Advent Part 6- Sounds of Life

December 13, 2019 by Cee Maria in Advent

Luke 1:40-44 NLT

A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy.”

This is the sixth blog of our Advent series and we will focus on Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth. Today we will ask the question, how powerful are the words we speak?

The power of God’s spoken words set into motion a profound and extraordinary set of circumstances:

Two women had an angel announce their upcoming pregnancies
Both women would bear a son
Both conceptions were miraculous, one from a dead womb and one without the seed of man
Both mothers were filled with the Holy Spirit
Both babies were filled with the Holy Spirit in the womb

The Greeting

When Elizabeth heard the sound of Mary’s voice, baby John responded to her greeting by leaping in his mother’s womb. The word for “sound” is translated, “to come into existence: (1). According to cultural tradition, Mary would have greeted Elizabeth with these words, “Blessed is the one who comes” referring to the anticipated birth of John (2). Elizabeth’s proper response to Mary should have been “Blessed is the one present”(2). Instead, Elizabeth acknowledged the presence of two people. Luke 1:43 records “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”

The conversation between Zechariah and Gabriel

Compare this conversation to another conversation that happened a little over 6 months prior between Zechariah and the angel Gabriel. Gabriel appeared to Zechariah inside the Temple and relayed God’s message. Elizabeth will bear him a son. Incredulous, Zechariah asked, “How could this happen since I am an old man?”

Because of God’s great mercy, Gabriel only rebuked and not disqualified Zechariah from this great honor (Hebrews 3). In order to override Zechariah’s unbelief and ensure no words contrary to God’s will were spoken, Gabriel temporarily muted him.

Luke 1:20 NLT

“But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”

The reason for Mary’s visit

Since Zechariah was temporarily mute, the Holy Spirit impressed Mary to assist Elizabeth in her hour of need. I always thought that Mary “vacationed” away from her hometown to conceal her pregnancy. Nothing could be further from the truth. Mary’s purpose was to confirm God’s word over John. Her salutation concurred with Gabriel’s announcement at the Temple cementing God’s will for this child. Any obstacle or hindrance that would try to stand in the way of baby John’s birth would have been eradicated. This child was to be born and prepare the way for the Messiah.

The result

Unlike her husband, Elizabeth believed and accepted the Word of the Lord about her baby and Mary’s baby. Elizabeth affirmed Mary’s words.

Luke 1:45 NLT, “You are blessed because you believed the Lord would do what He said.”

How important are the words we speak and believe

As children of God, we must believe and speak the words of God with absolute faith and confidence. If we refuse to cooperate with God, He will commission someone else to ensure that His will be fulfilled at the proper time. Let’s be like Mary and Elizabeth and agree with God’s words and speak sounds of life over every situation. Let’s allow the sound of our voice to bring God’s will into existence.

Jeremiah 1:9&12 NIRV

Then the Lord reached out his hand. He touched my mouth and spoke to me. He said, “I have put my words in your mouth.” ...The Lord said to me, “You have seen correctly. I am watching to see that my words come true.”

Let pray:

Father,

Your words are so powerful they create the impossible. I choose to believe Your holy word with all my heart. I allow my voice to be used as Your instrument and to speak sounds of life over every situation. To You be all the glory. In Jesus name, Amen.

References:

1) https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G1096&t=KJV

2) https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/hebrew-greetings-and-congratulations

Advent Part 5- Joseph

December 12, 2019 by Cee Maria in Advent

Matthew 1:18-25

This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her fiancé, was a good man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

This is the fifth of nine blogs of our Advent series and today we will focus on Joseph, the husband of Mary and the stepfather of Jesus.The question we will ask today is, what should we do when the unexpected happens?

The Ancient Hebrew Marriage Ritual

In Biblical times, there were 3 stages to a marriage (1). The father would consult his daughter about a suitor who was interested in marriage. If the daughter accepted the proposal, stage one of marriage would be initiated. The father and the groom would sign a legal contract (ketubah) (1). Once the contract is signed, the couple is considered legally married. Stage two would be the consummation of the marriage, on a day set by the father and the groom. This could happen several years after the ketubah was signed (1). Stage three was the celebration (1).

Joseph was legally bound to Mary in the first stage of marriage, before the consummation had taken place. The only way to break covenant was through an official divorce.

