The King's Timeless Love Brings Timeful Deliverance

Responsive Reading

Psalm 80:1–7 NIV

Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock. You who sit enthroned between the cherubim, shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh. Awaken your might; come and save us. Restore us, O God; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved. How long, Lord God Almighty, will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people? You have fed them with the bread of tears; you have made them drink tears by the bowlful. You have made us an object of derision to our neighbors, and our enemies mock us. Restore us, God Almighty; make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.

Advent Candle

Reader One

Micah 5:2–5 (NIV)

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites.

He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.

And he will be our peace...

Reader Two

Luke 1:39–45 NIV

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

THE BLESSING OF HOME

Reader One:

Sometimes when we are trying something new, or when we are facing a difficult decision, or when we want to celebrate something, or when we just feel lost and alone and uncertain about life, the universe and everything, we need a blessing. We don’t always think of it that way, or word it like that. We say we need advice, or support, or companions, or someone to come along beside and lift us up again so we can see more than the tops of our shoes. We seek a blessing.

Reader Two:

For many of us, we go home; we ask mom; we talk to dad, or brothers and sisters, close friends, those we grew up with, those who know us best. We want them alongside; we want to be in their presence. Somehow, we know that being there, being home, will make all things better. Maybe it won’t be fixed, or solved, or wished away, but at least we won’t be alone. We seek a blessing.

Reader One:

Mary, faced with an incomprehensible burden and gift, ran to Cousin Elizabeth’s house, looking for someone who knew a little of what she was going through, looking for a place to hide until the reality of her condition could become something real. And she received a blessing. The prophet Micah spoke of a blessing coming to an unexpected place, an unassuming town. Yet by God’s grace would become the means through which God would bless the whole world. Bethlehem, the little town of blessing. We seek a blessing.

Reader Two:

We light these candles, the candle of hope, of peace, of joy and of today, love, as a sign that we know blessing and we know waiting for blessing to be felt and lived. We light these candles as a sign that we still seek a blessing. It’s time to go home. Light all four candles in the Advent wreath

Advent slide

Oh Little Town of Bethlehem

Children’s Program

Worship set

Galatians 3:26–4:7 NIV

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.

Final Worship song

Video: UN Statue

The King's Timeless Love Brings Timeful Deliverance

For hundreds of years people have lived with concern whether or not they would recognize the signs of the time described throughout scripture. In the past few years, we find that those things are before us with such clarity we question why we would have ever doubted our ability to see it. It was the same for the Jews during the time of Jesus birth. The signs were all around them and there was a sense of expectancy.

In our Hanging of the Greens service, I spoke of time. In fact I said,

All time should be relevant to us. The past helps to illuminate truth so in the present we can live within that truth to save us in the future. Of course, our salvation is not only for the future, but salvation is for us even in the present because we believe what happened in the past touches our lives even now. We have purpose. We have hope.

I truly believe this and I believe the experiences of that night of Jesus birth speaks relevantly into our current situation and should bring us a sense of peace and hope.

Galatians 4:4 tells us...

Galatians 4:4 NIV

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

That was step one of the process, but there is another such time coming and Paul writes of it in Ephesians 1:9-10

Ephesians 1:9–10 NIV

he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.

So, what is this “fullness of time?” I want us to look at this subject today and the reasons why we should not fear this fullness of time.

Stand with me for the reading of today’s text. Luke 1:46-55

Luke 1:46–55 NIV

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

The Word of God for the People of God. Thanks be to God.

Pray

I. The King's Timeless Love Brings Timeful Deliverance

Did you ever have a child who was determined to fix a problem by himself.? A problem that you were fully capable of helping him with, only to be rejected because he was stubborn and independent and determined he could do it alone? You are forced to stand by and watch him struggle and squirm. He continues to try a variety of things to accomplish his goal but because of his age or nature, he is just working in vain. You know he will never be able to achieve his goal on his own and you have finally had enough. All his efforts have been exhausted, but you say, enough is enough. I am stepping in. And when all is resolved, the child was just glad to have it done.

I sometimes wonder if that is not how God feels and if “the fullness of time” is just that time when all efforts have been exhausted and nothing more is being accomplished other than just making things worse. At this point, God sets forth to relieve our human suffering for all time.

In Psalm 80:4 Israel cried out.

Psalm 80:4 NIV

How long, Lord God Almighty, will your anger smolder against the prayers of your people?

And Micah gives encouragement.

