Introduction

Good morning, beloved family of God. It's a joy to be standing before you today, not as a speaker, but as a fellow traveler on this road we call faith. We gather here not because we have all the answers, but because we are all seekers, yearning to understand the mysteries of God's love and the wonders of His word.

Today, we turn our hearts and minds to the gospel of Luke, specifically Luke 1:26-38. A passage that is so familiar, it's almost like a well-worn path. But isn't it true that the most familiar paths often hold the most profound treasures? It's in the every day, the ordinary, the familiar, where God often does His most extraordinary work.

In the words of the great theologian, J.I. Packer, "Once you become aware that the main business that you are here for is to know God, most of life's problems fall into place of their own accord." Isn't that a marvelous thought? We are here, above all else, to know God. And through His word, we get to do just that.

So, let us read together from the gospel of Luke, chapter 1, verses 26-38 [read text].

In this passage, we'll be examining three main points: the Kingdom Announcement, the King's Arrival, and the King's Assignment. Each of these points offers us a fresh perspective on the familiar, a new understanding of the known, and a deeper appreciation of God's extraordinary work in the ordinary.

Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we come before you with open hearts and minds. We ask that you guide us as we seek to understand your word and your will. Fill us with your wisdom and your love. May we see your extraordinary work in our everyday lives. Help us to understand the wonders of your kingdom, the significance of your arrival, and the importance of your assignment. May we be like Mary, ready and willing to say, "Let it be to me according to your word." In Jesus' name, we pray, amen.

Kingdom Announcement

In the heart of this passage, we find an angelic messenger, Gabriel, sent from God to a young woman named Mary. This wasn't just a casual visit. This was a divine appointment, a moment that would change the course of history. Gabriel was there to make an announcement, a proclamation of a kingdom that was about to break into the world in a new and powerful way.

This kingdom wasn't like the kingdoms of the world. It wasn't built on power or wealth or military might nor confined to a geographical location. This was a kingdom of a different sort, a kingdom of the heart, and a kingdom of love and grace and truth. It was the kingdom of God, breaking into the world through the life of a baby to be born to a virgin in a small town in Galilee. Now, let's take a closer look at this kingdom. What makes it so different? What sets it apart from the kingdoms of the world?

Firstly, this kingdom is marked by a different kind of power. In worldly kingdoms, power is often used to oppress, control, and dominate. But in God's kingdom, power is used to serve, heal, and restore. The power of God's kingdom is the power of love, a love so strong it can break the chains of sin and death, and a love so deep it can reach into the darkest places and bring hope and healing.

Secondly, this kingdom is marked by a different kind of wealth. Wealth is EVERYTHING to the worldly empires that have existed throughout history. In God's kingdom, wealth is measured in grace and mercy, in forgiveness and redemption, in love and joy and peace. The wealth of God's kingdom is the wealth of the spirit, a wealth that can never be exhausted, a wealth that is freely given to all who seek it.

Thirdly, this kingdom is marked by a different kind of rule. While world powers often rule by force and fear, the Lord’s kingdom is one love! God rules not as a tyrant, but as a loving father, not as a distant monarch, but as a close and personal friend. His rule is not one of oppression, but of liberation, not one of punishment, but of forgiveness.

Finally, this kingdom is marked by a different kind of citizenship. Our citizenship is based on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. All are welcome in God's kingdom, all are invited to become citizens, and all are called to live as children of the King.

Transition. So, as we consider this kingdom announcement, let's remember that this is not just a historical event, not just a story from the past. This is a present reality, a living truth. The kingdom of God is here, now, breaking into our world, breaking into our lives. And we are invited to be a part of it, to live as citizens of this kingdom, to experience its power, its wealth, its rule, its citizenship. This is the good news of the gospel, the good news that Gabriel announced to Mary, the good news that we are called to announce to the world.

King's Arrival

As we turn our attention to the King's Arrival, we find ourselves amid an ordinary day in Nazareth ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO