FULFILLMENT

                                                                  

                           FULFILLMENT: “The Time Came”                                                                (Last in an Advent series entitled: “Prepare the Way”)                                  (Read Luke 2:1-20)

Everything has been leading up to this time: The Angel visitations, Making/Rounds. Zachariah, Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph, the songs of praise, the precious time Mary had with Elizabeth and the return trip to Nazareth. (Luke 1:39-56) The required return to Bethlehem – the city of David – for a census while Mary was in the ninth month of her pregnancy.  Finally, The Time Came: the child is born!

History was Made.  Fulfillment of all the prophesies, promises and expectations. Paul in Romans 5:6 writes: "At just the right time ...Right Time?" "God you must be kidding!"

Herod was the puppet king of the Empire of Rome. Caesar Augustus was the first Emperor of Rome ...Considered as a god.  Taxes were cruel, opposition was stamped out by the boot of Rome. Roads were built, and communication enabled.

 

Bethlehem God, through the Prophet (Micah 5:2), had said is from where the Messiah would come. Problem: Mary and Joseph lived in Nazareth in Northern Israel. Bethlehem was in Southern Judah.

Caesar’s edict: ((Luke 2:1-4) What?  This was terrible timing.  Mary was about to give birth. Travel took several days. There was sufficient cause for Joseph to go to Bethlehem, but to bring a woman in her 9th month of pregnancy...?

When Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem, they found all the homes and Inn were full, "God now what?"

The stage was set.  God’s Perfect Timing in bring his Son into the world. We see how God used “strange means” in accomplishing His will. Little did the Emperor or King know that God used their tyrannical subjection and edict, which was a way of tagging, checking on each person and taking away their freedoms, was fulfilling God’s plan for humanity. God guided the whole thing.  

Pastor and Theologian John Calvin writes: “Men, then, must be blind when they are not willing to recognize, hear the Word of God, who marked His only Son, so He could be received without doubt as Him who was promised.” 

Each year we revisit this moment in history reflecting on the mystery of the incarnation: “entering into or becoming flesh.” “Incarnation is not just a beautiful idea or abstract theological truth. It Happened!” * It Happened then and it happens today as we live in relationship with Christ. Jesus Christ promised deliverance, not from Rome or any Government edicts but from Satan and sin.

When Joseph and Mary came as poor subjects to a pagan tyrant, Jesus born in Bethlehem, showed the Fulfillment of God’s Promises. God gave full certainty to His own people so that we would not doubt the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In the history which Luke recites, we learn how the Son of God emptied Himself of everything for our salvation clothing Himself in human flesh. Though Jesus was born in an obscure village in extreme poverty and without honor, He was magnified by Angeles from Paradise, honoring him and bearing the message of Christ’s birth to shepherds and through the heavens to Magi. 

Everyone’s response to the Good News is different. The shepherds couldn’t contain themselves, rushing to see what the angels had told them, unable to contain themselves, telling everyone of what they had seen and heard. Magi traveled for months to visit a newly born king. They brought gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. (Mt. 2:1-12  Mary treasured and pondered in her heart. (Lk. 2:19) Herod in jealousy and rage tried killing the "newborn king". (Mt. 2:16-18) 

Angeles: "Fear Not!  News of Great Joy!. Peace on earth to those on whom God’s favor rests." (Lk. 2:13-14) Peace and Joy are inseparable.  Peace with God comes through His Son who removed our sins by unmerited love. Good News, salvation comes through Jesus Christ.

Sometimes we may think: “If I am living as God has asked of me, why aren’t things going better?"  When facing discomfort or inconvenience and thinking we have misread God’s will.  

“The Timing is Not Right, Why Now?” Remember this couple headed to Bethlehem. God didn’t soften the bumpy road.  God strengthened Joseph and Mary. God didn’t provide a luxurious inn for Mary and Joseph. God brought His Son into the world in humble surroundings.                                                  

When we follow God, we are not guaranteed comfort and convenience. God does promises, not leave or forsake us and that everything has meaning in God’s plan. God will guide and provide for us as He did for Mary and Joseph. God is in charge.  “At Just the Right Time...”     

