The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. We observed his glory, the glory as the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 (CSB)
The Israelites were weary. Weary from 400 years of oppression. Joseph was long gone, and so was their nation's relationship with the Egyptian Pharaoh. God had blessed their father Abraham with the promise of taking over Canaan and that he would father kings and nations. The were oppressed nation had no leader of their own. When would that promise hold true for them?
The Jewish nation hadn't heard from a prophet in 400 years. They were weary. Once again, they had no king, no one to lead them through this maze of chaos in the world. The prophets promised a king greater than David, a Messiah. When would that promise hold true for them?
The world is full of chaos, bitterness, and division. There is a pandemic that brings more questions than answers. Are you weary? In this season of all things merry and bright, do you wonder where the promise of joy is? When will that promise hold true for you?
In Exodus 6:6, God uses Moses to keep His promise to the Israelites.
Therefore, say to the Israelites: 'I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment." (NIV)
A new promise supports the original commitment to Abraham. God uses Moses to free Israel from the oppression of Egypt and start their journey to Canaan. He didn't forget them in their pain and oppression. He always keeps His promises.
In Luke 1:30-33, an angel comes to Mary and gives her news to change her life and save the world.
But the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever; his kingdom will never end." (NIV)
God has chosen this woman to keep His promise of a Messiah. The one the Jewish nation has been waiting on is coming soon. God didn't forget the Jews in their chaos, His promise was coming soon. The plan God had from the moment Eden fell was about to begin.
The shepherds out that night, minding their own business when the angel of the Lord appeared to them in Luke 2:10-11.
Don't be afraid, I bring you goodness that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. (NIV)
A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices (O Holy Night)
Hope whispered that holy night. A precious baby boy, born only to die for our sins, was here!
If this world leaves you weary, rest in that baby boy. We know how that story ended, with grace, mercy, and redemption for you and for me. The word became flesh, lived in this world, and came to full glory to save this us!
I invite you to dive deeper into how this hope can energize our weary world on The In the Whisper podcast coming tomorrow.