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Behind the Story - Men of the Story Pt.2
Sermon Summary
In Sam's sermon, He explored the importance of orienting our lives towards Jesus, as exemplified by the wise men, contrasted with Herod's disorientation and Simeon's patient faith, encouraging us to seek God's wisdom and comfort in our lives.
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In this sermon, Sam explores the lives of three men from the Bible: the wise men, Herod, and Simeon, each offering unique insights into how we can orient our lives towards Jesus. As we approach the Christmas season, it's a time to reflect on the true meaning of the season, beyond the carols and commercialism, and focus on aligning our lives with Christ.
The wise men, often misrepresented as kings, were actually magi who oriented their lives towards Jesus. They sought wisdom from above, which led them to seek out and worship the newborn King. Their journey was not just a physical one but a spiritual pursuit of aligning their lives with God's word. They read and believed the scriptures, recognised the worth of Christ, humbled themselves in worship, and obeyed God rather than man. Their story challenges us to consider what we are aligning our lives to and whether it leads us to a life of worship and joy.
In contrast, Herod represents a disoriented life, one that is confused and lost. Despite knowing the prophecies, Herod's fear of losing control led him to oppose God's word and see Jesus as an inconvenience. His actions were driven by a perverted faith, one that sought to maintain power rather than submit to God's authority. Herod's story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing control and self-interest over faith and obedience.
Simeon, on the other hand, exemplifies a patient faith. He waited for the consolation of Israel, trusting in God's promises and positioning himself in the presence of God. Simeon's life was marked by the Holy Spirit, and he recognized the saving power of Christ. His story encourages us to have a soft heart, to wait patiently for God's timing, and to trust in His promises.
These three men point us to Jesus, the King of kings, who offers us comfort and direction. As we navigate our own lives, we are invited to orient ourselves towards Christ, seeking His wisdom and guidance. By doing so, we can find true peace and live a life that pleases God.
Key Takeaways
1. Orienting Towards Jesus: The wise men teach us the importance of aligning our lives with Jesus. They sought wisdom from above, which led them to seek and worship Christ. This challenges us to consider what we are aligning our lives to and whether it leads us to a life of worship and joy.
2. The Dangers of Disorientation: Herod's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of being disoriented. Despite knowing the prophecies, his fear of losing control led him to oppose God's word. This reminds us of the importance of submitting to God's authority rather than prioritising control and self-interest.
3. The Power of Patient Faith: Simeon exemplifies a patient faith, waiting for the consolation of Israel and trusting in God's promises. His life was marked by the Holy Spirit, and he recognised the saving power of Christ. This encourages us to have a soft heart and to trust in God's timing.
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding us towards Christ. Just as the wise men were guided by a star, we are guided by the Holy Spirit, who helps us understand God's word and align our lives with His truth.
5. Finding True Peace: True peace comes from orienting our lives towards Jesus. By believing in Him, reading and believing His word, and asking for a soft heart, we can find comfort and direction in our lives. This peace is different from what the world offers and is rooted in a life oriented towards Christ.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: Aligning Our Lives with Divine Wisdom
Scripture:
Proverbs 2:6-7
"For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless."
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
The wise men in the Christmas story, often referred to as magi, exemplify the pursuit of divine wisdom. Their journey to find Jesus was not merely a physical trek but a spiritual quest to align their lives with God's word. They diligently studied the scriptures, recognised the immense worth of Christ, and humbled themselves in worship. Their obedience to God, even when it meant defying earthly authority, challenges us to examine what we are aligning our lives to. Are we seeking wisdom from above that leads us to a life of worship and joy? The wise men's story invites us to orient our lives towards Jesus, seeking His guidance and wisdom in all that we do.
Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you need to seek divine wisdom? How can you begin to align this area with God's word today?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You, grateful for the wisdom that comes from You. Help me to read and believe Your Word, just like the wise men did. May I seek You with all my heart, knowing that when I seek, I will find. Guide me in my pursuit of You, and may my life be aligned with Your truth. Amen.
Day 2: The Perils of Self-Centred Control
Scripture:
Proverbs 28:26
'Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
King Herod's life serves as a stark warning about the dangers of being disoriented by self-interest and control. Despite his knowledge of the prophecies, Herod's fear of losing power led him to oppose God's word and view Jesus as a threat. His actions were driven by a perverted faith that prioritised maintaining control over submitting to divine authority. This narrative reminds us of the importance of surrendering our desire for control and self-interest to God's authority. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of a disoriented life and embrace a path of faith and obedience. True wisdom lies in recognising the worth of Christ and orienting our lives around Him.
