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Prepare the way: Tracy
Sermon Summary
In today's sermon, Tracy began our new series called "Prepare the Way" exploring how God prepared the way for Jesus as the light of the world, emphasising our role as light bearers in a dark world, and reflecting on the redemptive plan that started with creation and continues through us today.
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Welcome to our new series, "Prepare the Way," where we embark on an 18-week journey exploring the profound narrative of light and darkness, beginning with God's creation and culminating in our role as light bearers in the world. This series is divided into three parts: "Prepare the Way," "The Dawn," and "The Day." We start by examining how God prepared the way for Jesus, the light of the world, through the ancient scriptures and the life of John the Baptist. This preparation is akin to a light in the darkness, guiding us toward the dawn of Jesus' arrival.
In the first part, Tracy delved into the Old Testament, exploring how God used the people of Israel as a vehicle to bring forth the Saviour. Despite their failures, God's redemptive plan was always in motion, aiming to reform and redeem humanity spiritually, physically, and socially. The Israelites were chosen to be a light to the nations, yet they often faltered. However, God's promises remained steadfast, as seen in the prophecies of Jeremiah and Isaiah, which foretold a new covenant and a new creation.
The second part of our series, "The Dawn," focuses on the fulfillment of these prophecies through Jesus Christ. Jesus, the light of the world, refracts God's light into the world, bringing hope and redemption. This is beautifully illustrated by the image of light striking a prism, bursting into rays of color. Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the dawn of a new era, fulfilling God's promises and offering salvation to all.
Finally, in "The Day," we explore our role as image bearers of Christ, tasked with spreading the good news and being a light in the world. Despite our imperfections, we are called to follow Jesus' example and share His love and truth with others. The Apostle Paul reminds us that we are entrusted with this ministry, and through God's mercy, we do not lose heart. We are to set forth the truth plainly, trusting in God's timing and guidance.
Key Takeaways
1. God's Redemptive Plan: From the beginning, God had a plan to redeem humanity through Jesus Christ. Despite the failures of the Israelites, God's promises remained steadfast, offering hope and redemption to all. This plan involves spiritual, physical, and social redemption, as foretold by the prophets.
2. The Role of Light: Light is a central theme in God's creation and redemption narrative. Jesus, the light of the world, brings hope and salvation, refracting God's light into the world. As followers of Christ, we are called to be light bearers, sharing His love and truth with others.
3. The New Covenant: Through the prophet Jeremiah, God promised a new covenant, writing His law on our hearts and offering forgiveness and grace. This covenant is fulfilled in Jesus, freeing us from the burden of the law and inviting us into a relationship with God.
4. The Suffering Servant: Isaiah's prophecy of the suffering servant reveals the nature of Jesus' mission. Jesus, the servant king, took on our sins and suffered on our behalf, offering redemption and healing. This prophecy offers hope and assurance of God's love and plan for salvation.
5. Our Mission as Light Bearers: As followers of Christ, we are called to be light bearers, sharing the good news and pointing others to Jesus. Despite our imperfections, we are entrusted with this ministry, setting forth the truth plainly and trusting in God's guidance and timing.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: God's Unwavering Redemptive Plan
Scripture:
Jeremiah 31:31-33
'“The day is coming,” says the Lord , “when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and Judah. This covenant will not be like the one I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and brought them out of the land of Egypt. They broke that covenant, though I loved them as a husband loves his wife,” says the Lord . '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
God's redemptive plan for humanity has been in motion since the beginning of time, despite the failures and shortcomings of the Israelites. Through the Old Testament, God used the people of Israel as a vehicle to bring forth the Saviour, Jesus Christ. The prophets, such as Jeremiah and Isaiah, foretold a new covenant and a new creation, emphasising God's steadfast promises. This plan encompasses spiritual, physical, and social redemption, offering hope and salvation to all who believe. God's faithfulness is evident in His unwavering commitment to redeem humanity through Jesus, the light of the world.
Reflection:
Consider a time when you felt distant from God. How can you remind yourself of His unwavering commitment to redeem and restore you today?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the promises of redemption found in Your Word. As I reflect on the covenant You made with Your people, may I find comfort in knowing that Your love and grace are ever-present. Help me to internalise Your laws and live as part of Your people, reflecting Your light in all I do. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Day 2: Jesus, the Light of the World
Scripture:
John 1:4-5
'The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...Devotional:
Light is a central theme in God's creation and redemption narrative. Jesus, as the light of the world, refracts God's light into the world, bringing hope and salvation. This imagery is beautifully illustrated by the image of light striking a prism, bursting into rays of color. As followers of Christ, we are called to be light bearers, sharing His love and truth with others. Our mission is to reflect Jesus' light in our daily lives, illuminating the darkness around us and pointing others to the hope found in Him.
