Jesus Christmas | Reason for Hope (12/22/24)
Jesus Christmas |
Reason for Hope
By Rev. Nicholas Sybrowsky
Invocation:
Wonderful Creator, we gather here today to give thanks to you our gracious God. We are here to honor you. We admire your great works and invite you to lead us in today’s worship and in today’s message. Speak to your people and lead us in the everlasting way empowered by the blood of the Lamb, our Lord & Savior Jesus the Christ. Our eternal champion!
Opening Word & Reading for Worship:
David’s Son as Eternal King
“Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” Isaiah 9:6
Six Reasons for the Season—To save us from the wrath of God, because He is merciful & just. Defending humankind from the evil one & the schemes of darkness. The LORD has stopped the adversary & will destroy the devil and the power of death. Immanuel shared in the flesh & blood as a man to destroy the offspring of Satan. This spotless Lamb of God offers salvation to mankind. The cause & Reason for Celebration—this Ministry of Reconciliation. An eternal Treasure in Earthen Vessels created for the privilege “To worship Him.”
All who believe in Jesus Christ have “this hope in Him, hope that purifies themselves, just as He is pure”
1 Jn 3:1-3 “Consider how much love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be. But we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.”
We are children of God!
David’s Son as Eternal King
Intro:
Thus far in this Jesus Christmas Series, we have briefly expounded on 3 of the Zondervan 117 OT Prophecies fulfilled in Christ Jesus: SATAN AGAINST JESUS. JESUS’ VICTORY OVER SATAN and THE MESSIAH TO BE BORN IN BETHLEHEM. Today we’ll examine a 4th OT Prophecy fulfilled in Christ: DAVID’S SON AS ETERNAL KING as predicted in Samuel & Isaiah by the Prophets Nathan and Isaiah. When reading Bible Scripture, it’s helpful to remember this approach. In the OT Jesus is concealed, yet in the NT Jesus is revealed to the reader (Cite 1).
As we get into the subject of prophecy it is proper to share a brief lesson on the topic. What is Prophecy? The spiritual gift of Prophecy (1 Samuel 9:9) In the former day's known as Seer. Forth telling. Foretelling. [Foresight]. Predicting the future. [Clairvoyance.] Inspired prophetic utterance 1 Corinthians 14:3 the building up of the believer; encouragement. 1 Corinthians 14:24-25 conviction to the unbeliever that leads to conversion; deliberate decision. Both Paul & Moses indicate within scriptures that this gift ought to be highly desired (Numbers 11:26-30). (Cite 2)
I’m opening a can of worms with an illustration of 700 years (1 Century) 2036 our church centennial: 7 volunteers. 1 Isa. 1 Baby Jesus. 5 in between. 7 generations. Then resurrection. DAVID’S SON AS ETERNAL KING. (2 Sam. 7:16—Lk 1:32-33; Rev 19:11-16, 1Ch 17:14—Lk 1:32-33; Rev 19:11-16 & Isa. 9:6-7—Lk 1:32-33.) One Millennium is 1,000 years.
[Although we will be visiting various scripture addresses throughout the message today keep the following on the frontlets of your eyes.]
Main Text:
1 Jn 3:3 “And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.” (NKJV)
1. The Long-Awaited Savior.
Scholars ruled in that seven hundred years before Immanuel was born to Mary & Joseph. Isaiah predicted this long-anticipated advent or arrival. Isaiah—Whose name means “The Lord saves” is the prophet of salvation. He uses the specific term “salvation” nearly three times more than all other OT prophetic books combined. Again, remember this approach when reading the Bible: The OT Conceals Jesus the Messiah. The NT Reveals Jesus the Messiah. Of the 117 OT Prophecies fulfilled in Christ, Isaiah wrote nearly 1/3rd of them; 29% of them come from the “evangelical prophet”. He is known as the evangelical prophet because of all the OT books, his prophecies about the Messiah contain the fullest and clearest message about Jesus Christ (Cite 3)
Is. 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to order it and to establish it with justice and with righteousness, from now until forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this."
Hosts here means Armies, heavenly armies. (Note 4)
Before Isaiah Prophesied this, we have historical record by the anonymous author of 1st & 2nd Samuel showing God’s covenant with David in 2 Sam 7:16 the Prophet Nathan shares God’s Covenant with David. Before we examine 2 Sam 7:16, please let me share a brief background on the history here: [Look at your neighbor & say “rewind time”.] The two books of Samuel are one book in the Hebrew OT. 1 Samuel covers nearly one century of Israel’s history—from the prophet Samuel’s birth to Saul’s death (c. 1105—1010 BC.). The book forms the main historical connection between the time of the judges and the first of Israel’s kings. 1 Samuel covers three major transitions in national leadership: from Eli to Samuel, from Samuel to Saul and from Saul to David. Long before Isaiah predicted Jesus would come from the Line of David’s dynasty, the Lord Made his covenant with David. About 300 years or 3 centuries passed in time between Nathan’s prediction, shared with David and Isaiah’s prediction shared with his nation Judah & Jerusalem. Isaiah written c. 700-680 BC. and 2 Samuel was written c. late 10th century between nine hundred—1000 BC. 2 Samuel is only about the reign of David, a period of forty years (c. 1010—970 BC.) (Cite 5).
