Going Forward In Faithfulness
*Sunday | December 29, 2024*
[Pastor Ray](mailto: ray@crossroadsny.org)
Luke 2:22 / ESV, And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.”
1. Recognize that waiting is part of being led by the Spirit
Luke 2:25-35 / ESV, “Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, 28 he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29 “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation 31 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” 33 And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed 35 (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
Lamentations 3:25 / ESV, “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.”
2 Remain dedicated even when disappointed.
Luke 2:36-37 / ESV, “And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, 37 and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.”
Job 1:20b-22 / NLT, “The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” 22 In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God.”
Psalm 69:29-30 / NLT, But I am afflicted and in pain; let your salvation, O God, set me on high! 30 I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.”
3. Relay the message of God’s faithfulness to others
Luke 2:38 / ESV, “And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.”
Psalm 143:10 / NLT, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing.”
NEXT STEPS:
+ Read Luke 2
+ Review Lamentations 3:25; Psalm 143:10
+ Focus on fi
+ Return Next Sunday Service 1/5: 9am, 11am, and 6pm