How has God become flesh in you? How do you respond to the Good News? As Mary, the Shepherds, the Magi or as Herod?

*(Shirley Gutherie)

    

TRUE GIFT

                                                                   

                                                          "TRUE GIFT"                                                            (Fourth in an Advent Series Entitled: "Prepare the Way")                                  (Titus 3:4-8, Isaiah 9:2-11*)    

                                  Song: Santa Claus is Coming to Town.

                                             You better watch out, you better
                                              not pout, you better not cry...
                                              Santa Claus is coming to town.
                                              He’s making a list and checking
                                              it twice ... to find out who’s been
                                              naughty or nice.
                                              Santa Claus is coming to town.

                                      He knows when you are sleeping,
                                      he knows when you are awake.
                                      He knows when you’ve been bad or good                                                    So be good for goodness' sake.
                                             Refrain:

The concept of reward is a great motivation for children to behave and do their chores.  But is it in direct contrast to the Message of Christmas. 

If you closely read the Scripture Lessons cited above, you heard the "Good News" is, "that in spite of humanities’ not being good, God gave us the greatest gift possible, Himself."

I am amazed at how a "positive" idea is turned into reward or punishment. I read the following:
"Last night's talk show host Jimmy Kimmel asked parents to submit videos of their children opening an early Christmas present.  However, to ensure that the children would give a disappointed reaction, Kimmel asked parents to give their children a ‘terrible’ gift.

Parents got creative with the prank, wrapping up overripe bananas, half-eaten sandwiches, hot dogs, batteries, and even a can of black beans.

In the submitted video footage, the children eagerly ripped open their presents only to find that they had been duped. The children were unimpressed with the gifts and offered unexpectedly hilarious reactions.

One child named Charlie squealed, ‘I don’t like this,’ after he unwrapped a half used bottle of juice. Another little boy cried after opening a pink activity book and said, ‘This is the worst present I ever got.’ One child asked for a refund while he threw a temper tantrum, running around his house screaming"- (Christian Post)

This reminded me of one of the many repeat Christmas Specials 

on T.V. entitled:  "The True Gift."
A young boy wakes up early on Christmas morning and dashes downstairs to get a sneak peek at his gift.   It was a sweatshirt ...
he had asked for skates.  He became so angry that wrote a note
to his parents that he was running away. He took the gifts he had made for his father and mother and threw them in the trash.

At that moment he was transported back to a Christmas in the sixth century Germany. There he met a lady who had chosen not to go with the Magi to visit the "Child King."   Her excuse: "I have to clean my house." She had been traveling through the centuries ... Christmas to Christmas, country to country seeking the meaning of the True Gift.  
The story continued ... as the woman and the boy experienced the various Christmas legends.  Each legend, in one way or another had a "Good Side," Father Christmas, St. Nicholas etc. who rewarded good behavior.  Each legend also had a "Bad Side."  Black Peter, who harangued bad behavior.

The boy was being punished (taught a lesson) for running away from home, the woman for giving excuses for not going to see the "Child King." 
After many experiences, the boy finally learns that the True Gift

is not what is given or received ...

                          it is the spirit in which the gift is given or received.

The Message of Christmas is that God came to this earth in the form of a baby ... offering life, forgiveness and hope. God does not offer this gift to only those who are good ... Rather it is offered to those who are bad.
As with any gift, one must accept it, open it and
use it, if one is to receive the full benefits of the gift.

God’s True Gift is what we celebrate this December 25.

We are not commemorating Christmas because
we are remembering some "myth or legend."
We commemorate a historical event that took place in "Time and Space." It is an event that gives us hope and allows us to experience God’s True Gift!

Advent is a time of focusing on the Hope of Christ’s birth and promised return. The central theme and declaration of the Good News/Gospel is:
God’s forgiving grace and peace experienced by those accepting
                  God’s True Gift.

