God Doesn't Do What We Expect

Last Sunday, Nov. 24, was the first Sunday of Advent.  The word, "Advent" means "coming".  Advent is the season we remember the first coming of Jesus, who is the Light of the world.  It is also the season we anticipate with eager expectation, Jesus' coming again.  To help us understand and celebrate Advent, we have made our sanctuary dark in order to increase our desire for the light of Christ.

Pastor Matt taught us that when Jesus came the first time, it did not happen as people expected.  Many, even the religious leaders were caught off guard and missed out on what God was doing. (By the way - this Sunday we will look at two reactions to God doing the unexpected. Read Luke 1:1-38 so you will be prepared).  

The same will be true of Jesus' return, he is not going to come like or when we expect.  Jesus himself said He would come like "a thief in the night" and many will be caught off guard.   So the question becomes, "How can we who look forward to Christ's return, be prepared?"

If Jesus' first coming was not as expected and if His second coming will take many by surprise THEN we can be certain of this: We won't be ready if our faith is based on what we expect God to do rather than on what He says He will do. God's people missed Jesus' arrival because they were not carefully listening to God's word. THEREFORE God's people will be caught off guard at the second coming if we are not people who study, listen to and surrender  in order to live according to God's word.  This warning from the book of James' comes to mind, Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says (James 1:22).  

The people of Israel decided to fit God into their lives, they expected God to endorse their thinking and their lifestyles and they missed out.  Only those who hear the word and surrender all by giving control of their lives, their wills, their schedules and their service to Christ, only these will be prepared and longing for the second Advent of Jesus Christ.

Will you give 6 minutes to God right now.  Here is a link to a six minute video of excellent teaching on how to live Under (surrendered to) the Word of God.  CLICK HERE

http://www.breakpoint.org/reseries/articles/entry/53/23761