"Generational Challenges Equal Futuristic Blessings”

“Generational Challenges Equal Futuristic Blessings”

Matthew 2:13-23 (KJV)

Deuteronomy 11:26-28 (KJV)

31 December 2006

U.S. Army Chaplain (MAJ) Ken Harris

Presidio of Monterey (ORD Military Chapel)

Monterey California, 93940

BIG IDEA: BELIEVERS need to empathize with Jesus’ life journey. For by Jesus’ Egyptian journey, God saved the Holy family from Herod’s aggression.

References: Matthew 2:13-23 (KJV); Isaiah 63:7-9 (KJV) I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD, and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD hath bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, and according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. 8 For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie: so he was their Saviour. 9 In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old; Hebrew 2:10-18 (KJV) For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 Saying, I will declare thy name unto my brethren, in the midst of the church will I sing praise unto thee …; Psalm 148 (KJV); Romans 8:1-2 (There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death);

Isaiah 53:5-6,8 (KJV) 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all…

I. ANNOUNCE THE PERICOPE: Matthew 2:13-23 (KJV)

II. READ THE PERICOPE: Matthew 2:13-23 (KJV)

III. READ THE TEXT: Matthew 2:14 (KJV) When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt.

IV. PURPOSE: To motivate the hearers to look forward to affirming to others that Jesus, like His ancestors, also descended into Egypt.

V. INTRODUCTION:

It’s always great and wonderful to look out over the congregation and see so many familiar faces. It’s even greater to see you all gathered here - on December 31, 2006 - at our last worship service before the new year. This morning we would like to momentarily reflect on the WORD, Egypt, which is found in our text today.

******************TAKE 5 BEATS ***********************

MOVE 1: Now, my brothers and sisters, I’m not sure what comes to your mind, when you think of Egypt. But, usually, when I think of EGYPT, I think of OPPRESSION and ENSLAVEMENT.

a. I think of anguish.

b. When I think of EGYPT, I think of a place that is ruled by kings that are called Pharaohs. I think of a place that is subject to plagues, and is sometime visited by famine.

c. When I think of Egpyt, I think of wisemen, sorcerers, and magicians. I think of baby boys being slained while baby girls are celebrated.

d. When I think of Egypt, I think of Noah son HAM. I think of scholastic education first beginning. When I think of Egypt, I think of people of color. I think of people being in bondage for 430 years.

e. I rarely associate EGYPT with FREEDOM and PROSPERITY for all nations, AND ALL PEOPLE.

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MOVE 2: Yet a closer observation of the Bible tells us (in Genesis 47:11,27) that Jacob and his family migrated to Egypt, and they became property owners.

a. Property owners in Egypt?

b. God can bless us through whatever means He deems valid.

c. He can cause the very people who oppress us and belittle us to bless us.

d. Yes, God can even use the Egypt in our lives to rescue us from the evil that has always prevailed!

e. God can use the place where so many children of God had experienced pain, misery, and enslavement.

f. For who would have ever thought that God would have led Joseph and Mary to go to the very country that they had grown-up to be guarded against – EGYPT?

*******************TAKE 5 BEATS **********************

MOVE 3: Who would have ever thought that God would have sent the Baby Jesus to Egypt?

a. EGYPT was the place where the people of God had been enslaved for 430 years.