What is a covenant? [describe it] JAM Kid’s David is the character in the Bible that slayed Goliath. Goliath was nine feet tall.
During a period of Spiritual Success David desires to build God a House & God makes a covenant with David.
2 Samuel 7:11…The Lord declares to you that He will instead bring about a house for you. 12 When your days are complete and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up after you an offspring from your body, and I will establish his rule. 13 He will build a house for My name, and I will establish his royal throne forever. 14 I will be a father to him, and he will be a son to Me. When he goes astray, I will correct him with the rod of men and afflictions of the sons of men. 15 My commitment will not abandon him, as I removed from Saul, whom I deposed before you. 16 Your house and dominion will endure before Me forever, and your throne will be established by the Lord forever.”
DAVID’S SON AS ETERNAL KING. (Cite 1 & 5) Jesus concealed in the OT now revealed to you this day. David responds to God in prayer (2 Sam. 7:18).
[Like the 2024 new year, let us start the New Year with Prayer in the Word. January’s 4 letter word for the month is PRAY. An article from me about prayer is published online (Prayer article HERE) As the Pastor the Lord has led me to share a Bible-in-a-year reading schedule as a form of instruction for us to follow together. This will be year two for some & year one for you. Let me encourage you to join us in personal devotion in the Word. You can follow the schedule at the church.blogspot.com &/or in your own Fire Bible. I recommend a printed schedule you can make notes on. Schedules are available upon request from our church. If you’ve never read through the Bible completely this is your opportunity to do it with us. It is necessary for the renewal of your mind! Like David in 2 Samuel 7:18 we will respond to God’s covenant to us with prayer. Praying as we read the inspired inerrant Word of God together. It’s a daunting task, but well worth the hard work. Take my advice & do it by depending upon His strength. For the next year I shall encourage us all to unite and finish the project together.]
Our weekly prayer service on Wednesday’s at 6pm is private only until January 8th. We’re hosting an entire week of prayer for the first full week of January Sunday the 5th to Saturday the 11th. Sunday & Monday at 6pm and 12pm Tuesday to Saturday. Wed
[Repeat 2 Sa 7:16] David responds in prayer. How about a little background on The Chronicles of Narnia 😊. The Chronicles of Israel. The 1 & 2 Chronicles like Samuel in the Hebrew text are one book. They were written near the same time as 1 & 2 Kings. Kings were written before Chronicles c. 560—550 BC. and the Chronicles were written c. 450—420 BC. A good outline of the Chronicles are 4 major parts: Genealogies: Adam to After the Babylonian Exile, David: The Enduring Significance of His Reign, Solomon: Significant Contributions of His Reign & Judah’s Kings from Rehoboam to the Exile. The OT Prophecy Fulfilled in Christ: DAVID’S SON AS ETERNAL KING Can also be observed in 1 Ch. 17:14 Chapter 17 is about the Davidic Covenant. :13 I will be a father to him, and he will be a son to Me. I will not take away My favor from him as I did from the one who was before you. 14 I will assign him a place in My house and in My kingdom forever, and his throne will be established for all time. (Cite 3)
Notice the word in 1 Ch.17:14 says, “for all time.” Not some of the time, not for a period, but for ALL time. Sounds eternal to me! Can I get an amen?
These scriptures from 2 Sam 7:16 and 1Ch17:14 sound, alike, don’t they? They’re the same promise made by God to David. Before David, the Israelites had no Kingdom Dynasty. David & Solomon were the climax of the Kingdom Dynasty in Israel’s History. This was a time of great riches and greatness because of God. But it didn’t last. Are you familiar with the term “A Kingdom Divided cannot stand”? It seems to come from the History of Israel. Of course, we have many examples throughout history that fit the description, but after the Dynasty of David collapsed Israel was divided in two. Israel to the north and Judah to the south. What followed was Babylonian exile & captivity for 70+ years until Ezra. The theme in Ezra is Starting Over. Nehemiah later helped build the wall around Jerusalem. Remember “A House Divided Cannot Stand Together.”
This brief survey of OT history should help with some depth to understand just how long Israel waited for the Messiah Jesus to arrive. It was a Long-Awaited Advent. Almost as long as you have waited for me to get to point number 2 today.
2. The Long-Awaited Advent of Christ.
God is a promise maker & promise keeper. God’s word is impeccable! They had been waiting since the Genesis 3:15 account of God declaring that he “will put enmity between Satan and the woman and between their offspring" …the acknowledgment of SATAN AGAINST JESUS & the promise of JESUS’ VICTORY OVER SATAN.