Micah 5:3 (NIV)

Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son...

Of course, it was a long time yet before it occurred, but it did and Gal 4:4 records the event.

Galatians 4:4 NIV

But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

When the time had come, God chose a young girl of faith to carry His Son. This young girl will face nine months of ridicule and probably more beyond as people’s memories and tongues wag for years. She will have to share her son, not with a wife, but with a nation. And she will have to stand by and watch Him unjustly charged, beaten and murdered on a tree of justice. Yet we find this young girl singing out praise as God uses her to accomplish the long awaited delivery of a Savior.

We will take a look at the song, but first I want us to consider...

A. What designates “the fullness of time?”

Many in Jesus day missed it. Many of His people today, still have not realized it. What can we learn about that time to help us today? How will we know it is time?

The right answer is, God. There is no way we can know for sure what God is looking for or waiting for. He is sovereign. He has the right to do what He wishes when He wishes. However, I think there are some things that can help us not feel so distressed about it.

1. God does what He does out of love. John 3:16

John 3:16 NIV

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

God has our best interest at heart. If we love Him and are following Him, we can trust that nothing we need to know will get by us. He will make it clear to us. Remember, His Holy Spirit literally resides within us. His Spirit will direct when the time is right. So, we need not worry, but only walk in step with the Spirit. (Prayer, reading and meditating on God’s Word and taking quiet time to hear from God). Second, we need to remember that...

2. God’s timing prioritizes all people. 2 Peter 3:9

2 Peter 3:9 NIV

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

I do not believe God’s timing will be an advantage for some and a disadvantage for others. What I mean by that is that all who will be saved will have been saved. I do not think there will be anyone who will be able to say, “oh, if God had waited one more day, I would have been ready to believe.”

3. Those who will miss it will be those unwilling to hear (or unwilling to change). Romans 1:18-20

Romans 1:18–20 NIV

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

The Bible makes it clear that people who claim they do not believe are not being truthful. In other words, there is no such thing as a true atheist. Evidence of God is everywhere. Just recently I mentioned a new book has been written on this subject called, “Atheism is Dead!” Science has opened up so many cans of worms for evolutionists that it is really just stupidity and denial that holds to those views. DNA alone points to a Creator God, yet there are many more things than just DNA. There is a divine design to all things.

So if you are worried about missing it, you shouldn’t be. God loves you and is working in your best interest.

Now allow me to address another question.

B. Are there evidences that suggest that time is near?

I believe there are many things taking place that suggest that the time is close. Many of them I have spoken of over the past couple years. However, I want to look at this question in light of Jesus first coming. There are some parallels I am seeing that I never noticed before. We often miss these parallels since we do not fully understand the history and context within which Jesus was born. So let us look at some of these.

1. There was great anticipation in Mary’s day that the Messiah would come. Luke 1:26-38; Matt 2:1-2; Luke 3:15

Have you ever wondered about how it was that Mary never questioned what the angel Gabriel revealed to her? Look with me again at this ageless passage.

Luke 1:26–38 NIV

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Mary’s only question was in regard to your virginity. She never once questioned the timing.

And what of the Magi?

Matthew 2:1–2 NIV

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

How is it they came to be watching for that star at that particular time? Because they had the prophecies of Daniel. They knew and understood that according to Daniel’s prophecy the time was right.

We also see it in people’s reactions to John the Baptist.

Luke 3:15 NIV

The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah.

Why? Because they too knew the prophecies and there was a sense that the time was right. That is why they so readily accepted John’s harsh words. They knew it was all indicating the time was now.

I have never seen a time in my lifetime like it is now where literally everyone is talking about the end times. There have been people here and there at different times declaring the end was at hand, but not anywhere near the volume as today (not even in the 70’s). When you bring it up today, the energy level comes up. In days past, when someone would mention it, you never felt that kind of energy within people. If anything you felt their ridicule or denial. But I just do not see that in our times. Not to mention that we too have Daniel’s prophecies and they point to now in the same way they pointed to that time. The first coming was only part of Daniel’s prophecy. He also gave a time line for the second coming. Daniel’s prophecy was right on with Jesus birth and with the restoration of Israel as a nation. So, it is worth our notice.

2. Rome had unified much of the world’s government giving a sense of unity and relative degree of peace. Daniel 2; 7; Revelation 13

In Jesus day, this unified government and the peace it held at the time, provided a perfect entrance for the gospel. It allows the gospel story to be spread swiftly and efficiently across the world.