Reflection:
Identify one area in your life where you can be a light bearer today. How can you actively reflect Jesus' light in that situation?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to be part of Your redemptive plan. As I learn about my role in Your kingdom work, empower me to serve as light in a world that often feels dark. May I boldly share the good news of Your love and hope with others, just as You intended. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Day 3: The New Covenant of Grace
Scripture:
'But this is the new covenant I will make with the people of Israel on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their minds, and I will write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. And they will not need to teach their neighbors, nor will they need to teach their relatives, saying, ‘You should know the Lord .’ For everyone, from the least to the greatest, will know me already. And I will forgive their wickedness, and I will never again remember their sins.” '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Through the prophet Jeremiah, God promised a new covenant, writing His law on our hearts and offering forgiveness and grace. This covenant is fulfilled in Jesus, freeing us from the burden of the law and inviting us into a relationship with God. The new covenant emphasises God's grace and mercy, allowing us to experience His love and forgiveness in a profound way. As believers, we are called to embrace this covenant, living in the freedom and grace that Jesus provides.
Reflection:
Reflect on the grace and forgiveness God has extended to you. How can you extend that same grace to someone in your life today?
Prayer:
Lord, I come before You today, seeking Your grace and forgiveness. I acknowledge my shortcomings and the times I have strayed from Your light. Lord, I ask that You wash away my sins. Help me to embrace the grace You freely offer, allowing it to transform my heart and guide my actions. May I reflect Your love and mercy to those around me, through Jesus Christ. In His name, I pray. Amen.
Day 4: The Suffering Servant's Mission
Scripture:
'Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, a punishment for his own sins! But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Isaiah's prophecy of the suffering servant reveals the nature of Jesus' mission. Jesus, the servant king, took on our sins and suffered on our behalf, offering redemption and healing. This prophecy offers hope and assurance of God's love and plan for salvation. Jesus' sacrifice demonstrates the depth of God's love for humanity and His desire to restore us to Himself. As we reflect on the suffering servant, we are reminded of the cost of our redemption and the hope we have in Christ.
Reflection:
Think about the sacrifice Jesus made for you. How can you live in a way that honors His sacrifice and reflects His love to others?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice for me on the cross. That I now have hope and assurance through Your love for me. I pray that You would continue Your work in me so that I can shine a light on how much You love those in my life who do not know You. Amen.
Day 5: The Promise of Light in Darkness
Scripture:
'Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.” And evening passed and morning came, marking the first day. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, and He said, "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3). This light was not just a physical phenomenon; it was a promise of hope in the midst of darkness. The Israelites were chosen to be a light to the nations, a guiding star for those lost in despair. As we reflect on this, we are reminded that even in our darkest moments, God’s light is present, waiting to guide us back to Him.
Reflection:
Where have you seen God's light break through your darkness?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your light in my life. I pray that You would continue to shine You light into my darkest places. May I know Your love and hope despite my circumstances.
Amen.
Day 6: A Promise of New Creation
Scripture:
Isaiah 65:17-19
'“Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth, and no one will even think about the old ones anymore. Be glad; rejoice forever in my creation! And look! I will create Jerusalem as a place of happiness. Her people will be a source of joy. I will rejoice over Jerusalem and delight in my people. And the sound of weeping and crying will be heard in it no more. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
In Isaiah 65:17, God promises to create a new heaven and a new earth. This is a beautiful reminder that God is always at work, bringing about renewal and restoration. Just as He created the world in the beginning, He is still creating today. This new creation signifies hope and transformation. It’s a call for us to look forward and not dwell on the past. The former things will not be remembered, which means that our past mistakes, pains, and sorrows will be replaced with joy and delight. Let us embrace this promise and rejoice in the new things God is doing in our lives.
God invites us to participate in this new creation, to be bearers of His light and joy in a world that desperately needs it.
Reflection:
How can we embody this new creation in our daily lives?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of new creation. Help me to embrace the joy and hope that comes from knowing You are always at work in my life. May I reflect Your love and delight to those around me, and may I find comfort in the assurance that You will wipe away every tear. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Day 7: Our Mission as Light Bearers
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 4:1-2
'Therefore, since God in his mercy has given us this new way, we never give up. We reject all shameful deeds and underhanded methods. We don’t try to trick anyone or distort the word of God. We tell the truth before God, and all who are honest know this. ;'
https://www.bible.com/bible/11..
Devotional:
As followers of Christ, we are called to be light bearers, sharing the good news and pointing others to Jesus. Despite our imperfections, we are entrusted with this ministry, setting forth the truth plainly and trusting in God's guidance and timing. The Apostle Paul reminds us that we are entrusted with this ministry, and through God's mercy, we do not lose heart. Our mission is to follow Jesus' example, sharing His love and truth with those around us, and trusting in His guidance as we fulfill our calling.
Reflection:
Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the good news of Jesus. How can you share His love and truth with them today?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me to be part of Your redemptive plan. Help me not to lose heart, but to seek your grace in all I do. May I boldly share the good news of Your love and hope with others, just as You intended. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
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