The Story That Is Seen But Not Told

Today’s message summary of December 15, 2019 from Pastor Gus Brown:

At Christmas time, we often focus on the birth of Jesus and His being a Savior, but there is also an untold story that we may see or experience, but it is not told or shared with others.

We think we see everything, and sometimes even go as far as saying that we know everything about a person.

Can I tell you another story about Christmas that we often overlook because it is more in the background than out in the open.

It is something that we can learn from and apply to our own lives as we understand how faithful God is unto us.

1 Thessalonians 5:24

He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

If it is pleasing to God, it certainly will bring you joy.

The Bible is not meant to satisfy human curiosity about God.  The Bible is meant to reveal God’s plan and work on our behalf.

Man, in and of himself, cannot live for God.  It takes a relationship with Jesus Christ and yielding to Him that allows Him to work His plan and purpose for your life.

We may not understand why God is doing even as He working.

The Bible is not meant to answer every profound question people have about God. It is to reveal God’s love and faithfulness to those He gave life to.

Christmas time is a time to reflect upon seeing God’s faithfulness to us in the birth of Jesus. He is the One who came to seek and to save the lost.

Luke 19:10

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

How is God faithful? Look at part of His plan. This is why Jesus had to come. God was promising a Savior.

Genesis 3:14-15

The Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field; on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life. I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”

Galatians 4:4-5

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

Look at the word “faith” or “faithful.” Its primary meaning is “trust.”

It is used of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties.

Who would oversee this plan for salvation better than God Himself?

Isaiah 40:25-26

To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might and because he is strong in power, not one is missing.

Isaiah 40:13-14

Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord, or what man shows him his counsel? Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of understanding?

Adam had already proven to God his trustworthiness.

We are to trust by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

God’s sign was for Jesus’s coming was that the virgin will be with child.

Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

This is unexplainable and it is an unspeakable gift that God has given to His people. It reflects His faithfulness.

Isaiah 9:6

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

What is the purpose of that child being born?  Did you know that there is a purpose for each one of us, as well?

Look at God’s faithfulness!

Matthew 1:21

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

2 Corinthians 5:21

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

2 Corinthians 9:15

Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!

Note that Isaiah 9:6 reflects the character of Jesus Christ with the names provided here–government on His shoulders, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

There is nothing impossible with God (Matthew 19:26).

Matthew 28:18

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”

Isaiah 40:25

To whom then will you compare me, that I should be like him? says the Holy One.

1 Peter 3:22

…who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

The Everlasting Father is ready to talk with you and provide counsel.

He is eternal.

Revelation 22:13

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

The world certainly needs peace. We are prayerful that God will have favor rest upon us.

Luke 2:14

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

We miss these things at times during the Christmas story. His character reflects how faithful He has been to His people throughout time.

In the Christmas story, we see the faithfulness of God sending Jesus unto us, and in the gift of His Son we have everything we have need of. We learn to be faithful in the work because of His faithfulness in the work of salvation for us.