HOPE IS PROMISED: Certainty Is Grounded in God’s Purpose

Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.  And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”  But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.  (Luke 1:26-29)

Despite the evolutionists claim, our world isn’t a result of a cosmic explosion and our existence isn’t the result of random processes and mutations.  There is a providential plan God is pursuing. “This is the purpose that is purposed against the whole earth, And this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations.  For the LORD of hosts has purposed, And who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, And who will turn it back?”  (Isa.14:26-27)  God’s purpose will be fulfilled.

DESPITE SOCIAL DEPRAVITY GOD HAS A PLAN.  The area of Galilee and city of Nazareth were held in contempt by the Jews.  In the time of our text, the location was overrun by Gentile sinners.  Nazareth stood on a hillside overlooking a highway where passed Roman soldiers and Greek merchants.  These men stopped at Nazareth looking for a good time.  It was a den of iniquity!  But, I want to remind you that “where sin abounds grace does much more abound.” 

Those were sad and bad times for the world.  But God was at work!  We must not despair at the current cultural climate, for God is active.  In these dark days in which we live, our light can shine brighter than ever!  But, it won’t impact the world if the light is hidden under a bushel basket of whining!

DESPITE SPIRITUAL DEGENERACY GOD HAS A PEOPLE.  It is fascinating that God didn’t send Gabriel to announce to the religious leaders that their Messiah was coming.  They wouldn’t have believed it.  Later when Jesus presented Himself to them, they rejected him. 

But God always has a people to accomplish His purposes—even if it is a poor young girl named Mary.  He chooses the insignificant to do the incredible.  There is always a remnant of the faithful that God will use.  The question is whether we will be in that number?