Rafiki takes the new born Simba up the top of Pride rock to announce to the land, “Here is Simba, the future king, the hero of the story, the main character, this is who it is all about”. And there is a cacophony of rejoicing from the crowd of animals. It announces to us, right at the begging of the movie, that this story is going to be all about the kid becoming the king. Imagine if at Simba’s birth, old Rafiki climbs the rock to announce the future king and the lion cub that he hold aloft is not Simba, but an entirely different cub… Suddenly Simba is not the main character. It’s not about him becoming king, but about this other lion cub.

· Another Mills girl to make your life worth living

This is what happens in the opening of Zechariahs song. The people have asked “what will this child become”. And Zechariah opens his mouth and announces to the world, behold your future king, your hero, and main character. And it isn’t John that he speaks about, it’s an entirely different lion cub. Jesus. Zechariah’s response is that John will not be the hero or the main character. John’s place is in God’s redemption story. But it is Jesus that is the hero and the main character. This is apart of Johns identity. Who he is, what he will become. This is Zechariahs answer.

This is what happens in the opening of Zechariahs song. The people have asked “what will this child become”. And Zechariah opens his mouth and announces to the world, behold your future king, your hero, and main character. And it isn’t John that he speaks about, it’s an entirely different lion cub. Jesus. Zechariah’s response is that John will not be the hero or the main character. John’s place is in God’s redemption story. If you want to know how john fits into the world, you must look to what Jesus has done. Who John is, what he will become is bound up in the actions and direction of the hero of the story.

Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy:

before him all our days.

Listen to Zechariah’s opening words

· How do you say “My kids are better than yours in every way, and it’s never going to change” politely? Who am I kidding, I don’t need to say anything. You all known it already in your hearts

· My Kids. Not just better than yours but better than you as well…

68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,

76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;

Listen to Zechariah’s opening words

for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.

68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,

This is exactly the response that I expect from Zecheriah to have and he has reason to brag! Not just the miracles, but the angle has given a detailed description of exactly what Johns life is going to look like. at

for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,

69 He has raised up a mighty savior for us

for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.

69 He has raised up a mighty savior for us

· He will be great in the sight of the Lord

77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people

in the house of his servant David,

69 He has raised up a mighty savior for us

· He will be filled with the Holy Spirit

in the house of his servant David,

by the forgiveness of their sins.

in the house of his servant David,

70 as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,

in the house of his servant David,

· He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their god

70 as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,

78 By the tender mercy of our God,

71 that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.

· He will have the power of the Spirit and Elijah

the dawn from on high will break upon us,

71 that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.

70 as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,

· On and on…

72 Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,

79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

71 that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.

and has remembered his holy covenant,

This is what I expect to hear come from Zecheriah’s mouth when asked the question ‘who will he become?’

and has remembered his holy covenant,

72 Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,

to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

and has remembered his holy covenant,

73 the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,

80 The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.

….but what do we hear instead?

73 the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,

and has remembered his holy covenant,

73 the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,

What we hear instead of boldfaced bragging about his son, is declarations of praise to God about another baby entirely. Instead of hearing a detailed description about his sons place in this world, we hear about the man that john will serve.

68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,

to grant us 74 that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,

might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness

A movie that we are all familiar with… the Lion King. There is the scene right at the beginning when Simba is born. Old Rafiki the Baboon sage takes Simba up Pride rock and shows him off the Pride lands. This is simba, he will be out future king. You can imagine the confusion, if at Simba’s birth old Rafiki mounted the rock to declaire who Simba was to the whole Pride land and instead of holding up Simba, he holds up and entirely different lion cub and begins to sing his praise.

might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness

to grant us 74 that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,

might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness

for he has looked favorably on his people and redeemed them.

69 He has raised up a mighty savior for us

might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness

before him all our days.

Here we see that to answer the question, who will John become? Zecheriah has seen straight to the heart of question and pointed to what God is doing, and who Jesus is. Johns identity, who he will become, his story is bound up within the story of Jesus. John can be known without knowing who Jesus is.

before him all our days.

