SURPRISE | Navigating The Unexpected

Surprising Growth

Jon Fredricks

Today’s Scripture: Luke 2:41-52 NIV

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Luke 2:41-52 NIV

41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

1) FOCUS ON ONE ROUTINE

Luke 2:41-42 NIV

41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom.

John 13:17 NIV

Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

2) HANG WITH THOSE THAT STRETCH

Luke 2:46 NIV

46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

Proverbs 13:20 NIV

Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

3) CULTIVATE CURIOSITY

Luke 2:49-50 NIV

49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

4) IT WILL HAPPEN ... BUT NOT OVERNIGHT

Luke 2:51-52 NIV

51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

1 Corinthians 3:6-7 NIV

6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

SURPRISE | Navigating The Unexpected

Interrupted: Shepherds

Jon Fredricks

Today’s Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 NIV

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Luke 2:1-20 NIV

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Psalm 106:1 TLB

Hallelujah! Thank you, Lord! How good you are! Your love for us continues on forever.

Exodus 15:2 CJB

Yah is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. This is my God: I will glorify him; my father’s God: I will exalt him.

Revelation 19:1 NIV

19 After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:

“Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,

Luke 2:13-14 NIV

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Ephesians 2:12-18 NIV

12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ… 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

Romans 5:1 NIV

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Romans 15:13 NIV

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

John 3:16 NIV

SURPRISE | Navigating the Unexpected

The Waiting Well

Jon Fredricks

Today’s Scripture: Luke 2:25, 36-38 NIV

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Luke 2:25, 36-38 NIV

25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.

36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

Isaiah 9:2 NIV

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

1) REMIND YOURSELF ON THE TRUTH OF GOD'S CHARACTER

Psalm 1:2-3 NIV

2

but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on his law day and night.

3

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
whatever they do prospers.

Psalm 136:26 NIV

26

Give thanks to the God of heaven.
His love endures forever.

Isaiah 54:10 NIV

10

Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,”
says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

Romans 10:12 NIV

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,

Psalm 23:4 NIV

Even though I walk

through the darkest valley,

I will fear no evil,

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff,

they comfort me.

2) PRAY

Luke 2:37 NIV

37 …. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

Ephesians 6:18 NIV

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

James 5:16 NIV

…The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

3) WORSHIP WITH GRATITUDE

Luke 2:38 NIV

38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

4) LIVING THE MISSION ... NOW

Luke 2:37 NIV

and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple…

1 Thessalonians 5:6 NIV

6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

Luke 12:35-38 NIV

35 “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak.

SURPRISE | Navigating the Unexpected

Mixed Blessings

Jon Fredricks

Today’s Scripture: Luke 1:26-38 NIV

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Luke 1:26-38 NIV

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”

35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.”

38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Exodus 20:9 NIV

Six days you shall labor and do all your work,

1) HOLD ON TO THE FAVOR

Luke 1:28 NIV

28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Luke 2:19 NIV

19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Ephesians 1:3-14 NIV

2) EMBRACE THE SERVE

Luke 1:38 NIV

“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

Mark 10:45 NIV

45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Matthew 23:11 NIV

The greatest among you will be your servant.

Acts 20:35 NIV

…the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

3) CALL A FRIEND

Luke 1:36 NIV

Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.

Galatians 6:2 NIV

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

4) WRITE A SONG OF TRUST

Luke 1:37 NIV

For no word from God will ever fail.

‭‭

1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Luke 1:46-55 NIV

46 And Mary said:

“My soul glorifies the Lord47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,48 for he has been mindfulof the humble state of his servant.From now on all generations will call me blessed,49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,from generation to generation.51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.52 He has brought down rulers from their thronesbut has lifted up the humble.53 He has filled the hungry with good thingsbut has sent the rich away empty.54 He has helped his servant Israel,remembering to be merciful55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,just as he promised our ancestors.”

BIG | A Bigger Heart For His Big World

How To Pray Again

Jon Fredricks

Today’s Scripture: Luke 19:45-48 NIV

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Proverbs 16:25 NIV

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.

Luke 19:45-48 NIV

Jesus at the Temple

45 When Jesus entered the temple courts, he began to drive out those who were selling. 46 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be a house of prayer’; but you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”

47 Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him. 48 Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.

Ephesians 2:22 NIV

And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Isaiah 56:1-7 NIV

This is what the Lord says:

“Maintain justice
and do what is right,
for my salvation is close at hand
and my righteousness will soon be revealed.
2

Blessed is the one who does this—
the person who holds it fast,
who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it,
and keeps their hands from doing any evil.”

3

Let no foreigner who is bound to the Lord say,
“The Lord will surely exclude me from his people.”
And let no eunuch complain,
“I am only a dry tree.”

4 For this is what the Lord says:

“To the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths,
who choose what pleases me
and hold fast to my covenant—

5

to them I will give within my temple and its walls
a memorial and a name
better than sons and daughters;
I will give them an everlasting name
that will endure forever.

6

And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord
to minister to him,
to love the name of the Lord,
and to be his servants,
all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it
and who hold fast to my covenant—

7

these I will bring to my holy mountain
and give them joy in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations.”

Luke 4:8 NIV

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.’”

Deuteronomy 4:24 NIV

For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.

Mark 11:17 NIV

17 And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”

Mark 12:31 NIV

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

1 Corinthians 11:17 NIV

17 In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good.

1) BE SLOW TO CRITIQUE

Luke 19:47 NIV

47 Every day he was teaching at the temple. But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him.

2) BE SOFT TO JESUS' REBUKE

Luke 19:48 NIV

48 Yet they could not find any way to do it, because all the people hung on his words.

3) BE QUICK TO RESPOND

John 13:17 NIV

Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.