SundaySermon - Prince - Divine Appointments

 Title

The story of Christmas was a disruption.... Mary was betrothed to be married to Joseph. As in any marriage preparation, there was an excitement among both families. But God came in and gave Mary and Joseph a purpose - to bring the savior into the world. This turn in this preparation was not easy but we remember Mary and Joseph because she yielded to God's plan. 

This disruption (Mary's encounter) has three important points

1) Favor


Favor

There was something about Mary. God favored her. It is really something to be a favorite.

Verse: Luke 1:30

 30 “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 

And why did this favor was bestowed. What it about Mary that God turn around and pay attention. Something about her heart - Humbleness

Verse: Luke 1:48

48 For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed.

The state of the heart is what God looks into. And the nature of the heart is only visible to the almighty God. And God is constantly searching for this kind of heart - a beautiful heart - a heart that is humble

Verse: 2 Chronicles 16:9

9 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. What a fool you have been! From now on you will be at war.”

Adversely our heart can be evil, anxious and in turmoil. The root of anxiety is our tendency to compare ourselves with other people around us. And when you get around people who are anxious, that anxiety will rub on you and suddenly life becomes very difficult.

Did Mary have a life free of anxiety? Well no. This incident was disturbing. She had never seen an angel before.

Verse: 1:29

29 Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean.

Seasons of favor will sometimes attract seasons of distress. And sometimes "a sword will pierce our own heart" as stated by the prophet Simon to Mary. But stick to the path and 

Praise

The divine encounter of Mary brought forth praise and thankfulness to God. The message she heard was disturbing. There were uncertainties..... how would Joseph reach? Will this child in the womb bring shame to the family. How did she respond

Verse: 1:46

46 Mary responded, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.  

The encounter with God may take you through a desert. Israel was led through the desert and through the Red Sea to reach the promised land. The people during Moses time grumbled and they lost their promises. 

Verse: Exodus 15:24

24 Then the people complained and turned against Moses. “What are we going to drink?” they demanded. 

But can we join with Habakkuk in the song - The Sovreign Lord is my strength

Verse: Habakkuk 3:17

17 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty,

18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights.

Acceptance

Verse: 1:38

38 Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.

Mary didn't have a clear picture but she accepted God's plan for her. She probably had to change her plans to allow for God to work. Moses also had to deal with God's change of plans

Verse: Deuteronomy 3:23-25

23 “At that time I pleaded with the Lord and said, 

24 ‘O Sovereign Lord, you have only begun to show your greatness and the strength of your hand to me, your servant. Is there any god in heaven or on earth who can perform such great and mighty deeds as you do? 

25 Please let me cross the Jordan to see the wonderful land on the other side, the beautiful hill country and the Lebanon mountains.’ 

Moses desired so much to see the promised Land. But Moses desire was opposed to God's purpose. But he submitted to God saying "Thy will be done"

This submission to God had gotten Mary watchful for all the life events becuase it unfolded God's plan. She tresured the moments when God unraveled His purpose for her

Verse: 2:18-19

18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 

19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.

Conclusion

Jesus had the authority to twart the whole army coming against him. But Jesus accepted the Father's will for him to be crucified. This plan was anguishing and he pleaded with the Father to take the cup of suffering. But like Mary, Jesus submitted to the Father's plan. 

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