In response to the Good News, Christians, wherever they go,
point to the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:2-7*), and live with
that hope and peace in their daily lives.

Hope is not a "wish." "I hope to receive ..."
Not hope "I will win the Powerball and $572 million."
Not hope (your favorite college team and your choice opponent)
will play in the 2023 Bowl Championship Game).
Not even hope "for world peace."
Hope is the certainty that God will do what God says.
Even as God fulfilled all the promises ... of which you read ...
when God came in the form of the baby named Jesus.

Titus 2:11-14:
God's readiness to give and forgive is now public.
Salvation's available for everyone! We're being shown how to
turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life, and how to take
on a God-filled, God-honoring life. This new life is starting
right now, and is whetting our appetites for the glorious day
when our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, appears.
He offered himself as a sacrifice to free us from a dark,
rebellious life into this good, pure life, making us a people
he can be proud of, energetic in goodness.

It is when we accept God’s True Gift that we experience the
Transforming Power of God’s Coming in human form (Incarnation).

Two Lessons:

I. Jesus liberated us from the power and penalty of our rebellion.

Jesus purifies us so that we may live as God’s special people.
Jesus enables us to live as God’s peaceful people in the world.
In Jesus we are recreated as New People – a New Creation. 
                                                           The Old is left behind.

II. In Jesus we:

A. Renounce those things Separating us from one another ...
           i.e.: lying, stealing, cheating, murder, adultery etc.
           Strangling us with trivia and things which do not last.ie:
           amassing nothing but material things, we must leave                       behind.

B. Acquire the shining virtues which: 
          - Marked Jesus’ life.
          - Brought light into darkness.
          - Allow us to live with prudence and reverence.

The dynamic of this new life is the expectation of Jesus’ return.
Advent is a time for preparing our lives and homes for the coming
of Jesus.  In one way, we should always be prepared for Jesus’
coming and promised return.

                 When Jesus comes, we will not be rewarded or
                  punished on whether we have been "naughty or nice."
                  We will be invited into God’s presence if we have
                  accepted God’s True Gift offered to us at:
                  The First Christmas and Good Friday."

                  God our Savior showed us his kindness and love,
                  He saved us, not because of the good things we did,
                  but because of his mercy.  (Titus 3:4-5)
　
When God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in,
he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing
to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it
new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit.
Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously.
God's gift has restored our relationship with him and given us
back our lives. And there's more life to come—an eternity of life!
You can count on this ... Take a firm stand on these matters so
that those who have put their trust in God will concentrate on the
essentials that are good for everyone.  (Titus 3:5b-8b)

We are still Naughty/Bad. We do not always live as God desires.
There still is injustice which leads to strife ... unrest ... selfishness...lack of peace.  So, while we wait for Jesus' promised return (the blessed hope) let us strife being God’s Hopeful and Peaceful People by demonstrating and living: The Reconciliation, Compassion and Justice we have received,

              God’s True Gift given to us in Immanuel: (God with us).

"Another story: "While at the mall a couple of years ago, my then four-year-old nephew, Spencer, saw kids lined up to see Santa Claus. Having been taught, as a toddler, that Christmas is the holiday that Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus, he asked his mom, ‘where's the line to see Jesus’? Becky Kelly inspired, wrote a song: Where’s The Line To See Jesus ...?"

        "Santa brought me presents, Jesus gave his life for me."
                       wheresthelinetoseejesus? (Video)

The True Gift: ... "Jesus gave his life for you."
Will you receive or reject that True Gift?

(I encourage you to watch "The Chosen" Christmas Show:  "Holy Night" on CW TV, this Saturday, December 23 at 7:00 pm.  

If not, record it and watch it later.  That way you can speed through the adds.  The story of Jesus' birth dramatically told is complemented with wonderful live Christmas music.)

(I am posting this early because this Sunday, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, is December 24 and also Christmas Eve.)

