His Destiny

Pilot Knob Lutheran His Destiny 12/13/2023

There is a second part to Simeon’s message. Luke 2:34-35 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”These words indicate the type of life he will experience, one of rejection, hate, misunderstanding, and betrayal. Only after his resurrection will many understand and believe while others will grow in their rejection of his identity and ministry. As a parent you know how it feels when one of your children suffers at the hands of bullies or when they become sick. It hurts, and you would like to take away their pain or take it upon yourself rather than have them suffer. So, Jesus’ mother would experience great and many sorrows until Easter morning when her eyes would be opened and come to realize the true identity and mission of her first-born Son.What parents would like to do for their hurting children Jesus did for his hurting creation. He took our pain, sin, suffering and death upon himself so we could escape eternal death. This is what Christmas is all about: the mission of the long-awaited Messiah prophesized in Genesis 3:15 And I will make enemies of you (Satan) and the woman (Eve), And of your offspring (unbelievers) and her Descendant (Messiah); He (Messiah) shall bruise you on the head (Death/Defeat), and you (Satan) shall bruise Him (Messiah) on the heel.” (A wound that looked fatal, but He would rise from the dead to live and rule forever.) We exchange gifts at Christmas to express love and appreciation to others which is a reflection of God’s gift of His Son as a gift of love for us. Only by placing faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone can we find and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas and have peace in this turbulent world.

Pr. Bob SnitzerBy the Way:Today: 3:45 Confirmation class. December 17, 9:00 AM Morning worship. Sermon: The Living Word

10:15 Sunday school.Sunday 17, 1:30 Visitation for Dorothy Bang and 2:30 service at PKLC.

Sunday 24, 9:00 AM Christmas Eve Candlelight service. January 7, 2-3:30

GriefShare. Please tell others. For more information go to: https://www.griefshare.org/findagroup or contact Pr. Bob or Sue Reese.

~ Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.organd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran/

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