Living the Bigger Story
Scripture: “Concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 1.3-4)
MAIN POINT: We live into God’s story by serving boldly, connecting deeply, and transforming community.
Paul’s declaration captures the gospel essence: Jesus is both David’s descendant (fully human) and God’s Son (fully divine, declared so by resurrection power). This Jesus—the one Joseph raised, Mary bore, the angels announced—is Lord of all. Our lives find meaning only when we see ourselves as part of His story.
Joseph discovered his life wasn’t about Joseph. It was about Jesus. Your life isn’t ultimately about you either. You’re part of God’s grand narrative of redemption. In this story, you’re called to trust God’s promises and serve others in His name, especially when things don’t go according to your plans.
This means serving boldly like Joseph, obeying God even when His call disrupts your plans. It means connecting deeply like Joseph connected to Mary, loving sacrificially despite circumstances beyond control. It means transforming community by living as someone who knows your story finds meaning in God’s greater story.
Tomorrow, your congregation will gather for the “Christmas Hymn Sing by Request”—a celebration of the love that came at Christmas. The Love Candle burns. Immanuel has come. God is with us. God is for us. That changes everything.
Reflection: When we surrender control to God’s love, we discover our true purpose in His redemptive story. How will you serve boldly, connect deeply, and transform community? What does it mean for you personally that God is both “with us” and “for us” in Jesus?
Prayer: Loving Father, thank You for writing me into Your story through Jesus Christ. Help me surrender my need for control and embrace the purposes You have for me. May I serve boldly, connect deeply, and help transform my community by Your grace. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Responses