Dec 12 2021 - The Weary World Rejoices - Nothing is random and nothing is impossible

Intro:

Good morning GracePointe! I hope tat all of us can remember all the many ways that God has blessed you. We have had the opportunity to sing to Him, to praise Him and to encourage others in our church family to do the same. Thank you Sid. Thank you for leading us this morning and the choir for helping lead us in making sure our focus and attention is on one thing....praising God! And GracePointe, I love how we praise God.

Not just in song but in everything. I love that we praise God in our humility to God and to one another. We endeavor to be united in the spirit. I see so many of us living out the truth that we are saved by God’s gift of grace…we did not earn or deserve it. We turn and give that same grace to one another both in and outside our church family. One way that I saw this was with Angel Tree this year. (Cue Picture). We were able to provide gifts for 43 children. 43 children were able to know that a church cares for them. That we are praying for them. That we are praying for each and everyone of them to come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

New Series - The Weary World Rejoices

We are beginning our new Christmas Series today! (CUE SERIES GRAPHIC) The Weary World Rejoices in the first two chapters of Luke. The last few years have created so many situations where…you have a plan…and then you have to pivot. You create a new plan…and then you have to pivot. Not just once…multiple times. Each time, your body goes through an adrenaline spike....a little flight or fight mechanism happens....each time takes a toll on you. Before this year, I thought I was built for being quick on my feet....being flexible and handling changes. 2020/2021 was my match....even us extroverts and creative types with all of our flexibility have limits!

Those limits have been tested. We grow weary. Weariness that hangs on you like a weight. I was thinking about weariness a lot as we prepared for this series. Weariness is not the same as exhaustion. Being spent. I have done some epic hikes and bike rides. I did the Vernonia trail on my bike a few years ago…41 miles! But that exhaustion at the end was a happy one. I made it. I did it. Now let us sleep for days, nurse our wounds and eat carbs like they are going out of style!

What is weariness?

But that is not weariness. In my opinion, weariness has a factor of unspent energy. I have energy to give but what is the point. Weariness is the physical, emotional, spiritual baggage that accumulates as we live out life. The baggage that comes from all the situations…positive and negative but most importantly…they all require output and they all produce weariness. Even though someone who has had great career as a football or basketball player…all kinds of positive experiences…and yet there is wear and tear on their bodies, countless hours of rehab, surgeries, and lingering pain. Ecc 1:8 points to this reality as it says all things are full of weariness. Weariness is in everything. It builds up, sometimes fast and sometimes slow but it always builds up.

I love that God knows us but is not like us. Isa 40:28 points out that God does not grow weary. He doesn’t experience burn out.

Isaiah 40:28 ESV

28 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.

Series Theme

God’s understanding is vast and beyond measure. As we begin our series in Luke 1, we find that we all know the feeling of being weary. Burnt Out. Exhausted. But Jesus Christ came to bring joy...to bring peace...to bring rejoicing to our weary souls. As we look through the first two chapters of Luke, and build up to Jesus Christ and His birth, we find that because of Him....the weary world rejoices.

Turn with me now to Luke 1 as we look to a snapshot of a weary world that Jesus came into. Luke is the longest gospel and considered beautiful in its writing. We will start in Luke 1: 5-10

Let’s think about where we are in the grand story here. It has been 400 years since God had spoke through a prophet. 400 years. God spoke through Malachi and then…nothing. So many generations. So many people born, living, and passing away....imagine the weariness of a people who are clinging to the promises of God. Before our passage even began, we have weariness. We also have weariness as we look at the government as right off we see in verse 5 that King Herod was in charge.

Herod-Sly Fox

King Herod is the man in charge in the land of Judea. The approximate range of his rule was about 30-35 years. Herod is a self-serving guy who longs to be in power and will attempt to keep it, no matter the costs. He executed members of his own family to stay in power! Herod made it a point to befriend other political power houses . Jesus refers to Herod as “that fox” Luke 13:32 Herod was self-serving and yet also Herod got a lot done. He was known as a builder king. Massive fortresses, ports, even restoring the magnificent Jerusalem temple.

It is even noted by some scholars that Herod would have built more self-aggrandizing…he would have built more statues, and buildings praising himself but he also had to please the pharisees, another powerful group that he needed to please to ensure rule. The pharisees always looked down on Herod as he was a pagan, that is born in Palestine.

(Britannica)https://www.britannica.com/biography/Herod-king-of-Judaea

Herod the fox is charge. He is king. That sly fox is running the show. Always looking to best himself. Here we see right off in our story a glimpse of weariness. Weariness that comes from SIN.

Weariness from SIN

For some of you today, you are experiencing weariness from SIN. Just like Herod, you are using all your power to get more power…to accumulate, to self-serve. The sin, the pride....ripples out causing all kinds of damage.