---

* Isaiah 9:2-7 (All Scriptures are from The Message)
                                 The people who walked in darkness
                                         have seen a great light.
                        For those who lived in a land of deep shadows—
                                       light! sunbursts of light!
                                    You repopulated the nation,
                                         you expanded its joy.
                              Oh, they're so glad in your presence!
                                                Festival joy!
                                   The joy of a great celebration,
                             sharing rich gifts and warm greetings.
                        The abuse of oppressors and cruelty of tyrants—
                              all their whips and cudgels and curses—
                              Is gone, done away with, a deliverance
       as surprising and sudden as Gideon's old victory over Midian.
                               The boots of all those invading troops,
                      along with their shirts soaked with innocent blood,
                                  Will be piled in a heap and burned,
                                       a fire that will burn for days!
                                 For a child has been born—for us!
                                          the gift of a son—for us!
                                                   He'll take over
                                          the running of the world.
                               His names will be: Amazing Counselor,
                                                    Strong God,
                                                  Eternal Father,
                                              Prince of Wholeness.
                                        His ruling authority will grow,
                    and there'll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.
                              He'll rule from the historic David throne
                                        over that promised kingdom.
                             He'll put that kingdom on a firm footing
                                                and keep it going
                                    With fair dealing and right living,
                                   beginning now and lasting always.
                                The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies
                                                will do all this.
              

"HOPE: All Will See"

                                                                       

                                           "HOPE: All Will See"

                        (Second in an Advent Series: “Prepare the Way”)
                                    (Luke 3:1-6, Philippians 1:3-11)

 
While we were still living in California, Jeannie and I spent almost two weeks preparing for the arrival of my sister and brother-in-law, with whom we had a wonderful five days. We wanted the house clean, the garden as beautiful as possible including re-finishing our front door. If we did this for family members imagine what we would have done if we knew Jesus was going to stay with us?

Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus, both his birth in Bethlehem, of which we read about last week and also the promise of his return. Today we look at the Hope: of salvation and the completion of His work ...
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see...All these people were still living by faith when they died.
They did not receive the things promised. (Hebrews 11:1,13)

The Prophet Malachi wrote: 3:1-3

1 "Look! I'm sending my messenger on ahead to clear the way for me. Suddenly, out of the blue, the Leader you've been looking for will enter his Temple—yes, the Messenger of the Covenant, the one you've been waiting for. Look! He's on his way!" A Message from the mouth of God-of-the-Angel-Armies.
2-3 But who will be able to stand up to that coming? Who can survive his appearance?
He'll be like white-hot fire from the smelter's furnace. He'll be like the strongest lye soap at the laundry. He'll take his place as a refiner of silver, as a cleanser of dirty clothes. He'll scrub the Levite priests clean, refine them like gold and silver, until they're fit for God, fit to present offerings of righteousness. 

4, Then, and only then, will Judah and Jerusalem be fit and pleasing to God, as they used to be in the years long ago."

It had been centuries since these words had been spoken. Malachi was the last of the Prophets to appear among Israel. Now John, the Baptist is summoned by God to give up his secluded life in the desert and act as God’s mouthpiece. He proclaimed the hope that the Messiah/Christ was coming soon.

Luke 3:1-6
1-6 In the fifteenth year of the rule of Caesar Tiberius—it was while Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea; Herod, ruler of Galilee; his brother Philip, ruler of Iturea and Trachonitis; Lysanias, ruler of Abilene; during the Chief-Priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas—John, Zachariah's son, out in the desert at the time, received a message from God. He went all through the country around the Jordan River preaching a baptism of life-change leading to forgiveness of sins, as described in the words of Isaiah the prophet: 

"Thunder in the desert!
Prepare God's arrival!
Make the road smooth and straight!
Every ditch will be filled in,
Every bump smoothed out,
The detours straightened out,
All the ruts paved over.
Everyone will be there to see
The parade of God's salvation." (Isaiah 40:3-5) *

