LAUGH 'N LEARN

An Encouragement Ministry of Verde Valley Christian Church
Of Cottonwood Arizona
http://www.vvchristianchurch.net/

Issue # 270,    December 16,  2007

LAUGH

A Holiday Dentist

Jim’s Manuscript

December 16, 2007

“Christmas Cheer
When We Feel Like We Have Nothing Left”

Series “Christmas Cheer” (Part 3 of 4)
Good News For Real People with Real Problems

Text: Luke 2:22-38

Focus: When we feel like we have nothing left, we often discover that God is enough.

While working as a journalist for the Chicago Tribune, Lee Strobel was assigned to report on the struggles of an impoverished, inner-city family during the weeks leading up to Christmas. A devout atheist at the time, Strobel was mildly surprised by the family's attitude in spite of their circumstances:

The Delgados—60-year-old Perfecta and her granddaughters, Lydia and Jenny—had been burned out of their roach-infested tenement and were now living in a tiny, two-room apartment on the West Side. As I walked in, I couldn't believe how empty it was. There was no furniture, no rugs, nothing on the walls—only a small kitchen table and one handful of rice. That's it. They were virtually devoid of possessions.

In fact, 11-year-old Lydia and 13-year-old Jenny owned only one short-sleeved dress each, plus one thin, gray sweater between them. When they walked the half-mile to school through the biting cold, Lydia would wear the sweater for part of the distance and then hand it to her shivering sister, who would wear it the rest of the way.

But despite their poverty and the painful arthritis that kept Perfecta from working, she still talked confidently about her faith in Jesus. She was convinced he had not abandoned them. I never sensed despair or self-pity in her home; instead, there was a gentle feeling of hope and peace.

Strobel completed his article, then moved on to more high-profile assignments. But when Christmas Eve arrived, he found his thoughts drifting back to the Delgados and their unflinching belief in God's providence. In his words: "I continued to wrestle with the irony of the situation. Here was a family that had nothing but faith, and yet seemed happy, while I had everything I needed materially, but lacked faith—and inside I felt as empty and barren as their apartment."

In the middle of a slow news day, Strobel decided to pay a visit to the Delgados. When he arrived, he was amazed at what he saw. Readers of his article had responded to the family's need in overwhelming fashion, filling the small apartment with donations. Once inside, Strobel encountered new furniture, appliances, and rugs; a large Christmas tree and stacks of wrapped presents; bags of food; and a large selection of warm winter clothing. Readers had even donated a generous amount of cash.

But it wasn't the gifts that shocked Lee Strobel, an atheist in the middle of Christmas generosity. It was the family's response to those gifts. In his words:

As surprised as I was by this outpouring, I was even more astonished by what my visit was interrupting: Perfecta and her granddaughters were getting ready to give away much of their newfound wealth. When I asked Perfecta why, she replied in halting English: "Our neighbors are still in need. We cannot have plenty while they have nothing. This is what Jesus would want us to do."

That blew me away! If I had been in their position at that time in my life, I would have been hoarding everything. I asked Perfecta what she thought about the generosity of the people who had sent all of these goodies, and again her response amazed me. "This is wonderful; this is very good," she said, gesturing toward the largess. "We did nothing to deserve this—it's a gift from God. But," she added, "It is not his greatest gift. No, we celebrate that tomorrow. That is Jesus."

To her, this child in the manger was the undeserved gift that meant everything—more than material possessions, more than comfort, more than security. And at that moment, something inside of me wanted desperately to know this Jesus—because, in a sense, I saw him in Perfecta and her granddaughters.

They had peace despite poverty, while I had anxiety despite plenty; they knew the joy of generosity, while I only knew the loneliness of ambition; they looked heavenward for hope, while I only looked out for myself; they experienced the wonder of the spiritual, while I was shackled to the shallowness of the material—and something made me long for what they had.

Or, more accurately, for the One they knew.

Lee Strobel, The Case for Christmas (Zondervan, 2005)

Luke 2:22-24 (NIV)   ²² When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord   ²³ (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, "Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord"),   ²⁴ and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: "a pair of doves or two young pigeons."   

I.  There is a proper approach to God. 

Mary and Joseph approached God according to his Old Covenant instructions.  We approach God through his New Covenant instructions.

Hebrews 10:19-20 (NIV) Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, ²⁰ by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body…

• Even though we no longer need to offer animal sacrifices to approach God, (as Joseph and Mary did, which were shadow pictures of the reality to come) we must be careful ourselves not to lose that sense of sacredness while we approach God.
• Mary and Joseph came for two reasons, both according to the instructions.  They came for their “Purification” and for Jesus “Presentation.”
• Though we do not have New Covenant instructions commanding us regarding the official presentation of our children before the Lord.  Perhaps it is more than just a good idea even for us in the New Covenant to publicly bring our children before the Lord for “presentation” to dedicate them to God. (2:22-24).   We often do that here.  When and if you do officially present your child publicly to dedicate them to the Lord, I encourage you to make this an expression of your faith, dedicating them AND yourselves as parents before God.
  • They brought the “purification” sacrifice, and the “redemption” price.
    • Leviticus prescribes a lamb and a bird for the “purification sacrifice”, but if a person could not afford that, two birds will suffice. 

