Let every heart prepare Him room

“In previous years, union hourly workers and their families have been welcome at the company's holiday gathering, where common laborers could sip eggnog with corporate managers in the spirit of fellowship… But this year's party at the Hilton is for non-union, salaried employees only.”

Serve God in Light of His Unfailing Promises! In Luke 1:57-80, In light of Christ’s coming… What was God doing? What did God expect of His people then? What does God expect of His people now?

I. What was God doing to prepare the way for His Son’s coming? Building on His past work, God worked through specific people at a specific time (verses 57, 64-66, 76-80) “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows about these things, and to him I speak boldly. For I am persuaded that none of these things has escaped his notice, for this has not been done in a corner.” Acts 26:25-26

I. What was God doing to prepare the way for His Son’s coming? Building on His past work, God worked through specific people at a specific time (verses 57, 64-66, 76-80) God was keeping His unfailing covenant promises (verses 68-79)

God was keeping His unfailing covenant promises “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” Genesis 22:16-18

God was keeping His unfailing covenant promises “I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness.” Isaiah 42:6-7 Or as Zechariah sang in verses 78-79 “the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

A – (68) the Lord God…has visited and redeemed his people B – (69) and has raised up a horn of salvation C – (70) as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets D – (71) saved from our enemies E – (72) to remember his holy covenant, E’ – (73) the oath that he swore to…Abraham D’ – (74) delivered from the hand of our enemies, C’ – (76) And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High B’ – (77) to give knowledge of salvation to his people A’ – (78) whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high

II. What did God expect of His people as He prepared the way for His Son’s coming? God expected His people to rejoice and praise Him for who He is and what He has done (verses 58, 64, 67-79) God expected His people to persist in obedience to His word and His calling (verses 59-64, 76-77, 80) God expected His people to serve Him in light of His covenant with them (verses 59, 76-77 [68-79])

III. Serve God in Light of His Unfailing Promises! We who have embraced by faith the gospel of our salvation in Jesus Christ “were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14 “…be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33