Anticipation

Teaching & Sermons with Ines Franklin

When waiting gets oldPromise made“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God… A voice of one calling: ‘In thewilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert ahighway for our God. …the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all peoplewill see it together. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.’” Isaiah 40:1,3-5“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me…” Malachi 3:1What are you hoping for?Promise fulfilled Luke 1:5-24ChoseBoth of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all theLord’s commands and decrees blamelessly. 7 But they were childlessbecause Elizabeth was not able to conceive, and they were both veryold. …he was chosen by lot… Luke 1:6-7, 9Prayer heardBut the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayerhas been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you areto call him John. Luke 1:13Joy and delightHe will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because ofhis birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord …he will befilled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born. 16 He will bring backmany of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. Luke 1:14-16Choose your response Luke 1:18-25Zechariah, doubt: “How can I be sure of this?Elizabeth, gratitude: “The Lord has done this for me...”Prepare to be surprisedGod’s timing is perfect“But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like athousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow inkeeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patientwith you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come torepentance.” 2 Peter 3:8-9God is your strength“Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; butthose who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar onwings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and notbe faint.” Isaiah 40:30-31