Reflection:
As we navigate our daily lives, we are faced with choices that can either draw us closer to God or lead us away from Him. Are we willing to humble ourselves and seek the King, or do we cling to our own desires and fears? Identify a situation where you are struggling to relinquish control. How can you practice surrendering this to God today?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to recognise when I am feeling troubled or disoriented. May I seek Your peace and guidance, trusting that You are in control. Help me to align my heart with Yours, so that I may respond to challenges with faith rather than fear. Amen.
Day 3: Embracing Patient Faith
Scriptures:
Psalms 27:14
'Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord .'
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Luke 2:25
'Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Simeon exemplifies the beauty of patient faith, waiting for the consolation of Israel and trusting in God's promises. His life was marked by the presence of the Holy Spirit, and he recognised the saving power of Christ when he encountered Jesus. Simeon's story encourages us to cultivate a soft heart, to wait patiently for God's timing, and to trust in His promises. In a world that often demands immediate results, Simeon's patient faith serves as a powerful reminder of the peace and fulfilment that come from trusting in God's perfect timing.
Reflection:
What is one promise of God that you are waiting on? How can you actively cultivate patience and trust in His timing today?
Prayer:
Father, I come with a heart full of hope and expectation. Your Word reminds me to find my strength in You. Help me to be patient in my waiting, trusting that You are working all things for my good. Amen.
Day 4: The Transformation of Grace
Scripture:
Titus 3:3-5
'He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared,'
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Like King Herod, we often find ourselves caught in cycles of foolishness and disobedience. We chase after fleeting pleasures, thinking they will satisfy us. But the beauty of God’s grace is that it doesn’t leave us in our mess. Just as the wise men sought Jesus, we too are called to seek Him. When we turn our hearts towards Him, we experience a transformation that only His grace can provide.
Just as the wise men travelled a great distance to worship Him, we must be willing to make sacrifices to seek His presence.
Reflection:
Take a moment to reflect on what you are currently prioritising in your life. Are those priorities leading you closer to Christ?
What do you need to sacrifice in worship of God today?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your loving kindness that leads me to repentance once again. Help me to remember that I am not defined by my past mistakes but by Your mercy. May I seek You daily, allowing Your grace to transform my life as I surrender to You.
Day 5: Guided by the Holy Spirit
Scripture:
John 16:13
'But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in guiding us towards Christ, much like the star that led the wise men to Jesus. The Spirit helps us understand God's word and align our lives with His truth. By being attuned to the Holy Spirit, we can navigate the complexities of life with divine guidance and wisdom. This guidance is essential for living a life that is pleasing to God and aligned with His purposes. As we seek to be led by the Spirit, we are invited to open our hearts and minds to His influence, allowing Him to direct our paths.
Reflection:
How can you become more attuned to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your daily life? What steps can you take to invite His influence more fully?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be sensitive to the leading of the Spirit in my life. May I be open to His whispers, directing me towards Your will and away from confusion and disorientation. Amen.
Day 6: Discovering True Peace in Christ
Scripture:
John 14:27
'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
True peace is found in orienting our lives towards Jesus. By believing in Him, reading and believing His word, and asking for a soft heart, we can find comfort and direction in our lives. This peace is distinct from what the world offers, as it is rooted in a life oriented towards Christ. As we navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life, we are invited to seek the peace that comes from a deep relationship with Jesus, trusting in His promises and guidance.
Reflection:
In what ways can you seek the peace of Christ in your current circumstances? How can you cultivate a heart that is open to His comfort and direction today?
Prayer:
Lord, in moments of uncertainty and fear, help me to lean on Your promises. Fill me with courage to face the challenges ahead, knowing that You are my refuge and strength. Teach me to orient my life towards You, to seek Your presence in every situation, and to find peace in Your guidance. Amen.
Day 7: Hope and Faith in God
Scriptures:
Isaiah 40:31
'but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.'
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Luke 2:26-29
'It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Simeon waited on God's promise with faith and hope. Faith that He would fulfil His promise that Simeon would see the Messiah, but also hope in the fulfilment of God's salvation promise - the Messiah to save us all!
The scriptures suggest that Simeon was getting older as this time grew near, however he had continued to seek the Holy Spirit and was receptive to Him when the time came. He remained faithful and did not grow weary in serving the Lord as he waited and sought God's strength.
Reflection:
Are you willing to wait on the Lord, trusting that He will fulfil His promises in His perfect timing?
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be patient as I wait for Your promises to unfold in my life. May I find strength in You and trust that You are working all things for my good. Teach me to be still and know that You are God. Amen.