Joseph’s reaction

The Bible doesn’t say how Joseph found out that Mary became pregnant. Obviously, he couldn’t wrap his mind around the situation. He was not the father of the baby and Mary claimed to be impregnated by the Holy Spirit. He did not want to be involved in the situation. The only way to break covenant was through an official divorce.

What kind of man was Joseph?
The King James (Matt 1:19) described Joseph as “righteous” meaning he observed God’s divine laws (2). Also, the KJV (Matt 1:19) reads that “he did not want to make an example of her” (3). According to the Law of Moses, women were to be stoned for infidelity. Joseph wanted to protect Mary from the Law and decided to divorce her without public humiliation. He didn’t lash out in anger or act out of revenge. Joseph was heartbroken for himself, for Mary, for their lost future, for her family, and for her baby.

God’s destiny for Joseph

Finally, when Joseph’s mind was quieted down and he fell asleep, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream.

Matthew 1:20-23

As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “Do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means “God is with us.””

Joseph embraced God’s destiny for his life

Matthew 1: 24-25

When Joseph woke up, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary as his wife. But he did not have sexual relations with her until her son was born. And Joseph named him Jesus.

Joseph always followed God’s instructions. He registered Mary and himself in the town of Bethlehem and delivered the baby (Luke 2:1-7). He had the baby circumcised according to the Law of Moses (Luke 2:22-25). He protected Mary and the baby from Herod by hiding in Egypt (Matthew 2:13-23). He brought his family back to Nazareth and raised Jesus (Luke 2:39-40). He searched for Jesus when he went missing at the age of 12 (Luke 2: 41-51).

How successful was Joseph?

When Jesus was twelve years old, His parents lost track of Him (Luke 2). He ended up in the Temple with the priests discussing the Word of God. Relieved to find Him, Jesus made it clear to His parents that He had to go about His Father’s business. Jesus’ transition from a loving relationship with His earthly father, to having a loving relationship with His Heavenly Father was an easy one because Joseph modeled an excellent example.

Also, do you remember the story of the prostitute who was thrown at Jesus’ feet by the Pharisees (John 8)? Do you remember Jesus’ reaction? Sounds a lot like Joseph’s, doesn’t it!

Joseph’s reaction to the unexpected is a great model for us to follow

All Joseph wanted to do was to marry a nice Jewish girl, attend synagogue, live in a great neighborhood, raise a kosher family, afford a yearly vacation, and live comfortably in his twilight years. But, he had a much greater calling.

Mary needed a godly husband and Jesus needed a godly earthly father. Jesus understood the love of His Heavenly Father because of the example Joseph modeled. Joseph acted in love, submitted to God, followed His will, and holds a very prominent place in history.

Let’s pray:

Father,

Joseph was following Your will and then something unexpected happened. But, he did not lash out or seek revenge. Joseph submitted to You and followed Your will. As I follow Your will and then something unexpected should occur, help me to first not lash out or seek revenge. Give me the grace to submit to You, follow Your will for my life, and to do it well. I trust You and thank You for it, in Jesus name, Amen.

References:

http://bible.ca/marriage/ancient-jewish-three-stage-weddings-and-marriage-customs-ceremony-in-the-bible.htm

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G1342&t=KJV

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G1165&t=KJV

Advent Part 4- How Can This Happen?

December 11, 2019 by Cee Maria in Advent

Luke 1:34, 35 NLT

Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you, so the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.”

This is the fourth of nine videos of our Advent series and today we will focus on how Mary positioned her life to be in God’s will. The question we will ask is, how can I make sure that I am in God’s will?

Untouched by idols

Mary replied that she was a virgin, a woman who has never been with a man. A virgin is also symbolism for being chaste, untouched by idols. In other words, Mary made God her priority and lived a life in thought, word, and deed that was dedicated to Him alone.

Just like Mary, we are to make God our priority in thought, word, and deed. When we are open to God’s will for our lives, He empowers us so we can fulfill that purpose.

The Holy Spirit will come upon you

As a virgin, Mary didn’t understand how she could get pregnant at this very moment. Gabriel explains to Mary that Holy Spirit will “come upon” her. “Come upon” is defined as to descend, to superimpose and became one with her spirit (1).