Lk 1:32-33. "31 Listen, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son and shall call His name JESUS. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, 33 and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. And of His kingdom there will be no end.” Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 The angel answered her, “the Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. Therefore the Holy One who will be born will be called the Son of God."
DAVID’S SON AS ETERNAL KING
3. The Long-Awaited Second Advent.
Christmas—Hope is Jesus’ first coming and the promise of His return.
Jesus Christmas the reason for the season, the reason we celebrate. The beginning of a new & lasting hope and the promise of the final blessed hope. The Second Coming of Jesus is our blessed hope.
Rev 19:11-16 The Rider on the White Horse 11 [John] saw heaven opened. And there was a white horse. He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written, that no one knows but He Himself. 13 He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood. His name is called The Word of God. 14 The armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Out of His mouth proceeds a sharp sword, with which He may strike the nations. “He shall rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury and wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On His robe and on His thigh He has a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS…"
Again, we see the OT conceals & the NT reveals: DAVID’S SON AS ETERNAL KING.
KING OF KINGS LORD OF LORDS The first time Jesus came by birth few people saw the event (Lk 2). Even during his lifetime, few recognized him as the world’s Savior (Jn 1:10-11). Yet, when he sets foot on the earth again, all will see his return (1:7); no one will mistake his identity (cf. Mt 24:30-31). He will not arrive as a helpless infant or suffering servant, but as a warrior and conquering King. Those who rejected the reason for his first coming (to forgive and save them spiritually) will not escape the “fury and wrath” (v.15) of his second coming (MEV) (Cite 1).
Furthermore, in Revelation 21 John is shown The New Heaven and the New Earth where :4 God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. There shall be no more death. Neither shall there be any more sorrow nor crying nor pain, for the former things have passed away.” …[Selah] in chapter 22 we hear the words of the Lord himself written in red :7 “Look, I am coming soon, Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” …:16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to you [that is to John] with this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” 20 “Surely I am coming soon.”
4. Tuesday Evening: Jesus Christmas | Candlelight Service | Immanuel Journey to Bethlehem Next Week: New Year Message | Spiritual Regeneration
Conclusion:
The Long-Awaited Savior has already been crucified & resurrected. It was a Long-Awaited Advent that provides soothing to God’s wrath. Here in the 21st Century (3 Millenium’s after Nathan’s prophecy), Christmas is the sign of hope that once came & hope that will “soon come” again. Though we wait God is sure to be impeccable. God is the promise maker & promise keeper. God’s Holy Word is dependable. God’s word is truth. God has kept his promise, & He is keeping it today! We can trust God to come through for us today and tomorrow. Though we reside in time that is linear, He is eternally faithful! Outside & inside of time the Creator holds our yesterday, today & tomorrow.
“Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace”
Jesus is DAVID’S SON AS (pause) ETERNAL KING
Exhortation:
If you’ve been waiting for God to answer a promise just hold on! Keep on waiting & praying. The Lord is sure to answer just as He has answered humanities need for salvation through Jesus Christ.
Altar Call to Action/Suggested Response
What do we do with this message? How do we apply this message today? Make room in your heart for Jesus. In the lyrics of the Christmas Hymn Joy to the World: We sing “Joy to the world. The Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room."
Make room in your heart of hearts for Jesus the Christ. The reason for the season, the cause & reason for celebration & our Reason for Hope.
Prayer & song.
Sing: Joy to the World Pg. 310 in Melodies of Praise.
****Remind you to join us in prayer & the reading schedule. Join us at 6:00pm Tuesday for a Special Christmas Eve Service.
Next Week:
Benediction:
May The Lord Bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you & be gracious to you. The Lord turn His face toward you & give you peace.
Sources, Credits, Citations & Notes:
1. Fire Bible, Zondervan.
2. Hyperlinks: Blue Letter Bible and Wikipedia
3. Fire Bible, Donald C. Stamps Commentary pg. 893 & Cite 1
4. Note “Hosts” According to the Illustrated Dictionary & Concordance of the Bible, HOSTS, LORD OF HOSTS A divine title of might and power most commonly found in military or apocalyptic contexts. It occurs some 300 times in the OT, especially in Isaiah, Jeremiah, Zechariah and Malachi, and twice in the NT. As a name for God, it has three nuances in the OT: Most commonly, as Lord of the angelic hosts who wage war in the heavenly realms (Jer 5:14; Amos 3:13ff); as the Lord of the armies or hosts of Isreal (I Sam 17:45); and in cultic settings without any military connotation (I Sam 1:3), where it is associated with the sanctuary at Shiloh (I Sam 1:3). In the Greek translation of the Bible, the term is either transliterated as “Sabaoth” or translated as “almighty”. In its two NT occurrences (Rom 9:29; James 5:4), Sabaoth, while used as title of God, may perhaps retain a nuance of God as Lord of the angelic realms as well as champion of the oppressed.
5. Cite 1 pgs. 354, 394 & 403.
6. Translations MEV & NKJV.
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