Leviticus 12:6-8 (NIV) ⁶ "'When the days of her purification for a son or daughter are over, she is to bring to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting a year-old lamb for a burnt offering and a young pigeon or a dove for a sin offering.  ⁷ He shall offer them before the LORD to make atonement for her, and then she will be ceremonially clean from her flow of blood. "'These are the regulations for the woman who gives birth to a boy or a girl.  ⁸ If she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. In this way the priest will make atonement for her, and she will be clean.'"

• Don’t assume that Joseph and Mary were the poorest of poor.  As a carpenter, Joseph had a good trade, but they had been away from home and in and around Bethlehem now for 40 days.  There were many expenses while away from home base.  Funds were running low.  It seems doubtful that Joseph would have had tools with him to take up jobs during this period, though he could have hired his skills out.
• As part of the Presentation of the first born male, a redemption price was paid as prescribed by the Old Covenant Law.  This was a reminder from the Passover event in Exodus.  God redeemed his Israel’s first born at a price.  It is interesting that a few times in the Old Testament the nation is called God’s son.  A lamb was slain, as a sacrifice and a sign of faith in the promise of God that he would “pass over” the homes where the Lamb’s blood was applied on the door posts.  After the Passover event, from that point forward in Israel’s history, all first born males were redeemed at a price as a reminder of that act of redemption.  It indicated to them that the first born were his, with a view that they were all his.  Just as we give the first part of our income as a reminder that it all belongs to God, the Israelites paid a redemption price as a reminder that they were all his redeemed people, redeemed by his powerful judgment act at the Passover.   
• The redeemer was redeemed!  Now that’s fascinating.  A redemption price was paid for him.  This reminds me of events later to come when Jesus who was without sin was baptized.  This all begins to make sense if you understand Jesus as a representative for Israel, and yes, for us.  He is the true Israelite, succeeding where they failed.  He is the second Adam, where the first Adam and therefore, all humanity failed.  Israel is redeemed at a price.  Jesus repents (perfectly for Israel and as Israel’s representative and for us, as our representative) and is baptized.  At his baptism his identification with us is total, and his mission begins.  He may not respond to any temptation in any way that we would be unable ourselves to respond.  Mary and Joseph have no idea what a significant theological thing is taking place when they redeem the redeemer!  Though he needs no redemption, He is one of us.  He will pay the price of redemption for all, and bearing the penalty of redemption is how he will pay the price.  
• The proper approach to God is through atonement and dedication.  Atonement (Justification) makes dedication (Sanctification) possible.
• In the Old Covenant, they too were saved by the work of Christ, however, just as our faith pointed to the past event of Christ, whether they knew it or not, the Old Covenant Saints’ faith in the sacrificial system pointed forward to the once and for all adequate sacrifice of the Lord Christ, Son of Man, Son of God, our perfect representative paying the adequate redemption price for all.

Luke 2:25-38 (NIV)   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 upon him.   ²⁶ It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.   ²⁷ 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,   ²⁸ Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:   

²⁹ "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.   ³⁰ For my eyes have seen your salvation,   ³¹ which you have prepared in the sight of all people,   ³² a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."   

³³ The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him.   ³⁴ Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother:

"This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,   ³⁵ so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."   

³⁶ There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage,   ³⁷ and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.   ³⁸ Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

A.  It’s never too late to Approach God

Do you know why it is never too late to approach God?  It is because salvation is not achieved but received.  If you want to receive salvation, it is never too late!

Luke 2:30-31 (NIV) ³⁰ For my eyes have seen your salvation, ³¹ which you have prepared in the sight of all people,

Simeon recognized salvation as a gift that was “prepared” by God “in the sight of all people.”  This wasn’t something done in some corner by secret.  This has been proclaimed to the world.  Salvation was prepared and given to the world, and it must be received, if you are to be saved!  We don’t achieve salvation; we take hold of him, embrace him, and receive him.

B.  It’s never too late to Serve God.

• Here are two people still serving full steam ahead.
• Ministry is not just for “Clergy”
• Simeon is not Clergy…yet he “prophesied” and “ministered” to Jesus and his family.
• “Retirement” years may be a misnomer for believers. 
• Ministry is full time for the Christian…we never retire from ministry service.
• “Retirement” frees us up for different kinds of ministry activities.