When we ask our selves that spidery question “have I outgrown the Christmas story?” How are we looking at the story of Jesus birth? The redemption story of God? It is a story that we pick up and put down once a year. It serves a purpose. It is perhaps a reoccurring theme in our story. A chapter in our book. A story and a book where we are the main character. But if we trust what Zecheriah is saying is true, this is backwards. It is not, God’s place in our story. But our place in God’s story. Not being the main character is apart of our identity. This is who we are. And it means that it is not a story that we outgrow, or put down. But that we are bound into. The Christmas story is apart of who we are.

76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;

before him all our days.

in the house of his servant David,

When we ask our selves that spidery question “have I outgrown the Christmas story?” How are we looking at the story of Jesus birth? The redemption story of God? It is a story that we pick up and put down once a year. It serves a purpose. It is perhaps a reoccurring theme in our story. A chapter in our book. A story and a book where we are the main character. But if we trust what Zecheriah is saying is true, this is backwards. It is not, God’s place in our story. But our place in God’s story. Not being the main character is apart of our identity. This is who we are. And it means that it is not a story that we outgrow, or put down. But that we are bound into. The Christmas story is apart of who we are.

Mark mentioned this last week preaching on marys song, the magnificate. Just like Mary, Johns story is not stand alone, but is a chapter within a larger book. A larger book where we find that John is not the main character.

70 as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,

Point 2:

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,

Point 2:

When we ask our selves that spidery question “have I outgrown the Christmas story?” How are we looking at the story of Jesus birth? The redemption story of God? It is a story that we pick up and put down once a year. It serves a purpose. A chapter in our book. Ultimately, we see our selves as the main character of our lives, of our story. But if we trust what Zechariah is saying is true, this is backwards. As Mark said last week, we do not fit God’s story into our. Our place is in God’s story. Not being the main character is apart of our identity. This is who we are. And it means that the actions, and purposes of our hero Jesus cannot be outgrown, or put down. Our lives are all about Jesus and what he has done.

71 that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.

77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people

This is where we find our second point. Because who in the world wants to hear that? Who wants to find out that they are not the main character? What type of feel good Christmas message is this? It raises the point doesn’t it, if I am not the main character, and the story isn’t mine, I am of less value than I thought. Does not being the main character, the hero, mean that I am of less value? Is our place in God’s story a cheap one?

Take a Breath

Point 2:

by the forgiveness of their sins.

The craze in the cinemas in recent years has been one of Heroes. Captain America, Thor, Black Panther, Guardians of the Galaxy, spider man… the list goes on and on and on. The heroes of their stories. But of course their stories contain more than a hero, they also contain a valued treasure. It is what all the fighting and effort is for. Captain America does fight for no good reason, but for liberty and justice, Spiderman fights for New Yorks saftey, Guardians of the galaxy guard the galaxy… They each hold something as so incredibly valuable, that it drives the entire plot of the story. The valued object is the reason, and purpose for them laying down their lives. You certainly don’t get the feeling that Superman does care for metropolis. It is the most valued possession there is.

72 Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,

The craze in the cinemas in recent years has been one of Heroes. Captain America, Thor, Black Panther, Guardians of the Galaxy, spider man… the list goes on and on and on. The heroes of their stories. But of course their stories contain more than a hero, they also contain a valued treasure. It is what all the fighting and effort is for. Captain America does fight for no good reason, but for liberty and justice, Spiderman fights for New Yorks saftey, Guardians of the galaxy guard the galaxy… They each hold something as so incredibly valuable, that it drives the entire plot of the story. The valued object is the reason, and purpose for them laying down their lives. You certainly don’t get the feeling that Superman does care for metropolis. It is the most valued possession there is.

