IS IT TOO EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS?

Sunday, November 25, 2018

IS IT TOO EARLY FOR CHRISTMAS?

Luke 1:26-28

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.

28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

           There are approximately 400 years of prophetic silence from Malachi 4:5-6 and the events surrounding the birth of Messiah. Malachi was written about 432 – 424 B.C. and Matthew was written about A.D. 40.  During that time the Holy Spirit was comforting the faithful, convicting the faulty, and constructing the family that would produce the Lamb of God.

           The silence is broken when Zacharias, a common priest, encountered an angel in the Temple as he ministered at the altar of prayer. His prayer had been heard and he would become a father in his old age. Elizabeth conceived a boy baby who would become John the Baptist. Interestingly, the silence would continue for another nine months because Zacharias was dumbstruck and could not speak until the naming of the baby.

           Six months after Elizabeth’s conception, Gabriel visits Mary and announces that she had been highly favored of God. She, though a virgin, would conceive and bear a son who would be named Jesus (Jehoshua) or savior and so the work of redemption was began inn the womb of a virgin by the power of the Holy Spirit.

           Is it too early to celebrate the soul’s release from the bondage of sin? Is it too early to sing the songs of salvation and dance the dance of the rescued and redeemed? I think not. The pre-born John could not wait for his celebration to begin and so he leaped within Elizabeth’s womb when he heard Mary’s announcement. Joy! That kind of joy is never too early to begin.

Lord, much of our Christmas Joy is artificial and commercial but the joy of the redemption story is deep and very real. Bless the Lord, Oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name. AMEN

THE SECRET PLACE!

Saturday, November 24, 2018

THE SECRET PLACE!

Ps 91:1.14-16

91 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

           The Psalmist King had known treachery and skullduggery. He was targeted by Saul’s javelins more than once as he played his lyre. Even his son, Absalom had dethroned him and sent him into the forests with a small band of loyalists. Those loyalists would threaten to stone him at Ziklag when they returned to find their hideout burned and their families captured.   

           With the declining sun at his back and still facing his enemies, David cast a longer shadow then he thought because the Almighty was standing behind him blending His shadow with that of His shepherd.

           David had set his love upon the Lord and a strong alliance had been formed long ago. He would be delivered. When he called, the Lord would answer. Though unworthy, David would be honored.

           Through many dangers, toils, and snares he had already come. Grace had carried him safe thus far and Grace would lead him home.

Ps 90:14

14 O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Oh Lord, I know that the fierce battles of life will be won because our alliance is strong. Thou art faithful to me and stronger than all my troubles. Thank you for Thy long shadow behind me. AMEN

A PRAYER OF MOSES!

Friday, November 23, 2018

A PRAYER OF MOSES!

Read: Psalm 90

Ps 90:1,10,12 and 17

90 Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations.

10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.

12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

17 And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

           The introduction to Psalm 90 says: “A Prayer of Moses the man of God.” I find that both revealing and mysterious. Moses is a mixture of melancholy and zeal. Three sets of 40 years marks his life and he mourns days he considers wasted and unproductive. The first 40 was spent in Pharaoh’s palace, the second 40 in the wastelands herding sheep, and now the last 40 herding people.

           He counts his days and calculates those that remain. He desires accomplishment but knows that it will now require more effort than before. He appeals to the Almighty! The word “establish” in verse 17 is kuwn and it means “to stand upright; to fix permanently.” He wants his work to be of value and he wants it to last.

           He desires the beauty of the Lord! The word “beauty” is no-‘am and it means “agreeableness, i.e. delight, suitableness, splendor or grace.” I think peace is involved here. It is the peace that comes from a closer – perhaps more mature – walk with God and the fulfillment of a life well lived.

Lord, from everlasting to everlasting Thou art God! Let our work be of substance and of lasting value. Let us see Thy beauty and experience Thy peace. AMEN