http://bible.com/events/6631328
Here Comes Heaven – The Interruption
Luke 1:5-25
The Christmas story is not a story of convenience, but rather a story of interruption.
God intervenes not always according to our plan and our timing.
Bottom Line:
Your greatest interruption may your greatest invitation
God was not just intervening into the lives of Elizabeth and Zechariah, He was setting a course of events that would ultimately lead to the Messiah.
God intervenes and Elizabeth becomes pregnant
-this shouldn’t really be possible
-this would be laughable to many
God intervenes and Zechariah is silenced
-this is a consequence for his lack of faith, but it is also so much more
-this protected the news from Herod who would feel threatened by the news of someone preparing the way for the Messiah
-this forces Zechariah to depend fully on God
Our posture in response to interruptions is often like Zechariah’s:
I. Fear
1. “When Zechariah saw him [the angel], he was startled and was gripped with fear.” Luke 1:12
2. While fear is a logical response, it cannot be our default response, especially for those who are in Christ.
II. Doubt
1. “Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.” Luke 1:18
2. Fear and Doubt are ultimately about putting my focus on ME. Instead God is intervening and inviting me to put my focus on HIM.
Our posture in response to interruptions should be: “Come Jesus”
In the midst of uncertainty, invite Him in.
He keeps His promises. He doesn’t bow to human rules and expectations. He is not limited by time and circumstance.
Even in the interruptions we can say, “Come Jesus”.
Come, Thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free,
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee:
Israel’s strength and consolation
Hope of all the earth Thou art,
Dear Desire of every nation
Joy of every longing heart.
Other passages to consider:
Luke 1: 67-80 NIV
Luke 1: 67-80 The Message
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