I want to be clear here because often, you and I like to vilify people. This is not bound to Herod alone. This is a direct result of SIN! Satan prowls around like a roaring lion but his influence is seemingly attractive. Herod was duped just like all of us can be duped.

I just want to stop here and ask..Have you experienced what Paul says in Romans 7:15....not doing the next right thing but rather.doing the wrong thing.... ..do you resonate with this. Do you resonate with knowing what the right thing is....but still doing the wrong thing? Have you ever been beside yourself…yelling in your mind…and yet still doing the thing you detest…that you know God detests. This weariness is felt in every culture, in every household, in every human being all over the world in life and through out the story of humanity after the garden.

Who else is in this story? Zachariah and Elisabeth.

Zachariah is a priest from the line of Levi. Interesting that his name means “the Lord remembers”. In Luke 1:5 we are introduced to Zachariah as he is performing the duty assigned specifically to his order, the order of AbYE_JUH, who are the the descendents of Aaron among the sons of Levi. Since the law of Moses insisted that a priest marry only a woman of highest reputation, Zachariah had chosen the daughter of another priest to be his wife. Not only was she a descendant of Aaron, but she bore the name of Aaron’s own wife, Elisheba or Elizabeth, which means “the oath of God.” John the Baptist came from good stock as they say.

The word says they were devout. Zacharias and Elizabeth were pleasing to God. They submitted to the will of God and obeyed the Word of God. And they did it “in the sight of God,” that is, to exalt the Lord alone rather than to make a good showing before men. They walked with the Lord individually and together.The quality of our walk with God determines our ability to walk happily and harmoniously with each other. Husband and Wife…together... walking with God and with one another. The word here says blameless but They were not sinless but rather did all that was required of sinners in Mosaic Law, they gave many sacrifices. They carried out all that was asked of any sinner…that is before Christ beat death and rose from the grave.

Their NEED

It should be noted however that not everything was perfect. The word says that they could not have children. Proverbs 30.16 explains how their are four experiences in life that are never satisfied…They won’t stop if left unopposed. Death, drought, fire…and the barren womb. Those who desire to have children, and cannot.....understand this verse better than any doctorate at the worlds greatest seminary.

Proverbs 30:16 ESV

16 Sheol, the barren womb, the land never satisfied with water, and the fire that never says, “Enough.”

It is difficult for us to imagine the intense stigma attached to childlessness for them in their culture. Many Jewish Rabbis insisted that it was an evidence of divine disfavor. Even more so, the stigma was given entirely to the woman. Barrenness caused a woman to experience reproach and even a form of social death. While Zacharias and Elizabeth may have been righteous before God, some of their friends probably suspected them of serious secret sin. And there was no way to erase that blot. The phrase “advanced in years” meant at least sixty years of age, well beyond the time of childbearing. It was a hopeless situation.

Weariness from life’s circumstances and brokenness of the world

In this story we see how there was brokenness because this world is broken. Barrenness, infertility, age, timing....in our own lives we deal with sickness like cancer and other diseases....we see people going through horrendous times, we ourselves have to go through pain…and our souls grow weary. SIN has broken the world and it continues to groan as it talks about in Romans 8:22. Sin brought judgement that resulted in disease and death, and changed the world.

Those groanings cause weariness as we see disease, and disasters, accidents....all kinds of circumstances that leave people in ruin. It can cause weariness to go through it for sure, it can also cause weariness to constantly know of it.....when we read the news. When we hear of friends going through hard things. This weariness is also real and dangerous because we can have fatigue . How many times, as Zachariah was preparing for his job…did he think about the issue he and his wife were facing? How many times did he hear about the issues facing his fellow jews in regards to Herod? Rome? Greece? Weariness from the broken world due to Sin.

NOTHING IS RANDOM

Zachariah continued to do his duty and prepare for his scheduled day comes along. It was his turn to minister before the golden altar of incense in the Holy Place, where the spirit of the Lord resided. With the way the groups or courses were divided up, and the amount of priests who were in each group, it becomes evident that entering the Holy Place and kindling the incense upon the golden altar was quite possibly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. AND this was Zachariah’ day.

But we should also recognize that God is going to make an enormous impression in Zachariah and Elisibeth’s life. The vehicle…the intersection is Zachariah doing his job. Going to work....He is a priest and he is doing what he is tasked with doing. rolling up his sleeves and doing the job. And remember, this course was chosen using lot. A random selection. There were several methods but the most used was stones, different colored sides that helped indicate a given outcome. Same lots that were used to pick Judas’ replacement in the 12 disciples. The same ‘lots’ that the guards would use to see who got Jesus’ cloak as he was being crucified. To us today, it seems a lot like rolling the dice. And that seems counter to our baptist tendencies. What’s next? Pulling the lever on the slot machine to see what God would have us do? However, Proverbs 16:33 explains how this ancient practice of lots was viewed in a holistic and God-honoring way.

