Hope in Our Hang-Ups

Opening Prayer

Psalm 89:1-4

Sermon

The Christmas Truce… but it was only a glimmer before being plunged back into an unfortunate truth:

Our way in the world is filled with too many hang-ups.

I don’t think this truly catches us by surprise. Let me point out, again, what Paul wrote in

Romans 3:23

I’ve mentioned “to miss the mark” but also “to deviate from the proper path.” Let me help us out: American Ninja Warrior...

But even in this, like in everything else, there is hope! Listen to the prophet Isaiah, crying out from the ancient Scriptures in

Isaiah 40:1-5

God promised to make the way for a new life with him.

That kind of language was used of a king coming to town. The ruler expected to have the best route, and it was up to the local residents to make that happen.

But that promise doesn’t necessarily ease our trouble! How can we expect to move those obstacles that have long blocked our way to God?

Matthew begins to give us an answer as he introduces us to John (the “Forerunner”) in

Matthew 3:1-6

John was called to “lay the groundwork” for God’s Messiah, and recognized Jesus as the One to come.

John’s message was one of repentance, because that is what would clear the way for God and his kingdom.

Repentance gets a bad rap, but it’s important! Especially when we understand it: Hebrew = “to change one’s actions.” Greek = “to change one’s mind.”

Tied in with confession. Greek = “to say the same thing as.”

Why? A funny thing can happen to us just like happened to the people of Israel. Listen to what they said as they journeyed through the wilderness toward the Promised Land in

Exodus 16:3

That is why this season is such a gift, because

The birth of Jesus helps us see things differently; he came and cleared the way!

The birth of Jesus flips everything we thought we knew on its head! We’ve already mentioned some of these:

times of uncertainty may be when God is most in control; places of insignificance may be where God is most active; a time of exile may be when God is most preparing us for return

In his birth - and in his life, death, resurrection, and ascension! - Jesus actually offers the gift of a changed attitude (which leads to changed life). He clears out all of the obstacles that keep us from seeing God at work and living with him.

And what Jesus does for us, he often then asks us to do for our neighbors:

Jesus invites us to join the work of helping “prepare the way” for others.

Jesus invites us to let his life shine through us, to take a different path and walk differently in the world.

That kind of changed attitude and transformed life is actually participation in that work of “preparing the way.” As Jesus lives in and through us, we become co-workers in helping others see differently and bringing his Kingdom to bear in our world!

Closing Prayer

Romans 16:25-27