This is where we find our second point. Because who in the world wants to hear that? Who wants to find out that they are not the main character? What type of feel good Christmas message is this? Because it raises the point doesn’t it, if I am not the main character, and the story isn’t mine, I am of less value than I thought. Not being the main character, the hero, means that I am of less value? Is our place in God’s story a cheap one?

and has remembered his holy covenant,

78 By the tender mercy of our God,

While we are not the hero of the story, it doesn’t take much to realise that doesn’t mean we are not valuable. In re-examining What we read of Zecheriah’s song what do we find is the treasured item of Jesus, the hero of the story?

He looks favourably on his people

Take a Breath

73 the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,

the dawn from on high will break upon us,

He looks favourably on his people

He has raised up a mighty savious… for us

The craze in the cinemas in recent years has been one of Heroes. Captain America, Thor, Black Panther, Guardians of the Galaxy, spider man… the list goes on and on and on. They heroes of their stories. But of course their stories contain more than a hero, they also contain a valued treasure. It is what all the fighting and effort is for. Captain America doesn’t fight for no reason, but for liberty and justice, Spiderman fights for New Yorks saftey, Guardians of the galaxy guard the galaxy… They each hold something as so incredibly valuable, that it drives the entire plot of the story. The valued object is the reason, and purpose for them laying down their lives. You certainly don’t get the feeling that Superman does care for metropolis. It is the most valued possession there is.

He has raised up a mighty savious… for us

to grant us 74 that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,

79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

might serve him without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness

to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

That we would be saved from our enemies

While we are not the hero of the story, it doesn’t take much to realise that it doesn’t mean we are of little valuable. In re-examining what we read of Zechariah’s song what do we find is the treasured item of our hero? What drives him, and all that he does? What is so valuable he is willing to suffer and lay down his life for it?

That we would be saved from our enemies

80 The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.

He looks favourably on his people

Keeps the promises and covenant made to us

before him all our days.

What we hear instead of boldfaced bragging about his son, is declarations of praise to God about another baby entirely. Instead of hearing a detailed description about his sons place in this world, we hear about the man that john will serve.

So that we might be restored to holiness and righteousness.

He has raised up a mighty saviour… for us

So that we might be restored to holiness and righteousness.

76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;

Is our place in God’s story a cheap one? No… our place in God’s story is one of incredible value. Our redemption is the reason for the whole story.

A movie that we are all familiar with… the Lion King. There is the scene right at the beginning when Simba is born. Old Rafiki the Baboon takes Simba up Pride rock and shows him off the Pride lands. This is Simba, he will be out future king. You can imagine the confusion, if at Simba’s birth old Rafiki mounted the rock to declaire who Simba was to the whole Pride land and instead of holding up Simba, he holds up and entirely different lion cub and begins to sing his praise.

That we would be saved from our enemies

Is our place in God’s story a cheap one? No… our place in God’s story is one of incredible value. Our redemption is the reason for the whole story.

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,

Here we see Zechaeriah do exactly that. Instead of bragging about his son, he lifts his voice in praise of the Son of God. A different lion cub entirely. Because John story, Marys was last week is bound up within the story of Jesus. If you want to know who John will become, you must look to Jesus. Zecheriah immediately puts John in his place within God story.

If it is in the Christmas story that we find our true value. How can we ever think that this is something that this is a story that we can outgrow. Instead we continue to understand that the Christmas story is a place that we can return to be refreshed in our perspective. To grasp again that our value comes not from our selves, and digging deeper. But from the heart of our saviour. Our place in God’s story is one of incredible value. Particularly in a season like this. The end of the year, just before a busy Christmas, many people are just slogging on. Getting through. The Christmas blues are are here. The redemption story, the Christmas story filled with a message of how incredibly valuable you are. How loved you are. This is what we need in this season.

If it is in the Christmas story that we find our true value. How can we ever think that this is something that this is a story that we can outgrow. Instead we continue to understand that the Christmas story is a place that we can return to be refreshed in our perspective. To grasp again that our value comes not from our selves, and digging deeper. But from the heart of our saviour. Our place in God’s story is one of incredible value.

77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people

Keeps the promises and covenant made to us

So that we might be restored to holiness and righteousness.

by the forgiveness of their sins.