Proverbs 16:33 ESV

33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.

That is comforting to know that every decision is from the Lord. God lives in the random as he can use all things for our good and His glory. There is nothing beyond is understanding....even a work schedule is in his view. So the lots are cast, the dice are rolled…and the schedule is set. Zachariah is set to do his duty at this time and at this place. He thought it was going to be a normal day to carry out the job he was given. God had much more in store. Luke 1:11-14

Angel Appears

Suddenly an angel of the Lord is standing in his midst and Zechariah was troubled and felt fear. Sometimes, the bible has moments where I wish the writer had described the scene a bit more. Whenever an angel of the Lord appears, they have to tell whoever they are greeting to not be afraid. Something about their presence brings fear and stress. But the angel says no don’t be afraid. Your prayer has been answered.

Zachariah Prayed

Zachariah was praying! Zachariah had a cultural right available to him to divorce Elizabeth due to being barren. It was deemed appropriate to do so. That was the route many other men would have taken. But we see here that Zachariah did not do that...instead Zachariah prayed.

All of us have opportunities where issues come our way. Big, all consuming issues. We can choose to worry, stress, overwork the problems....when we should be bringing them to the Lord just as Zachariah did. He prayed. We don’t know for sure but I like to imagine that not only did Zachariah pray…but Elizabeth prayed. Separately......and together. They put this hopeless situation before the mighty God who could do something about it.

Weariness from continuing to do Good

In our story today, we see examples of a consistent behavior of doing the next right thing. But remember that weariness is the accumulation of baggage from all experiences. All of them to be sure felt weariness even from doing good. Galatians 6:9 says

Galatians 6:9 ESV

9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Zachariah and his wife probably got tired of praying the same prayer. When you and I think of the big issues, the consistent day in and day out…yep that problem is still here kind of issues…i can be tempting to give in to weariness. What is the point? The problem is to big…it is impossible.

Gabriel says great things

We see in verse 14. The angel says your prayers have been answered. You and your wife will have a son and you will call him John and many will rejoice at his birth . The weary people who have struggled with the silence, struggled with Satan using sly foxes and oppression, a weary people who have struggled with Sin.....these weary people will rejoice because He will be fillied with the Holy Spirit....turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God....He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children....I love that line. Selfish adults will think outside themselves…disobedient folks will seek the wisdom of the just.....He will make ready for the Lord a people prepared. They will rejoice for this man will be great before the Lord!

Not a great response

WOW! What an amazing sentiment for a future father to hear! What is Zachariah’s response? How shall I know this? How will I know this is happening?

For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years? DId you just hear all the amazing things that your child will do someday? Doesn’t that excite you? Isn’t this the thing you have praying about for…I don’t know....forever?

Instead Zachariah focuses on only what he can control. He looks at God through his own limitations rather than thinking of God who has no limitations!

Zachariah responds in disbelief. What is interesting to catch here is that there was prescident for what the angel told him. This was not the first time an angel came to let an older man and his wife know that they would have a child in their old age. In Genesis 17 and 18 we see the Lord and two angels bringing this similar news to the father of the jewish faith and his wife. Abraham and Sarah. What strikes me here is that Zachariah, as a priest would know this…Elisabeth would know this. And yet again, they forget what God has already done and instead focus on what they believe he can’t do.

Gabriel responds accordingly

I imagine the angel sizing up Zachariah and seeing someone of little faith. He says I am Gabriel....I stand in the presence of the Lord. You don’t. I was sent here to speak to you and bring you this good news. You can’t seem to string two right words together. If it is possible for Gabriel to be coming unglued, this seems like the moment doesn’t it? Who do you think you are to doubt and question right now…when an angel is standing before you. I am done listening to your foolishness.

The angel strikes him silent and says you will be silent until all these things are fulfilled.

The problem is that good ol Zachariah still had a job to do. He still had to finish the job of preparing the incense and leading the people in their prayer during this time. He has taken too long by now and the words says the people are waiting for him. They are wondering at his delay. He comes out and, unable to speak, has to begin making signs and hand gestures to them. They realize he had seen a vision. Most of them. A few people thought this guy had gone nuts. But most of them yes thought…yeah a vision.

When his time of service was ended, he went to his home. Remember that Zachariah had to work for a week. Scholars can’t really pinpoint when in the week this occurred but there is potential for Zachariah to have up to 6 more days of no speaking as carried out his job. haha what an extremely hard day or perhaps a week at work.

