Christmas Emotion (Mt. 1:18-2:23)

Christmas was an emotional time!

• The insecurity of Joseph (Mt. 1:18-25) - insecure, though righteous.
• The joy of the magi (2:1-12) - joyful, though pagan.
• The anger of King Herod (2:16) - angry because he was threatened and bypasssed.
• The sadness of the mothers (2:16-18).
• The sensitivity of Joseph (2:19-23) - sensitive and obedient in spite of fear.

Regardless of which emotion currently dominates you, are you willing to surrender it to God? Bring your feelings before Him in humble petition.

Christmas Emotion (Mt. 1:18-2:23)

Read Matthew 1:18-2:23.

Christmas was an emotional event!

• The insecurity of Joseph (1:18-25) -- insecure, though righteous
• The joy of the magi (2:1-12) -- joyful, though pagan
• The anger of King Herod (2:16) - angry because threatened and bypassed
• The sadness of Jewish mothers (2:16-18)
• The sensitivity of Joseph (2:19-23) -- sensitive and obedient in spite of fear

Perhaps you're struggling with an emotion that wasn't listed.  Maybe it's loneliness, frustration or a sense being overwhelmed. Are you willing to surrender that emotion to God? You will find Him to be Wonderful Counselor.

Trouble's Final Word (2 Kin. 4:18-37) (Part 2)

1. WHEN TROUBLE CAME, THE SITUATION DIDN'T HAVE THE FINAL WORD. 

FOR THE MOTHER, DEATH DID NOT HAVE THE FINAL WORD. The story began with a death but ended with a resurrection. That's a dramatic turnaround, wouldn't you say?

For the mother, death did not have the final word; likewise, FOR A CHRISTIAN, DEATH DOES NOT HAVE THE FINAL WORD (1 Cor. 15:51-57).

2. WHEN TROUBLE CAME, HUMAN EMOTION DIDN'T HAVE THE FINAL WORD.

FOR THE MOTHER, GRIEF DIDN'T HAVE THE FINAL WORD. She felt sad, empty, angry, and disappointed, but she didn't allow grief to shut her down.

Not only did grief not have the final word but, FOR THE MOTHER, FEAR DIDN'T HAVE THE FINAL WORD. She didn't entertain “what if” scenarios.

• What if all this happened to let me know that God is displeased?
• What if I become the talk of the town, having no son to support me and love me as I get older?
• What if my husband won't let me go to see Elisha the prophet?
• What if Elisha won't agree to return with me?

If neither grief nor fear should have the final word, then what should? While the ultimate answer will be given near the conclusion, here is an answer for now. FOR A CHRISTIAN, FAITH SHOULD HAVE THE FINAL WORD. What you feel should not have the final word. Being led around by your feelings can be condemning, disruptive and confusing.

Challenges & Conversations (11/10/15)

If you leave the garbage on the porch long enough, the garbage will _____. "Stink" is the right answer.  One thing the garbage will not do is take itself out.

If you leave the dishes in the sink long enough, the dishes will _____.  "Stay there" is the right answer.  One thing the dishes will not do is wash themselves.

What do these examples have in common?  Something that could get done doesn't get done because of neglect.

If you leave your hurt in your heart long enough, the hurt will _____.  There are too many right answers to list.  One thing the hurt will not do is heal itself.  Hurt -- now that's a critical issue! Hurt will nurse itself but not heal itself.

The thing with the garbage -- other people might smell the stink before you do.  Bringing it to your attention -- awkward!  The thing with the dishes -- other people might get uncomfortable before you do.  Bringing it to your attention -- awkward!  The thing with your hurt -- other people might recognize it's damaging effects before you do.  Bringing it to your attention -- awkward!

Today's conversation:  Why don't we want to talk about and deal with hurt?  What are we hoping to gain by pretending it doesn't exist?  Why do we react negatively when someone wants to help us get over the hurt?