It is the same for us. At Christmas time we are hearing not just a story about a distant unrelated Jesus. But a story that we are involved in personally. The redemption plan is a part of who we are.

Point 3:

78 By the tender mercy of our God,

Is our place in God’s story a cheap one? No… our place in God’s story is one of incredible value. Our Hero makes it so.

Point 2:

Now we come to our third point. Now that we know we are not the hero, but that we are the prize. Now that we know that we cannot outgrow the Christmas or redemption story, but instead need to turn to it for a refreshed perspective of who we are in the eyes of Jesus. What now? What are we to do as the prize in the story?

Now we come to our third point. Now that we know we are not the hero, but that we are the prize. Now that we know that we cannot outgrow the Christmas or redemption story, but instead need to turn to it for a refreshed perspective of who we are in the eyes of Jesus. What is our response? What are we to do as the prize in the story?

If it is in the redemption story that we find our true value. How can we ever think that we can outgrow it. Who would we want to? How can we become bored with it. Instead we continue to understand that the Christmas story is a place that we can return to be refreshed in our perspective. To grasp again that our value comes not from our selves, and digging deeper. But from the heart of our hero, of our saviour. Our place in God’s story is one of incredible value because of Jesus. Particularly in a season like this. The end of the year, just before a busy Christmas, many people are just slogging on. Getting through. How important is a message about their place in God’s story being one of incredible value?

Illustration

the dawn from on high will break upon us,

Point 3:

Conclusion

How many people, especially over this week, with the fire here and in NSW. People who have lost their homes, their lively hoods, and some even more, must wonder if they have lost all made their lives valuable. How important is a message about their place in God’s story being one of incredible value?

79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

Similarly Jesus is the hero. His plans will come about hell or highwater. And we will be apart of the story. But we are invited to delight in the process or endure it. We are at the end of the first chapter of Luke and already we have seen three invitations to delight in participation. First with Mary. She was going to become pregnant with Jesus. That was the plan. But she was invited to delight in it, other wise God never would have told her. But, as Mark pointed out, her response was one of faithfulness. And it resulted in a song of joy in the Lord.

Point 4:

Conclusion

Now look at Zecheriah. The plan was that he and his wife would become pregnant with John. He was invited to delight in it by the revelation of an angel. His response… one of doubt, so he was made mute. The plan still went ahead, irrelevant of Zecheriahs delight or doubt, John was born.

Point 3:

to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Now we come to our third point. Now that we know we are not the hero, but that we are the prize. Now that we know that we cannot outgrow the Christmas or redemption story, but instead need to turn to it for a refreshed perspective of who we are in the eyes of Jesus. What now? What are we to do as the prize in the story?

Finally we here of an invitation to delight made to John. The plan… seen in Zecheriahs song

80 The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.

Do you remember bathing your kids when they where new borns? I still remember bathing Ella in the hospital basin for the first time. I wasn’t even comfortable holding a new born let alone holding them under the water. But it had to be done. The plan was set, strip, bath, clothed. I had no idea if ella was going to enjoy the process or not. To my delight, she loved it offering my a lop sided smile. Three years later, Connie was up for her first bath, we where at home and the plan was set. But I was confident, Ella loved baths I’m sure Constance was going to be the same… The sounds that tore from her throat during that bath from hell, will haunt my dreams until I die… But she still got bathed. Her reaction was in some ways irrelevant. She had the freedom to enjoy it as Ella did, but either way the bath was happening. Then came my boy. How would Grayson react? Would he delight in it? would he suffer it? could my soul bear under the pain? The plan was set. A bath was going to happen. I was not going to have stinky kids. And to my immense relief, he was so relaxed he fell asleep in there.

76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;

What we hear instead of boldfaced bragging about his son, is declarations of praise to God about another baby entirely. Instead of hearing a detailed description about his sons place in this world, we hear about his place within someone else’s redemption story.

