Merry Christmas!
I hope this Christmas season is a hopeful and meaningful one for you.
As I read the advent narratives again this year I was struck by how I connected to two characters in a different way than I ever had before. And I thought that today you might be encouraged by these insights as well.
One message that is on my heart for you as the leader of Walk in Two Worlds Ministry is to remind you that your gift matters. There is a larger story that is yet to be completed – there will be a second advent! Yes, this same Jesus whose birth we now celebrate, will come again to claim his own.
What a day that will be!
In saying this to you today I stand in the same visionary, forward-looking tradition as that of one man in Jesus’ birth narrative named, Simeon. The scriptures say Simeon was “righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.” (Luke 2:25-26) The day Jesus was brought to be dedicated in the temple, Simeon took Jesus in his arms and worshipped God, saying, “My eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel!” (Luke 30-32). So today I call you to live as the ever-watchful Simeon, your eyes and your hearts fixed on the glory still to come as God fulfills his plan of salvation for all of mankind. And I call you to give of your time, talents and treasures to these Kingdom efforts.
Because your gift matters.
But so does your burden.
You see there is another devout old man in the Bethlehem narrative, and his name is Zechariah. The Bible describes Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth as, “upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly.” (Luke 1:6) One day whenZechariah was serving as a priest in the temple, an angel appeared to him. The angel said, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard.” What was Zechariah’s prayer? Was it to see the big picture of God’s work – salvation for all of mankind, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Israel? What was the burden which consumed Zechariah’s heart and mind?
It was that he and his wife, Elizabeth were childless.
Yes, that’s right. The biggest burden on the heart of this righteous, devout, diligent servant of God was his desire to have a child of his own. And Zechariah brought this burden before the Lord. Repeatedly, I imagine.
And here is more good news:
Zechariah’s prayer was heard.
Zechariah’s burden mattered.
Not just to himself and his wife – but his burden mattered to God.
God took the deepest burden and pain of Zechariah’s heart and turned it into his greatest joy! And that’s not all – God turned Zechariah’s burden into a critical part of God’s salvation story for the whole world, you see Zechariah’s son was none other than John the Baptist who prepared Israel for the coming of Jesus.
God used it all. Even though the burden of Zechariah’s heart didn’t seem as if it was focused first and foremost on God’s eternal plan. God used it all.
God didn’t waste anything.
You see, most likely, the deepest burden and pain of your heart is something that you are powerless to change in your own strength. That’s God territory right there. He’s really great with this stuff.
So I want to take this moment today to thank you for the time, talents and treasures you give to advance the Kingdom of God – whether through Walk in Two Worlds, or through our church, or through another ministry – your gift matters.
But something else matters to God, too – that is the deepest, most painful burden of your heart. Lift it to God in prayer. Repeat. Trust. Wait.
You see, when God answers your impossible prayer, not only will your burden turn to joy, but God will get the glory (you were powerless, remember?). And God will advance his Kingdom through answering your prayers – even if your greatest burden (and your prayer) doesn’t seem as lofty and visionary as Simeon’s. Your burden matters – and God will use it for his kingdom and for your joy.
Do not be afraid.
Lift up your prayers – and know that God hears.
Call out to him – and know that God sees.
Your burden matters.
With expectations of blessing,
Doug & Mary Lu