Rejoicing because God has the answer to our need

The word says that Zachariah came home....mute, unable to talk. Walking around with a tablet. You know that God performed a miracle in all this because soon after, Elizabeth was with child. Who knows…maybe she preferred a quiet man. (bu dum shhhhh).

They got pregnant....they are rejoicing. Elizabeth here says that the Lord took away the reproach she got from people. I find that as Christians we can pick the wrong times to disapprove or offer disappointment. When someone is going through a hard thing, a difficult trial, there is a temptation to all turn into the friends of Job. What did you do to deserve this?

So the Lord answers their need even when Zachariah is doubtful. This brings up a contrast.

MARY

A few verses later, we are introduced to different character....a young girl, 16, named Mary. Engaged to be married to man named Joseph. Again, Gabriel comes to this young girl and greets her very favorably. I like to to imagine after Gabriels last encounter with Zachariah that God took him aside and said “you do great work…but try and avoid muting this one ok. I am not telling you how to do your job....but please…she is favored. Maybe lead with that.

And he does just that. Gabriel says you are favored. And goes to say “you will have a son. His name shall be Jesus. He will be great..and son of the most high....he will reign in a kingdom that has no end.

Her response. It is a subtle but sizable difference. “How will this be” It assumes it will happen. But clarity is needed since she is a virgin. Not yet with a husband.

Contrast with Mary and Zachariah

When we look back at Zachariah’s response, we see that Zachariah is saying “How shall I know this?” How will I be assured that this will come to be? Do you see the arrogance at work? The pride and hubris there. In essence, Zachariah is playing out the ancient pride formula. Since I am the center of my universe, I need to have assurances that what something will come to be.

Folks, you are not the center of the universe. God is the object of our worship and in Him is all things. When we look at this through this lens, the reaction of Gabriel seems more appropriate.

But when we Mary....we see no pride…no hubris…but a desire for clarity. John Piper explains that “ Mary saw the human impossibility as clearly as Zechariah, but her heart did not reject the possibility in unbelief; she responded humbly and desired only to know how such an impossibility might be. I infer from this that when our heart is right, God is never opposed to our seeking to understand his ways in history and in our own lives.”

Gabriel doesn’t react the same way from this question How will this be. Instead, he explains…the power of the Most High will overshadow you....Your relative Elizabeth in her old age who was also called barren....she is 6 months pregnant. For nothing will be impossible with God. Such wonderful things written…and yet…if I am Mary…did that answer my question? Felt like it gave me more incredible and impossible things to consider. Power of the Most High....Holy Spirit....wait Elizabeth is pregnant? What? Nothing is impossible with God?

Mary responds with faith...” Behold I am the servant of the Lord....let it be according to your word. Let it be how you said it will be....I am not understanding at all....but I don’t need to understand. I am the servant of the Lord.

Servants of the Lord.

Questions for God are not a problem. Questions with the wrong spirit....that becomes putting ourselves in place of God. We are servants of the Lord…we are to respond to life in the same way “Let it be according to your word”.

From this announcement and these reactions from two sets of parents…we see how God orchestrates His rescue plan for us through such humble beginnings. But be sure....the weariness of life....the weariness in our souls....will be turned to rejoicing when Jesus comes into the picture.

To end today, I want to give a quick few examples of how we can be weary but Jesus turns our weariness into joy.

Rejoicing from Forgiveness

This brings about weariness but Jesus came make us right with God. Ps 32:1 “1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” 1 John 1:9 “9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” People right now…you can rejoice because your sins are forgiven. Put your hope and trust in the Lord....confess your sins to Him and He is faithful to forgive.

Rejoicing from God’s presence

Because Jesus Christ came and took on flesh. Bore our sin and shame to the cross....beat death....you and I have a right relationship with God. God’s presence is promised as it says in John 14:16 “16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,” The Holy Spirit dwells in you and I and will never leave. So when you find yourself in a time of distress....a time where things have turned upside down…abide in Him. Abide in the one who never leaves..Weariness can’t stand up to the presence of the Lord.

Rejoicing that Nothing is impossible with God.

Remember the words of the angel, Gabriel. in Luke 1:37. For nothing is impossible with God. As Christians, we rejoice in that there is no person, no sin. No situation in which God cannot work all things for our Good and His glory. So as we look at our weariness, may we continue to abide in Christ and rejoice in the reality that nothing is impossible with God. Let’s pray.

PRAYER:

Will you stand with me. I leave you with this charge. Finally friends and family, Rejoice.

2 Corinthians 13:11 ESV

11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

May this week we rejoice in the knowledge that the God of love and peace who battles our weariness. Our weariness cannot stand in the presence of our Lord. May we rejoice and live out a life of humility to one another. Thanks and we will see you next week.