This same phrase, “come upon” is used in Acts 1:8, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you”. Jesus explained to the disciples not to be witnesses for Him until the Holy Spirit came upon, descended, and superimposed Himself upon them.

The power of the Most High will overshadow you

Then the power of the Holy Spirit “overshadowed” Mary. “Overshadow” means enveloping her with the glory of God, like a cloud, miraculously impregnating her (2).

This is the same word used in verse Acts 5:15 (parenthesis added). “As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall (overshadow) across some of them as he went by.” When the shadow that surrounded Peter would cast over the sick, they would be miraculously healed.

The baby is holy

Then Mary will give birth to a baby that will be holy. Holy means sacred, consecrated, and pure (3).

Baby is also symbolic of ministry, any position in which someone is in charge of nurturing and developing others. Ministry is not limited to the pulpit, but includes any outreach to others (i.e. non profits, volunteering, donations, etc…). It also includes careers that are dedicated to helping others such as law enforcement, the medical field, teachers, etc…

This is how to be in God’s will

God expects us to live a chaste life, free of idols. He must always be our first priority in thought, word, and deed. As we are open to His will for our lives, God sends the Holy Spirit to come upon us making us one in spirit and in purpose with Him. When the Holy Spirit descends on us, we will be enveloped in God’s glory and others will be helped and healed. This results in ministry that is birthed from the heart of God that is holy, sacred, consecrated, and pure.

Let’s pray:

Father,

I choose to live chaste by making You my first priority in thought, word and deed. Just like Mary, I give permission for Your Holy Spirit to come upon me so I am one is spirit and in purpose with You. I thank You for the Holy Spirit, Who overshadows me so I may help others who are hurting to be healed. I want to birth Your holy ministry for my life. In Jesus name, Amen.

References:

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G1904&t=KJV
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G1982&t=KJV
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G40&t=KJV

Advent Part 3- Mary

December 06, 2019 by Cee Maria in Advent

Luke 1: 26-30 NLT

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God!”

This is the third blog of our Advent series and today we will focus on Mary, the mother of Jesus.

The question we will ask today is, do you think your life is random?

Once more, Gabriel was dispatched to give a message, this time he visited a young woman named Mary. Let’s take a look at how God purposefully directed Mary’s life to fulfill her specific purpose.

Prophecy #1: According to Matthew 2:23, the Messiah was a Nazarene.

Luke 2:39 confirms this fact. “When Jesus’ parents had fulfilled all the requirements of the law of the Lord, they returned home to Nazareth in Galilee.”

Mary’s hometown was Nazareth and she was a Nazarene. According to archeological findings, Nazareth was a small agricultural village at the time of Roman occupation (1). The people would have been considered backwoods farmers, certainly not the cultured citizens in the thriving metropolis of Jerusalem. In fact, the best description of this town in the Bible is found in John 1:46, “Nazareth?” exclaimed Nathaniel. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” In other words, as far as the people from the advanced Roman cities were concerned, it was Hicksville, Judea.

Prophecy #2: According to Isaiah 7:14, Jesus was to be born of a virgin.

Isaiah 7:14, NLT, “The Lord Himself will give you a sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call Him Immanuel (which means God is with us).”

This fact is confirmed in the New Testament in Matthew 1:18, “This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Mary was of the appropriate age to marry and a virgin. Her reputation and the testimony of her virtue would have been observed and witnessed by her parents, extended family, and local community. Most importantly, God also watched over Mary’s life and qualified her as pure.

Prophecy #3: According to Isaiah 9:7 NLT, the Messiah would be a descendant of King David from the lineage of Judah.

“His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of His ancestor David for all eternity.”

Mary was a blood descendant of King David. Her lineage is recorded in the Book of Luke, chapter 3:23-28.

Mary’s life was not random and neither is ours!

Little Mary, living in Hicksville, meeting the traditional expectations, going about her usual business. Doesn’t sound like ‘the perfect set-up’. Nonetheless, her life was not random. God had Mary born in the right district, in the right town, under the right circumstances, and into the right family, all for a specific purpose.

Let’s pray:

Father,

I thank You that my life is not random. No matter what town I was born in, or the circumstances concerning my conception, or what kind of family I was born into, it was all for a specific purpose. I trust You and I desire that Your specific purpose for my life would be fulfilled. In Jesus name, Amen.

References:

http://www.bibleplaces.com/nazareth/