NEW YEARS EVE 2020 – Luke 12:35-40
“THE LORD IS COMING”
Introduction: Grace be to you and peace, from God our Father, and from our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. Our text is the Gospel lesson just read, from Luke 12. We begin with prayer.
Dear fellow disciples of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ:
- Much could be reflected upon as we close out the year 2020. For most people it will be remembered for the pandemic, and for the destruction wrought on the health of people and on the wealth of people. Hopefully, next year will be starting over year, and the Lord will richly bless our labor.
- We tend to think of ourselves, our lives, our society and the people around us as being basically good. So the troubles we have endured – not only the pandemic but several other natural disasters, flooding, fires – we tend to think of as mere coincidence, having nothing to do with our behavior and that of others. And we can always fall back on thinking, well surely there must be people out there who are more evil than we are and more deserving of such things.
- The Scriptures are crystal when it comes to identifying human sin, even the sin which is tolerated within the church. On the basis of this information we should not be in the dark about God’s displeasure with what goes on in America. We can start with abortion, but must add what causes the need for abortion, and that is heterosexual immorality – rejection of marriage and family, and acceptance of sexual intercourse outside of marriage. We can add to that our tolerance of homosexuality – and some even celebrate it as good and right. Of course, one of the sins built into the very foundation of American values is greed and ambition.
- So it should come as no surprise to us that God – Who is loving, kind, and merciful to all – has prepared a final day for this fallen portion of human history, and that the Lord Jesus, the Son of Man, will return in glory to make all things right! We are urged to be ready, and in order for us to be ready, prepared, and eagerly looking for Jesus’ return, we must be aware that:
I. Mankind, Even Within The Church, Is Rebellious And Inclined To Evil
OT Lesson: “ For they are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the LORD; who say to the seers, ‘Do not see,’ and to the prophets, ‘Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions, leave the way, turn aside from the path, let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel.’”
A. The Result Of This Is Bad Morality
OT Lesson: “Because you despise this word and trust in oppression and perverseness and rely on them, therefore this iniquity shall be to you like a breach in a high wall.”
B. Ultimately, This Rebellion Is A Clear Rejection Of God’s Word
OT Lesson: “They are a rebellious people, lying children, children unwilling to hear the instruction of the LORD; who say to the seers, ‘Do not see,’ and to the prophets, ‘Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions, leave the way, turn aside from the path, let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel.’”
Statement: Let all beware when we hear this and read it. The real pivoting point for rebellion against God is how we treat His Word. It is His Word which warns us against sexual immorality. It is His Word which warns us against greed and the love of money. It is His Word which warns us against the violent injustice we often tolerate and perhaps even approve of.
Application: So what is the general response to God’s Word today? Many churches have forsaken God’s Word, and in place of God the only True and Living God, they have fashioned another god, one who is far more agreeable with their “superior” wisdom. Many of the members of those churches demand this. They likewise want to hear no more about “the Holy One of Israel.” Then there are even more who no longer even attend worship – even when God ‘s Word commands and commends it to us! What attitude toward God’s Word does this reflect? Listen carefully, we cannot be respecting God and His Word if we refuse to gather together with God’s people for worship. It doesn’t really matter what the excuse is – no excuse is more powerful or cogent than God ‘s clear Word!
Transition: For the one who has capitulated to godlessness, all of this sounds punitive or absurd. But it is in fact an aspect of God’s love for us. He wants us to find our blessings in Him! He invites us: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” [Isaish 30:15]
For it is certain that:
II. God Is For His People
A. God Is Eager To Save Us
John 3:16,17 “God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that through Him the world might be saved.”
B. He Is Eager To Protect Us
Rom. 8:28. 31. 32, 38,39 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. . . . What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His Own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? . . . For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
C. He Is To Deliver Us In The End
Phil. 1:6 “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
1 Cor. 1:7-9 “You are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by Whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Statement: Knowing the goodness of our Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, and the great love of God gives us boldness, confidence, courage, and joy in life. Yes, we know that we will have tribulation in this world, but we take heart because Jesus has overcome the world and is coming again with glory.
Application: These are the blessings we hold close at hand in our hearts and minds so that we continue in faith and prevail until the end! This is why:
III. Like Good Servants Let Us Always Be Prepared For His Coming
A. Ready To Welcome Jesus
B. No Matter How Long It May Be
C. Always Attentive
Text: “Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes.”
Statement: If we know the Lord and His goodness, we not only have peace and joy in our lives here and now, but we are eagerly awaiting His return in glory and the end of everything that mitigates that joy. My dad had a saying whenever I was going out for some event: “Keep your nose clean.” He wasn’t referring to the nose on my face. He was urging me to be careful not to do anything shameful, and to remain vigilant for what is good.
Application: This is precisely the instruction that Jesus is giving to us! He is simply urging us to be ready for His return – living in repentance, living in the security of His gracious mercy and love, and living in commitment to all that associates with His Name, all goodness, love, and kindness.
Conclusion: Yes, this past year has been very difficult for many people, and troubling for virtually all people. Hopefully 2021 will bring a different kind of experience for us. As people of God however, we remain confident no matter what comes, and we know that ultimately God will come and make all things new! This reality insures a happy new year. God grant us all such faith and joy in Him, Amen.
Votum: And the peace of God, which surpasses all human understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds in the true faith, which is in Christ Jesus, even unto life everlasting, Amen.