Mary & Joseph | Partnership
JRR Tolkien, CS Lewis, and their friends coined the phrase, “Jesus is the true myth”. He is the better, truer story. He is the author of all other stories. Whether we recognize his penmanship or not, he is carefully crafting a far better narrative than we could ever come up with on our own. That is why he chooses to disrupt the story of humanity. In our text this week, we see God surprisingly visit Mary and completely change her plans. Any hope she had for life to move in a certain direction would be completely altered because of Gabriel’s announcement. Although she was a virgin, she would become pregnant with the Son of God. He would be great, would bring peace to the world, would assume the throne of David, and rule forever. Oh, the possibilities! The life-changing declaration and miracle! This interruption brought with it the unexpected, but deeply longed-for, salvation of the world. And on top of all that, God would choose to partner with humanity to unfold this new story. God put on flesh as a desperately needy human baby and partnered with young Mary to rewrite the course of human history. Likewise, God interrupts our lives, offering amazing possibilities, and commits himself to partner with us.
This is the story of Advent.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
In what ways is God trying to interrupt your life? Don’t ignore them!
What would be possible if you believed and lived like the King of the world was writing the story of your life alongside you?
What would partnership with God look like this week? What mission is within your power and sphere of influence?
December 11, 2022 - Gabe Shippam