Look, Listen & Lean: Embracing Faith in Uncertain Times

Pastor Jeremy Eastman emphasizes the importance of looking to God, listening to His guidance, and leaning on His understanding through the biblical story of Mary and Joseph. He illustrates how faith can lead to divine purpose even amidst uncertainty.

In a recent sermon at Ignite Church WV, Pastor Jeremy Eastman delves into the biblical narrative of Mary and Joseph, focusing on the themes of looking to God, listening to His voice, and leaning on His understanding. This message resonates deeply, especially in times of uncertainty, reminding us of the importance of faith and trust in divine guidance.

The Call to Look, Listen, and Lean

Pastor Eastman begins by referencing Luke 1:26-38, where the angel Gabriel visits Mary to announce that she will conceive the Son of God. He emphasizes that to step into our calling, we must first look to God, listen to His words, and lean on His understanding rather than our own.

The Encounter with the Angel

The angel greets Mary, saying, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you." Despite this divine message, Mary is troubled and questions how this could happen since she is a virgin. This moment highlights a common human reaction to divine revelations: confusion and doubt. Pastor Eastman points out that God does not promise that His plans will always make sense to us, but He assures us that He will accomplish His purposes.

Trusting in God's Plan

Mary's response to the angel is pivotal: "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." This acceptance of her role, despite the uncertainty and potential societal backlash, exemplifies true faith. Pastor Eastman encourages us to adopt a similar posture of servitude and trust in our own lives.

Joseph's Dilemma and Divine Guidance

The sermon transitions to Joseph's perspective, as described in Matthew 1:18-25. Upon discovering Mary's pregnancy, Joseph, a just man, considers divorcing her quietly to avoid public shame. However, an angel appears to him in a dream, instructing him not to fear taking Mary as his wife because the child is conceived by the Holy Spirit.

The Importance of Listening

Joseph's willingness to listen to the angel's message and act upon it is crucial. Pastor Eastman highlights that many of us face competing voices in our lives, and it is essential to discern God's voice amidst the noise. He draws a parallel to Peter walking on water; when Peter focused on Jesus, he succeeded, but when he looked at the storm, he began to sink. This illustrates the necessity of keeping our eyes fixed on God.

The Journey of Faith

As the narrative unfolds, Pastor Eastman reflects on the journey of Mary and Joseph, emphasizing that their faith led them through challenges and uncertainties. They had to navigate societal judgment and personal fears, yet they remained obedient to God's calling.

The Role of the Wise Men

The sermon also touches on the wise men who traveled great distances to find Jesus, guided by a star. Their journey symbolizes the pursuit of truth and the importance of recognizing divine signs. When they encountered Jesus, their lives were transformed, and they returned home by another route, illustrating how an encounter with the divine changes our direction.

Conclusion: Embracing Our Calling

Pastor Eastman concludes with a powerful reminder that God is always at work, guiding us through our uncertainties. He encourages the congregation to look to God, listen for His voice, and lean on His understanding. In doing so, we can navigate the complexities of life with faith and confidence, knowing that God has a plan for each of us.

In a world filled with distractions and doubts, the message of looking, listening, and leaning on God remains timeless and essential. As we embrace our faith, we can trust that God will lead us on the path He has set before us, just as He did for Mary, Joseph, and the wise men.