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One Day Closer To A Miracle | Jentezen Franklin

Sunday, December 15



Join Us for The Fast, January 5-26

Scriptures

Luke 2:4-7, Luke 2:8-14, Proverbs 27:1, Psalm 118:24, Galatians 4:19, Luke 13:32, Psalm 23:6, Psalm 37:18, Deuteronomy 33:25.

Ice Breaker

What was your most pleasant Christmas memory? What made it so memorable?

"So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered." Luke 2:6


Introduction

Many of the memories that we have are based on positive experiences. We tend to remember the pleasant things that happen in our lives and, often, forget the difficult times. Perhaps it is out of a sense of ‘self-protection’ we forget the difficult circumstances and focus on the positive. It is said by many women who have given birth to a child that, almost as soon as the new baby is placed in their arms, the memory of the pain they went through to get there was gone.

Pastor Franklin shared a word this Sunday to remind us of the importance of knowing that the days leading up the joyous memory, though not always pleasant, were a critical part of getting to the victory we experienced and the happiness we remember.

Take time to read aloud Luke’s account of the Christmas story in Luke chapter 2, but with a special focus on verse 6:

“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.

4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Glory in the Highest

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

14 “Glory to God in the highest,And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made [f]widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.” (NIV)

We are reminded in this passage that there were ‘days’ to be completed before the Savior of the world could be born. Mary experienced all the issues that go with a pregnancy, but also ridicule and difficult travel at the end of her pregnancy before this incredible event ever occurred. 

We are also reminded that there are days to be completed in our lives before God’s plan can truly be birthed in our lives as well. We want to focus our study today on the concept of a “live until you die” mindset which will find joy in each day leading up to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ Jesus.

  • Can you think of a time in your life where you had to go through challenging circumstances before reaching a moment of joy or achievement?
  • Should we strive to remember the difficult times as well as the victories? Why?

The Journey to Joy

Psalm 118:24 NIV “The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.”

In writing a story there is usually a

  • Prelude: the introduction, setting the stage for the main story 
  • Body/Main Plot: the center, the narrative, usually where conflict develops and reaches its peak
  • Epilogue: the conclusion that ties up loose ends and provides closure

It is then the prelude that sets the stage and the epilogue that often is the celebratory finale, but it is the grind, the conflict, the bleakest of days that develop the story. There is none other so telling as the story of the coming of Jesus’ birth, as Pastor Jentezen taught this week. 

Mary, a young woman, a virgin, chosen to be the mother of Jesus. 

Joseph, who is engaged to Mary, discovered his betrothed was pregnant. Now facing either betrayal or ridicule.

In faithful obedience, Mary and Joseph open their hands in surrender. 

  • How do you think you would have responded? With fear? Unbelief? Denial? Awe? 

The epilogue (or ending) in our own lives does not include the prelude (or beginning) of pain, yet how we journeyed to the end tells of endurance that many others will never see nor will ever know…save the Lord, Who brings us through to completion. It is as a circumcision to the heart.

The journey is a ‘not yet’ state of being. IF we can focus on the Lord, on the ‘yet’, while we are experiencing the drought, the heartache, the ill-effects of treatment of others or of intervention, in this imperfect world, THEN we can anchor ourselves to the One who holds our future with promise.

  • How do we trust when it looks so bleak? The Bible recognizes the difficulties we have when facing struggles in our lives. 

Proverbs 13:12 says, “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.” (NIV)

Our longing is knowing WHO holds our future. In Mere Christianity, C. S. Lewis writes: “Hope is one of the Theological virtues. This means that a continual looking forward to the eternal world is not (as some modern people think) a form of escapism or wishful thinking, but one of the things a Christian is meant to do.”

Let’s look closer at the familiar Scripture: Psalm 118:24

‘This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it’. The Hebrew language brings a deeper meaning.

The Hebrew term used in the above Scripture for ‘THIS’ is Zeh and it means: This, just now, wherefore now, in this matter, in spite of this, this one, behold here, in this place on these conditions, through this, in this matter. 

