Series:Heaven Came Down Title: Hope
Preacher-John Farley
Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; and Mark 13:24-37
In chapter 80, the Psalmist writes of the desire for a rescue from the circumstances the people found themselves in.
Two minutes of silence
What do you need to be rescued from?
What struggles are holding you from moving forward in life, in relationships, and in your beliefs?
The Psalmist presents that the people were experiencing a similar series of concerns, but they were looking to an answer from God –Hope.
Read Isaiah 64:1-7. In Isaiah, we read his prophetic prayer, the need for a Savior – Messiah.
Do we see the dramatic request that God tear the heavens open to bring heaven to earth?
Have you ever desired that God would tear the heavens open for you?
That heaven would come down and allow you to have a changed, redeemed life?
God sent His Son the answer, the gift, the hope that came down becoming God amongst us.
Mark 13:24-37 Read these words and reflect on them in light of the Christmas Story. Christ came down and lived amongst us.
What does that do for you as you reflect that God Tore the heavens open, sent His Son, and is making a difference in your life today?
How should we live life? What should our life reflect?
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:3-9 of Jesus giving thanks for the grace we receive through this answer to Isaiah’s prayer but recognizes that this is not the conclusion of the story. There is another heaven-coming-down moment promised ahead. The Message version reads, 7-9 Just think—you don’t need a thing, you’ve got it all! All God’s gifts are right in front of you as you wait expectantly for our Master Jesus to arrive on the scene for the Finale. Not only that, but God himself is right alongside you to keep you steady and on track until things are all wrapped up by Jesus. God, who got you started in this spiritual adventure, shares with us the life of his Son and our Master Jesus.
Are you living looking for the NEXT? What are some ways you are preparing for the NEXT heaven coming to earth?
The weekly readings can be found in our Daily Advent Devotionals Here. If you would like to receive these daily Advent Devotionals you can subscribe HERE.