The Neglected Gift - Part 2

Introduction

We know that Jesus is "the reason for the season," but are we receiving all that Jesus’s incarnation means for us this week? Looking at the angelic description of Jesus in Luke 2:10-11, we consider the magnitude of the Gift of God's Son and what it means to us here today.

Read Luke 2:1-20

Pray

The Gift of Salvation

Have you ever gotten a gift that sat on the shelf or in a closet without being used? Then later, we use it and it’s like - where have you been all my life?

We aren’t always great at understanding our needs.

We need rescue from our sins.

The Shepherds knew well the cost of sin - were employed in the raising up and sales of sacrificial lambs and sheep.

How they must have wondered at the efficacy of such a system. They saw corruptible people running an enterprise of greed and exploitation to make money off of those who sought forgiveness of sins before God. Would God truly accept the sacrifice of these innocent animals as payment for the wickedness of the people? How could He, given the rampant wickedness, idolatry and neglect God and of what is good?

Sometimes we forget the cost of sin, and our need of deliverance. We toy with the very things that offend our God and Father and condemn souls to hell.

Like a child chasing butterflies at the edge of a cliff so many are oblivious to the danger they are in.

Read Ezekiel 18:20

Isaiah 53:6 “All of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all To fall on Him.”

Hebrews 2:3 (NASB95)

how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?

Dear friend, If you never come to realize your sin before a Holy God, and His gracious gift of salvation in Jesus you are lost and condemned. There is no other way.

(we can neglect the gift by neglecting our need for salvation)

Other times we are all too aware of sin and it’s effects but we forget that God has already completely provided forgiveness and rescue in Jesus Christ. Like a gift shoved away in the closet, we forget Him and try again to earn it all ourselves.

Heidelberg Catechism Q:29

Q. Why is the Son of God called Jesus, that is, Saviour?

A. Because he saves us from all our sins, and because salvation is not to be sought or found in anyone else.

Acts 4:12 NASB95

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

Heidelberg Catechism Q:30

Q. Do those who seek their salvation or well-being in saints, in themselves, or anywhere else, also believe in the only Saviour Jesus?

A. No. Though they boast of him in words, they in fact deny the only Saviour Jesus. For one of two things must be true: either Jesus is not a complete Saviour, or those who by true faith accept this Saviour must find in him all that is necessary for their salvation.

The angelic announcement was Good News because God was sending His precious Son to meet our greatest need - He is the Savior!

To whom? This is for “you” - v.9 they came to the Shepherds, v.10 “bring you good news...to all the people”, v.11 “… born for you a Savior...”, v.12 “sign for you” - Personal! These outcasts were sought out and included by God!

No matter who you are, no matter what others think of you, no matter how cast down, there is a Savior sent for you.

John 3:16 - do you believe in Him?

Read Hebrews 7:25

Have you forgotten? Are you striving to save yourself? Remember dear friend that a Savior has been given as a gift to you. Receive it by faith!

Heidelberg Catechism Q:21

Q. What is true faith?

A. True faith is a sure knowledge whereby I accept as true all that God has revealed to us in his Word. At the same time it is a firm confidence that not only to others, but also to me, God has granted forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness, and salvation, out of mere grace, only for the sake of Christ’s merits. This faith the Holy Spirit works in my heart by the gospel.

In Him you are Forgiven. Beloved. Redeemed. Restored. Delivered. Set free. Saved. It is a gift of faith, not of works, but by His amazing grace and love.

The Gift of God’s Faithfulness

Waiting for presents can be so hard. (The kids know!)

The Israelites had waited for ages for the Promised Messiah.

We have the glimpses and promises in scripture

In Genesis they were told of the seed of the woman who would crush the serpent’s head (Gen 3:15)

The suffering servant of the Lord who would bear their transgressions and bring deliverance to Israel in Isaiah

Messiah the Prince, the Son of Man who would be cutoff and make atonement for the people at the right time (Daniel 7, 9)

The reigning King, priestly intercessor and the pierced and anguished servant in Psalms (2, 72, 22, 110, etc.)

Prophecy after prophecy given. His people waiting for the promise.

Conclusion of 13th Century Hebrew prayer book (still found in many)

“I believe with a perfect heart that the Messiah will come; and although his coming be delayed, I will still wait patiently for his speedy appearance.”

Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Messiah. In Baker encyclopedia of the Bible (Vol. 2, p. 1446). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House.

How long had they waited to see some inkling of it’s fulfillment. Some sign that God had not turned His back or given up on His people. They see wicked men thriving and the faithful suffering and their faith had been stretched thin as they clung to promises that threatened to fade with the painful passing of the years. Had God forgotten them? Was God true to His promises or had He given up and turned away for good?

The angels announced to these Shepherds that indeed their wait for the Messiah was over. (v.11) - “Christ”

God’s promises are being fulfilled in this One who is come

He would conquer evil

He will deliver His people

He will utterly completely save

He will secure and protect

He will rule and reign

They will have a Shepherd, a King, and a Savior

He will be their God and they will be His people

Has your faith been shaken? Do the promises of God seem cast in shadows, hard to see and just out of reach so that you cannot cling to them? Is your soul, at times left longing, and unsatisfied? God’s gift of faithfulness has already been given to you dear one!

Hear this pronouncement of good news, that Messiah, the promised One is come! Unwrap the gift of His faithfulness by faith, bring it to your chest and celebrate the great reality that in Christ all the promises of God are certain and sure!

2 Corinthians 1:20 NASB95

For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us.

In this world of sin and suffering there will be dissatisfaction, longing. We have but to look at the gift of Messiah and be reminded that though the wait be long and difficult, it will not be in vain.

His coming is proof positive that these promises are sure. Hold on to them and trust the faithful One. One day faith will become sight.

The Gift of God’s Care

Jesus isn’t just our savior. He isn’t just the Messiah. He’s also Lord!

A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew Bible (2962. κύριος)

κύριος (Kyrios); from κῦρος kurŏs (supremacy); supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by impl. Mr. (as a respectful title):—God, Lord, master, Sir.

Who owns the cosmos? Who has all knowledge? Who created you and knows you better than anyone, including yourself? Who has all authority and power in heaven and on earth?

Who gave His life for you, offers you pardon and righteousness you cannot attain for yourself? Who loves you more than any other and is both capable and qualified to oversee your life and your soul?

Jesus is Lord! Is He yours?

We depend on Him. We operate in His realm, under His rules and His authority. That too, is a gift.

Safety and provision in authority

We struggle with authority. If you’re like me, you are fine with it when it serves your preferences but not when it doesn’t.

I want the police involved when someone has robbed my home, but not when it comes to how fast I go on the highway.

The reality is, though, that they have authority for both. Both are meant for my good and protection and just because I don’t agree or like it doesn’t take away my obligation to obey or the consequences if I don’t. So it is with Christ.

all good things

boundaries and rules

relationship

leadership (Jesus THE SERVANT LEADER)

Matthew 20:28 NASB95

just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Let us renew our commitment of Jesus as Lord! He’s worthy to follow, to obey and to worship!

Have you neglected the gift of Christ Jesus as your Lord? Have you swayed from following after His commands and purposes? There is comfort, peace and reward in bowing your knee, humbling your heart and truly fully trusting in His leadership and care in your life.

(Every knee will bow and tongue confess in the end) Let us do so now in worship and blessing! He’s God come in the flesh. Is He your Lord today?

Conclusion