Gods has a plan. Ben preached on it a few weeks ago. And, we will be apart of that plan, that is a non-negotiable, just like the kids having a bath. And just like the kids we are invited to delight in the process or suffer it. We are at the end of the first chapter of Luke and already we have seen three invitations to delight in participating in God’s plan. First with Mary. She was going to become pregnant with Jesus. That was the plan. But she was invited to delight in it, other wise God never would have told her. As Mark pointed out last week, her response was one of faithfulness. And it resulted in a song of joy in the Lord.

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,

A movie that we are all familiar with… the Lion King. There is the scene right at the beginning when Simba is born. Old Rafiki the Baboon takes Simba up Pride rock and shows him off the Pride lands. This is Simba, he will be out future king. You can imagine the confusion, if at Simba’s birth old Rafiki mounted the rock and instead of holding up Simba, he holds up and entirely different lion cub and announces him as king, and that Simba would serve him.

77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people

Here we see Zechaeriah do exactly that. Instead of bragging about his son, he lifts his voice in praise of the Son of God. A different lion cub entirely. Because John story, just as Marys was last week is bound up within the story of Jesus. Zecharaiah immediately puts John in his place within the redemption story.

Now look at Zecheriah. The plan was that he and his wife would become pregnant with John. He was invited to delight in it by the revelation of an angel. His response… one of doubt. God couldn’t do it. He was made mute. But, the plan still went ahead, irrelevant of Zechariahs delight or doubt, John was born. God’s plans happen.

Finally we hear of an invitation made to John a baby not yet even conceived of. The plan… seen in Zecheriahs song

by the forgiveness of their sins.

It is the same for us. At Christmas time we are hearing not just a story about a distant unrelated Jesus. But a story that we are involved in personally. The redemption plan is a part of who we are.

78 By the tender mercy of our God,

Point 2:

76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;

Point 3:

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,

the dawn from on high will break upon us,

Point 4:

77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people

79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Conclusion

by the forgiveness of their sins.

78 By the tender mercy of our God,

That was the plan… his response…

the dawn from on high will break upon us,

80 The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.

79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,

And when he appeared he was doing the will of God.

to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,

Like Mary, Zecheriahs we are invited into the delight of God’s will on earth. It is the reasons that we have been saved by our Hero. So that we might serve him in holiness and righteousness. The part of the adventure will be different. Mary, Zecheriah and John were unique. But we like them have been told how we might delight in participating in his plan. Love the Lord your God with all your heart,

That was the plan… and his response…

80 The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.

Luke 28:19-20

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

And when he appeared he was doing the will of God.

The plan is that God will claim his disciples, and he will use you to do it. The invitation is for you to share in joy and delight of the process.

the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,

Conclusion

Like Mary, Zecheriah and John we are invited into the delight of God’s will on earth. It is the reason that we have been saved by our Hero. V74 saved that we might serve him in holiness and righteousness. Our participation will look different. A different part of the story. Mary, Zecheriah and John were unique.

The Plan is almost complete. Zechariahs song points at that. Look at the covenant that has been kept in the coming of Jesus. Look at the promises kept. The enemy has been beaten; sin is dealt with. There is just a little bit of the plan left… we are invited to delight in it while we can.

Luke 28:19-20

19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

In V 77-78 Zechariah said that John would give knowledge of salvation through repentance and the forgiveness of sins. That he would be a light to those that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death to guide their feet into the way of peace.

Let us be like John, and faithfully delight in the plans God has left for this world.

Conclusion

As we close this morning, I pray that we have been refreshed in perspective of our place in God’s story, of the Christmas story. To know that it is apart of who we are. Not a story that we can pick up and put down. But one that we are active participants in. Not as the Hero, but as the prize in the eyes of Christ.

And in being refreshed in about our place in God’s story, to take the invitation made to us, to delight in that part of the story that God has given us.

As we close we are going to be singing an old song that I requested called “Blessed Assurance”. I choose it… 1) I prefer good old songs. 2) a deeper reason, is the chorus.

This is my story,

This is my song

Praising my saviour all the day long.

Lets now, take up a delighted role of praising God.