Matt Nelson - December 4, 2022
Peace in the midst of chaos
LONGING – ADVENT Longing for Peace in the Midst of Chaos 12.4.22 N.T. Wright If we remove Advent, that is attentively waiting for Jesus' birth, from the Bible, we lose half the OT and most of the NT, including the stories of Jesus' ancestors, the words of the prophets, and the mystery of the incarnation. The restlessness in our souls is a continual reminder we are not home yet. Trevor Hudson There is a part of us that is forever restless, dissatisfied, frustrated, and aching. There is an unquenchable fire, a restlessness, a longing, a disquiet, a hunger, a loneliness, a gnawing nostalgia, a wildness that cannot be contained, an ache that lies at the center of human experience. Isaiah 9:2-7 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy;they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest,as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder.4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shatteredthe yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor.5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in bloodwill be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire.6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom,establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. Peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of Jesus. Peace is rooted in the belief that what is in your future is greater than what is in your past or present.
From Series: "Longing"
Deep inside each of us there is a longing for things to be made right. A longing in our hearts to experience true peace, unconditional love, and deep, residing joy. In the season of Advent, we join with the Old Testament prophets and the people of God who are waiting with anticipation for God to act and make things right. In a season where many are asking "what do you want," instead, we are asking "what do you long for?" During this time of Advent, what is it you long for that only God can fill?