How old was Anna? “a widow of 84 years”

• This is a scholar’s controversy.  Simply put, the question is, was she 84 or 105?  Was she 84 years old, or widowed for 84 years after having been married 7 years.  If the latter, then 14 + 7 + 84 = 105!  Give or take depending on when she was married.  The bible tells us she was “very old”.  We don’t have to solve this.  The point is well taken either way. 
  • All the energy you need to serve God is the energy required to think, to praise, to speak.
  • What a great example Anna and Simeon have laid before us for our declining years.  They were declining in energy yes, but not in effectiveness. They were touching eternity. 

C.  It’s never too late to look forward

• Simeon was looking forward not back.  He was “waiting for the consolation of Israel” (2:25).  He took prophecy seriously.  Do you take prophesy seriously?  Do you look forward to the SECOND coming of Christ?  Do you note the signs?
• No matter what stage of life, Christians have more to look forward to, than back.  Even at the end of life, WE can look ahead! Even when things are darkest we can expect and look forward to light.

It must be a real drag to be an Atheist.

• They see a beautiful panorama of mountains, or the Grand Canyon with the light of the sunset hitting it magnificently, and they have nobody to thank. 
• It must be especially bad to be a VERY OLD Atheist!  When they are “over the hill”, they have more to look back on than look forward to.  Every aching pain must be a bummer, because life isn’t getting any better.  They have nothing to look forward to. 
• It must be unbearable to be a terminally sick Atheist!  The end of life must be excruciatingly painful.  They don’t believe in a future and time is running out. 

II.  Contentment comes to those who Love God

Looking Forward brought Simeon contentment even in the face of death.

• Contentment is not a matter of age or energy level.
• Contentment is not a matter of accumulation.

A.  Contentment comes in the Delight of Divine Appointments

• The Best Contentment is to know God and see Him at work.

On the surface of things, Mary and Joseph and Simeon “just happened” to walk in together, but we find out it didn’t “just happen”.  Simeon was guided by the Spirit (2:27)

Luke 2:27 (NIV) ²⁷ 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,

Another divine appointment (Anna) “she was coming at that very hour”

Luke 2:38 (NIV) Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

B.  Contentment comes to those who have Faith

Luke 2:30 (NIV) For my eyes have seen your salvation,

He’s holding a baby, but by faith he sees and holds salvation.

Jesus looked at unstable Peter but by faith he called him Rock.

Jesus looked at the cross but because of his faith he called it his glory.

Contentment comes to those who see with faith.

C.  Contentment comes to those who recognize God is in control (2:29)

Luke 2:29 (NIV) "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.

Simeon isn’t just using a flowery title for God, when he calls him “Sovereign Lord.”   He believes God is in control.  He is in control the movement of history, and here is the promised Messiah to prove God is in control. 

It really is easier to be content when you believe God is in control.   

D.     Contentment comes with Self Surrender (2:29)

Luke 2:29 (NIV) "Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.

Simeon feels release at this point.  He has been waiting anxiously, knowing that some day he would see the savior.  He is content to go, now that he has.  He is surrendered. 

• God has created us to relate to him.
  • When you are setting goals include specifics that will help you know God better.
• Some of you are called to the significant task of testimony and encouragement like Simeon or Anna.
  • Even though Simeon thinks he is done with all his tasks, his work in a sense is not finished.  He plants words that live and grow and have impact long after he is gone.

III.  Jesus is the Great Divide (2:34)

Luke 2:34 (NIV) ³⁴ Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,

A.  It was no accident that he divided the world. 

• I wonder how often Mary revisited these words during the later events of puzzling hostility toward her son? 
• It was no accident that so many turned against him. 

"This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,

• Just because one was in Israel didn’t mean one would accept the accept the sent Messiah
• Just because you are in church doesn’t mean you have received Christ
• Just because you are in a garage, that doesn’t make you a car!

People will rise or fall on this central question.  Who is Jesus?

YOUR attitude toward Jesus determines YOUR eternal destiny! 

B.  There is no neutral position toward Jesus (2:33-35)

Simeon’s prophecy encouraged Mary’s heart, it still encourages ours today.  Hostility still pierces our souls.  As we remember such prophecies and how they are worked out, even in the darkest of hours, when a soldier pierces the Christ, or when a gunman shoots church members, it is because of the prophecies that we are encouraged that God’s plan will be work together for good in the end.  (Romans 8:28)

• At this point I read a Mark Buchanan story of a dialogue with an atheist, but it cannot be published over the internet.  (sorry)

• Simeon was ready to go.  Are you?  In this life, we are ALL terminal.  But even “death has lost its sting” (1 Corinthians 15:55)  for the believer and receiver of God’s Christmas gift of salvation!  On which side of Jesus, the Great Divide, are you?  For him or against him?  There is no neutral position.