The terminology is important here because it is implying no matter what we are going through, in all conditions, we are to rejoice. We do not rejoice because we may be facing financial or health difficulties, but we are to keep our hearts focused on Him, knowing He will bring us through ‘this’ to an ultimate celebration. A birth in our lives which surpasses the dark journey.

The word ‘Day’ is hay-yo-wm: a division of time, a period of time, a journey, temporal references. It is temporary. 

And then the term ‘Has Made’ is in Hebrew: A-Sah which means to fashion, to accomplish, to make, produce, work, appoint, ordain, to press, act with effect.

This Scripture suggests a destiny to come. A tapestry being woven. When we turn our lives, and our situations over to Him, He will orchestrate the details for our eventual good, as in another familiar Scripture:

Romans 8:28 says, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose"

The LORD has done it this very day. What a conclusion, an accomplishment, a promise brought forth, the finale, and now we can stand and rejoice.

The happiest of endings are tethered to trusting Him.

  • How does knowing the end of the story shape how you live today?

What Tomorrow May Bring

Our plans for the future must include humility and caution. Boasting about tomorrow suggests arrogance or overconfidence in our plans, but Proverbs 27:1 redirects our focus to living faithfully and wisely in the present moment.

  • "I’m going to nail that promotion tomorrow; it’s practically mine already."
  • "Tomorrow, I’m going to run a marathon without any training, and I’ll beat my personal best."
  • "I’m going to invest all my money in this new stock tomorrow; I'll double my money by next week."
  • "Tomorrow, I’ll conquer that mountain with no gear; it’ll be a piece of cake."

Each day, let's remember we rely on God. By staying humble and trusting Him with the future, we move from self-reliance to faith. 

“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” Proverbs 27:1 (NIV)

Recognizing the fleeting nature of life fosters gratitude for each moment we are given. It reminds us to cherish relationships, serve others, and seek God’s purpose daily. 

With uncertainty of the future what are some things we can reflect on to get us back on track?

  • How can gratitude for today help you overcome anxiety and over confidence about the future?
  • How might boasting about tomorrow negatively impact your relationships or testimony to others?
  • In what ways can you encourage others to trust God with their future instead of boasting or worrying about it?
  • What habits or practices can you develop to remind yourself of God’s sovereignty daily?

The Formation of Christ Within Believers

Galatians 4:19 (NIV) “My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you.”

Paul’s main focus was helping his spiritual children grow until their lives reflected Christ’s character. The idea of “formed in you” compares to a mother nurturing a child in the womb until it’s ready to be born. Similarly, God’s desire is for Christ to dwell within and be seen through the life of every believer.

  • How does Paul's analogy of childbirth relate to the spiritual growth of believers?
  • What practical steps can Christians take to ensure that Christ's character is 'formed' in them?
  • In what ways can the church community support individuals in the process of having Christ formed in them?

Conclusion

“I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands”. Psalm 31:14b,15a

How we face each day of our lives is a choice. We must neither forget nor get trapped by the struggles of our lives because they are the very building blocks of our joyous victories. We cannot afford to be the victim of our circumstances, nor should we fail to see beyond them to the God’s eternal purpose. 

On the other hand, we can choose the attitude of David, as expressed in Psalm 31:14b,15a: “I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands”. We can learn to embrace the circumstances and days that we are going through with the ‘sure and certain hope’ that we have for the outcome in Christ Jesus. The promise is this:

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow meAll the days of my life;And I will dwell in the house of the LordForever. (Psalm 23:6)

Again, it is in the words and attitude of King David that we see the sovereignty and grace of God. It is not only the promise of God, but the result of an obedient heart to accept God’s promises. To trust the omniscience and providence of God in the face of everyday struggles with the full knowledge that our Good Shepherd is leading us to the ultimate green pastures. In God’s merciful hands we can live out every day until the day of completion is upon us and we experience the fullness of ‘dwelling in the house of the Lord forever.’

Prayer

Let Psalm 31:14-15 inspire your group prayer today.

Resources

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