In Daniel 2, 7, and Revelation 13, we find a unified global government described in the end times. I believe we will see a world government in our life time, but unlike the government at that time that allowed for the spread of the gospel, I believe the one-world government that in so many ways is being set up right now, will work against the spread of the gospel. If the time comes when the gospel can be spread no further, and all who are able to believe have come to believe, then there is no reason for God to hold back any longer. What worked for the gospel in Jesus day, will work against it in our day.

If there is any one piece of evidence for God and Satan, I believe it is the fact that this world is so determined to shut Christians up. Think about this. If there is no enemy of God, because there is no God, then why would people be so threatened that they would want to shut us down and shut us up? Christians do not make war to force people to believe. Christians do not do anything that harms society, in fact, Christians are often the ones working hard to do good things. We do not murder, steal, lie, bear false witness, etc… We often feed the poor, help the homeless, defend the down trodden. I once had an employer (who was not a Christian) tell me that he preferred to hire Christians as they were typically better employees. And so it should be, if we are living as God has called us to. So, if there is no enemy called Satan, why would the world not just ignore us? The reason is because there is God, and there is Satan, and Satan hates God, and is working against God by trying to destroy us, God’s children.

But now, look with me at the next sign of their time and its relation to us.

3. There was the worship of many false idols that left a void in people’s lives. Revelation 13:1-4; Matt 24:22

This openness to believe in gods, allowed for the introduction of “the God.” People were often willing to listen as they wanted to make sure to cover their bases where God or gods were concerned. However, the false gods left much lacking in their lives, but when the believed in “The God” that void was filled. This led to a spread of the gospel.

Over time, the idols worshipped have changed. There are countries that still worship idols, but more often the idols worshipped these days are things like sex, alcohol, money, fame, etc...

However, Revelation tells of one who will declare he is God and will demand the worship of all peoples. He will perform supernatural deeds that will catch the attention of all people. Now let me help you understand something. We live in a world where many people believe that anything supernatural is of God. But this is a lie of Satan. Satan is also able to do supernatural things. He is a heavenly being and the heavenly beings have powers we do not have. However, there are certain things Satan cannot do. He cannot raise someone from the dead. But he will give an illusion of doing just that in the end times. Scriptures alludes to the death of the Antichrist and his resurrection, but it will not be a resurrection but a demon possession. Look at...

Revelation 13:1–4 NIV

The dragon stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. The beast I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great authority. One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was filled with wonder and followed the beast. People worshiped the dragon because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast and asked, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?”

This beast will be the leader of the one global government. We know him as the antichrist. Isn’t it interesting that the UN is the place with this statue that so fits this description even now. They have titled this statue, “The International Guardian of Peace & Security,” which is what the antichrist will declare he has come to bring. However, under his leadership we are told that no saint of God would remain alive if God did not cut the time short. The Antichrist does not immediately kill the saints. He will appear to bring peace at first, but in time he will begin a rampage against God’s people.

Matthew 24:22 NIV

“If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.

Now let me transition a moment here with a fun fact that I bet you never knew. The Roman army recruited soldiers from among the provinces, introducing these men to Roman culture and to ideas that had not yet reached those outlying provinces. These learned cultures and ideas included the gospel. The earliest introduction of the gospel to Britain was the result of the efforts of Christian soldiers stationed there. I bet it never occurred to you that the Roman army helped to spread the gospel, but they did. (Remember the centurion who sought Jesus to heal his daughter and the other who exclaimed Jesus identity as Jesus died on the cross?)

There are stories in U.S. history, of soldiers sharing the gospel with people in the countries where they have served. Soldiers can be missionaries as well as soldiers. However, under the antichrist, this will not be the case. The required mark of the beast will make this extremely difficult. (Not saying it couldn’t happen, but it would be extremely difficult if not impossible).

So, I say all this to say, that we are headed for a time that will have much in common with Jesus day, however, what was an advantage for the spread of the gospel then, will be a deterrent in our day.

It all sounds pretty depressing. So...

C. How do we rejoice and look forward to the second coming? Luke 1:46-55

Mary is our role model. Think about what was told to her by the angel. She, an unwed girl would become pregnant. In her culture, that marked her for a life of disgrace or even death. She could be stoned for adultery. Technically, she was engaged to Joseph. He could divorce her and leave her in disgrace or he or her father could demand she be stoned.

