Isaiah 43:1-7
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I give Egypt as your ransom, Cush and Seba in exchange for you. 4 Because you are precious in my sight and honored and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. 5 Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; 6 I will say to the north, “Give them up,” and to the south, “Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth— 7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
As the people were filled with expectation and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, 16 John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water, but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” 21 Now when all the people were baptized and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Prayer for Illumination:
O Lord, we gather to seek Your voice in our hearts and minds. Please speak, for we are eager to listen. Amen.
Message from Isaiah:
Today’s reading from Isaiah holds powerful reassurance for the people of Israel in exile. God tells them:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire, you shall not be burned.”
The words “Do not fear” or “Do not be afraid” echo throughout Scripture—over 70 times. Angels, prophets, and especially Jesus communicate these words to His followers, including us.
Overcoming Fear:
Why should we not fear, especially considering our sins, as highlighted by John the Baptist and the prophets? We all have our failings and fall short of God’s standards. This is a harsh truth we cannot wish away.
So, why can we stand confidently before a Holy God? The answer lies in God’s love and redemptive grace. He calls us His own and reassures us of His presence, even in the face of trials and persecution.
The Assurance of Redemption:
The comforting promise continues in Isaiah, where God declares:
“I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior… and I love you.”
This is the core of our faith: God’s love. Because He loves us, we don’t need to live in fear. He has redeemed us through Jesus Christ, who took our place and bore our sins on the cross.
Living Without Fear:
Because of God’s love, we need not fear the struggles of life—whether it be doubts, external threats, or our own sinful inclinations. God is our Redeemer, lifting us from sin and gathering us back to Himself, just as He did for the Israelites. This is the Good News of Jesus Christ!
The Christmas Story:
We heard this message beginning at Advent, where the Christmas story begins with the angel telling Mary, “Do not be afraid.” The promise of God’s presence—Emmanuel—applies to us all.
When we hear God say, “You are mine,” we should take comfort in knowing that His love covers us. Jesus, who lived, died, and rose again, assures us that sin and death do not have the final word.
Argument for Doing God’s Work through the Gifts of the Holy Spirit:
In the Christian faith, the Holy Spirit bestows various gifts upon believers intended for the edification of the Church and the fulfillment of God’s mission in the world. These gifts, outlined in passages such as 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12, include wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discernment, and service, among others. The diversity of these gifts demonstrates the multifaceted nature of God's call on our lives and serves as a reminder that every believer has a vital role in the mission of the church.
Utilizing Our Gifts:
Engaging God's work requires recognizing and utilizing the unique gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit. For instance, the gift of leadership allows some individuals to inspire and guide others toward a common purpose, while those gifted in hospitality create welcoming spaces for community and connection. Others may possess the gift of teaching, which empowers them to communicate God’s Word effectively, fostering growth in understanding and faith within the congregation.
By actively using our gifts, we align ourselves with God's will and demonstrate our commitment to the church's mission. Each act of service, encouragement, or leadership contributes to a collective witness that reflects God's love and truth. This collaboration fosters a vibrant church community that can better navigate challenges and impact the world around us.
The Call for Servant Leaders:
In light of this, we must recognize the need for certain individuals to rise as servant leaders within the church. These leaders are not elevated for their own status but are called to serve others, mirroring Christ, who exemplified servant leadership through His life and ministry. Humility, compassion, and dedication to God’s mission are essential for those called to leadership roles.
Following Christ's example can help us hear the beautiful affirmation, "With you, I am well pleased." Christ's life was marked by love, compassion, and service. By trying to live like Him—by showing kindness, serving our communities, and making everyday choices that prioritize love—we align ourselves with Christ’s ministry. It's not just about making grand gestures; it's in the small acts of love and forgiveness that we truly emulate Christ.
When the church identifies and calls upon these leaders, it enhances the communal effort to spread the Gospel and extend care to those in need. Servant leaders are equipped to guide the church with wisdom and grace, ensuring that the congregation's gifts are utilized effectively. They serve as models of faithfulness, encouraging others to use their gifts in service to God and His kingdom.
Conclusion:
Doing God’s work through the gifts of the Holy Spirit is a profound and essential undertaking for every believer. By acknowledging our individual gifts and committing ourselves to serve, we contribute to the church's mission to reflect Christ’s love and truth in the world. The call for specific individuals to take on servant leadership roles is a response to the needs of the church, ensuring that we have dedicated guides to lead us forward. As we lift each other up in our spiritual journeys, we can collectively fulfill the Great Commission and be the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities. Together, empowered by the Holy Spirit and strengthened by our leaders, we can boldly advance God’s work on Earth.
In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. AMEN.
Bibliography
Meeks, W. A., Bassler, P. J., Lemke, T. W., Mays, P. J., Niditch, P. S., & Schuller, P. E. (Eds.). (1993). The Harper Collins Study Bible, New Revised Standard Version with the Apocryphal and Deuterocanonical Books. New York: Harper Collins Publishers.
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