Questions About Hope – Luke 1:57-66 – The hope of the Christian faith is for God’s new creation. New creation is the physical inbreaking, tangible embodiment, and loving manifestation of the kingdom that reminds us that what we do in time matters for eternity. This hope reminds us to enthusiastically partner with God, rather than surrender to the forces of our time, to produce life giving joy revealing the presence of God in our midst. This hope that we have, reiterates that we are part of a living legacy that pursues destiny by using everything at our disposal despite the times when we are challenged by despair or doubt.
Point #1: This living hope inspires us to enthusiastically partner with God. Verse 1:57-58 57Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.
Prophetic Confession #1: Father God, we declare that we are partnering with you to create joy through the mercy you have shown to us.
Point #2: This living hope reminds us that we are part of a living legacy that can challenge our culture when necessary. Verse 59-60 59 On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. 60 But his mother said, “No; he is to be called John.”
Prophetic Confession #2: Resurrected Savior, we declare that culture will not dictate how we use your gifts.
Point #3: This living hope encourages us to use whatever we have at our disposal for the kingdom of God. Verse 1:62-63 62 Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. 63 He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed.
Prophetic Confession #3: Spirit of Truth, thank you the courage to obey even when we are challenged.