Yet, what does Mary do? She delivers a beautiful song of praise to God and worship of His deeds. Not only is it a worship song, but it is a battle song.

It decries God’s ability to bring about a reversal of all the things wrong in the world. In a world of sin, it takes war to bring about peace. In fact, she does not declare He will do it but that He has done it!

Look with me at her song of praise known to us as the Magnificat!

1. She begins with praise and worship, vv 46-49

Luke 1:46–49 NIV

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.

Mary saw beyond her current circumstances to the fullness of what God was doing. She recognized that even though she was an insignificant pre-teen, that God was capable of using her for a purpose that would bless all people of all times (past, present, and future).

She was not focused on the difficulties around her, or what possible things could happen to her. She focused on who God is and what He was doing.

Then she...

2. Extols God’s mercy to all who acknowledge Him, v 50

Luke 1:50 NIV

His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

Here we see Mary connected to all time as I had shared a few week’s ago. We are not a product of our time alone, but we are connected to all time through the very history of God and mankind. Mary sees this and expresses this as she declares God’s mercy on those willing to be His people. That is, those who fear Him. Now, remember, this fear is not that of terror, but of healthy respect. We have a healthy respect that this is Holy God Almighty. He is the Creator of all. He is all powerful and has the power to destroy, (yes, of course), but also the power and desire to bless those who love Him.

Then …

3. Mary lists all the reasons we need not fear, vv 51-55

Luke 1:51–55 NIV

He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

God has, and will always, protect His people. He is the great role reverser. He scatters the proud…He brings down rulers and lifts up the humble…He fills the hungry with food while the rich go away without…He keeps all His promises. No promise has ever been unfulfilled and the remaining list of promises is growing short due to how many have already been done. We have no reason to fear or to be discouraged. We will see God do amazing things. We will be a part of the things He does.

Instead of focusing on things that Satan is doing and gonna do, we should be focusing on what God is doing just as Mary did. I believe His final deliverance is at hand. Satan’s actions in the last days are very short lived. The tribulation is 7 years. The first 3 1/2 years will be difficult but not impossible. The last 3 1/2 years will be the really hard part, but I do not think we will be part of that. Those contending with that are those who did not put their trust in God until late in the tribulation period.

To put it into perspective, we have already lived through more than a year and a half of COVID. That is half or better of what the great tribulation will be and as I said, I do not believe we who are believers now will be part of that. So, all we need to focus on is doing our part now and understanding that God’s deliverance for all time is near at hand. That is something we can rejoice about.

Conclusion:

But here is the part I want you to really hear.

Just as God used a preteen girl to bring His method of salvation into the world, so God can use you. It does not matter if you are young or old. It does not matter if you speak well or not so well. It does not matter if you are bold or shy. Because God can use you as you are. He created you and He has a purpose for you here and now. He placed you in this town and in this church for a reason.

The fact that we have lived so far into history gives us a better vantage point than any, to see all the centuries of God’s deeds. To see that He keeps His promises and that He works in our world.

Even more, God uses people like you and me. Unlike men who look on the outside, He looks on the inside and chooses His champions. He turned a shepherd boy into a mighty king. He used a lowly unwed preteen girl to give birth to and raise His Son. He took me, an unwed mother and turned me into a children’s pastor and now brought me here to be your pastor.

In our Sunday school class we learned about a man named Jim who was an alcoholic. But God used loving Christians around him to help him put his trust in God. Over time, he began a Celebrate Recovery group that became one of the largest in the state, I believe it was.

What does God want to do in your life? Let me tell you a secret. When you are fulfilling your purpose serving God, you do not have time to be afraid. In fact, you find you are constantly rejoicing even in the midst of world pandemics & world crises because of the amazing things you see God doing in your life and the life of others. You experience what He is capable of doing and the fear is replaced by excitement and rejoicing, just as Mary experienced.

Maybe you are here today and you are thinking, I would like to do something, but I am not sure what God would have me to do? I do not know what way God has gifted me to serve Him? Can I tell you that I suspect 3/4 or better of Christians are living less that God’s best for them (literally, less blessing) because they have never taken the time to discover just how He has gifted them to serve His purpose for them. Let me tell you, we are studying that in Sunday school right now and it isn’t too late to get on board. But I guarantee you, if you are really willing, ask God to show you and promise to follow through when He does. Speak to me. Ask others what they see you are good at doing. God will help you find the answer and you too will declare as Mary did...

Luke 1:46–48 NIV

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed,

Pray