The Gift of God’s Presence

Main Idea: God is offering all of us the opportunity to receive the gift of his presence by welcoming him into our hearts.

Recap

• The story of Jesus is good news that leads to great joy (see Luke 2:10-11).
• Last week: Gratitude is an important way we can stay anchored to the joy we have in Jesus.

God’s Presence in the Bible

God blesses his people with the gift of his presence in many ways throughout the Bible.

• Examples: Walking with them, appearing to them, guiding them on their journey, dwelling in the Temple, and protecting them from harm.

Jesus’ arrival on Earth is the clearest example of God’s desire to bless our lives with the gift of his presence.

• Scripture: John 1:14. God came in the flesh and made his home (dwelling) among us.

The Angel Appears to Mary

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38.

• The story of Jesus’ arrival begins with an angel appearing to Mary in Nazareth.

Mary Asks the Obvious Question: How will this work, given my circumstances?

• People in the Bible frequently feel the need to tell God why his plans will never work, but God is limited by our limitations. 

What the Angel Says About Mary:

• You Are Highly Favored (Covered in Grace).
• The Lord is with You. 
• You Have Found Favor with God.
• You Will Give Birth to a Son (Virgin Birth).
• You Will Receive God’s Spirit and Power.

The angel reassures her about God’s plan by telling Mary God’s promises will never fail.

What the Angel Says about Mary’s Child:

• He Will Be Great.
• He will be called Jesus (“The Lord Saves” or The Lord is Salvation).
• The Holy One, the Son of the Most High, the Son of God.
• He will reign as King forever.

God emphasizes the gift of his presence in at least three ways:

• Telling Mary he is with her.
• Promising Mary the Holy Spirit will cover her.
• Sharing with her that the child in her womb will be the very son of God. 
• Not just God in the flesh, but God in her flesh.

Fulfilling his Promises

Matthew 1:22-23 contains an additional reference to God’s presence. 

• Not only are God’s present promises going to come true in Mary’s life… her son represents the fulfillment of many past promises God made to Israel long ago.

Example: Isaiah 7:14. A virgin gives birth to a child who makes people realize “God is with us.”

1. The Gift is for All of Us.

God shows up for two people in Luke 1 — someone you would expect, and someone you probably wouldn’t.

1. Zechariah, a religious priest who is worshipping God in the Temple in Jerusalem.
2. Mary, a poor teenager from a town (Nazareth) everyone is ashamed of.

God shows up in all the places you’d expect but also in a lot of places you wouldn’t.

2. It Really is a Gift!

Scripture: Acts 1:4-5

• Jesus calls the Holy Spirit a “gift” from God. 
• How is this related to the gift of his presence? The indwelling of the Spirit is the way we experience God’s presence in our lives.
• In the Old Testament, God’s presence resided in the Temple in Jerusalem. Now, we are the Temple (1 Cor. 3:16; 6:19), so God dwells among us (as a church) and within us (as individuals).  

3. We Receive this Gift When We Welcome God into Our Hearts.

Scripture: Acts 2:36-39. 

What does it require? A personal conviction that Jesus Christ is Lord and Messiah, and that he died for our sins and was raised to life.

• Also: Contrite heart, repentance, baptism into the name of Jesus.
• The Result: Forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. 
• Who is this for? Everyone who hears the message and responds to it in faith.

Conclusion: 

God is with us through every season of life. In our pain, our doubts, our victories, and everything in between.

Final Blessing: Isaiah 43:1-5.

Study and Reflection:

“God is present in every moment, in every act of our lives, and in every place, even though we do not always recognize Him.” -Brother Lawrence

Read: Luke 1:5-25

In this story, the angel appears to Zechariah to announce a miraculous birth, just as he does for Mary. Pay attention to the similarities and differences between the two encounters. 

1. What do you know about Zechariah’s background? Why is he an ideal candidate for God to appear to?
2. Why do you think God chose a barren couple to give birth to John the Baptist? Why does God like choosing people with an obvious limit or flaw to accomplish his will?
3. What are some of the important promises the angel makes about the child’s future? Do you think they ended up coming true?
4. Zechariah asks an obvious question (about being barren), but the angel has a much harsher response to him than he does to Mary (who asked essentially the same thing). Why did the angel punish Zechariah, but not Mary, for asking questions?
5. What parts of this story emphasize the presence of God?
6. Thinking more generally, when or where do you find it easiest to feel the presence of God? When is it more difficult?
7. God frequently reassures people by saying “Do not fear, for I am with you.” How does the presence of God cast out our fears?
8. What are some other ways that God’s presence can be a gift or a blessing in a person’s life?

Faith Challenge: Every day this week, pray for God to help you be more mindful of his presence with you. Stop at least one in the middle of each day to thank him for the gift of his presence.