The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. (Luke 3:5)
You may have read or heard of the famous words uttered by the Welsh Journalist Henry Stanley who searched throughout Africa for a Scottish Missionary. Upon finally finding the Missionary, Stanley uttered his now famous words, “Doctor Livingstone I Presume?”
When Dr. David Livingstone was working in Africa as a medical missionary, a group of friends wrote to him saying, "We would like to send other men to you. Have you found a good road into your area yet?"
Dr. Livingstone wrote back and said, "If you have men who will only come if they know there is a good road, I don't want them. I want men who will come if there is no road at all." Livingstone wanted men who were willing to pay the price of following Jesus.

In John’s Day, before a king took a trip, messengers would tell those he was planning to visit to prepare the roads for him. Similarly, John told his listeners make their lives ready for the Messiah to come to them.
He was concerned for the state of their hearts not the state of roads. “Mend not your roads, but your lives.”

During the Coronation Service in Westminster Abbey of Queen Elizabeth II, (1952), after all the guests had been seated, a squad of cleaners unexpectedly emerged with brushes and vacuum cleaners and proceeded to sweep the carpets so that they would be spotless for the coming of the Queen. “The King is Coming!” Hope ... Ready?

“All Will See God’s Salvation ...” (Luke 3:6) 

Luke, the Historian, places John clearly in Time and Space. With historical aptitude, Luke gives a full chronology for John’s public appearance. Approximately, six months later Jesus approaches John for baptism. Luke is concerned that full light fall on Christ. John’s divine charge was to  as a to serve as the opening act and for-runner of Christ.

The emergence of John was one of the hinges on which history turned.
No fewer than six different ways are given.
1. Tiberius Caesar, successor to Augustus, 2nd Emperor.
(14 A.D. - 37 A.D. --15th year 29 A.D.) Rome.

2. Pontius Pilate, governor of Judea, 26-36 AD Palestine
In one sentence Luke gives a panoramic view of the division of the Kingdom which had once belonged to Herod the Great until he died in 4 B.C.

3. Religious situation: Annas and Caiaphas.
Only one High Priest served at a time. Romans appointed Priests.
Annas was High Priest (7-14 AD but succeeded by
four sons and Caiaphas, Son-in-law. Annas was the power behind the
Priesthood. That was why Jesus was brought before to Annas when he was arrested. (John 18:13)

During this time conditions in the world and Palestine were dark and desperate. In the reign of Tiberius Caesar moral degeneration and political chaos characterized the Roman Empire, which in the course of time brought about its downfall. Chaos was also was present in the religious life of the God’s people. (Priests arbitrarily deposed and replaced by Romans - Political Peace.) During this dark and desperate period John Came ...

“Prepare the Way by Repenting, receiving forgiveness of sin and being baptized.” Repentance has two sides: Turning away from sin and turning toward God. Do both.

As we prepare for Christ’s coming, let us continue asking God to point the areas that need forgiveness and trust in God alone to guide us.
Focus on Jesus, listen afresh to his words and respond obediently to his direction. You are not an outsider. No one wanting to follow Jesus will be left out.

All mankind will see God’s salvation.
This does not mean that all who see will respond. John 1:6-18
(He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.
Yet to all those who received him, to those who believed in his name,
he gave the right to become children of God. - v. 12)

Revelation 1:7 Look, he is coming with the clouds,
and every eye will see him.
Even those who pierced him,
and all the peoples of the earth will
mourn because of him.
So shall it be! Amen.

Unlike preparing for the visit of my sister and brother-in law, who we knew were arriving on Thanksgiving morning' we neither know the time or the day of Jesus’ Coming. Hope is the assurance he will come. It could be any time.                              Imagine that you knew for certain Jesus would come on this December 25.                    How would you prepare? When He comes all will see him. Will you be ready for him? Will you be scouring around?

Read Philippians 1:1-11, Imagine it is written to you.

1-2 Paul and Timothy, both of us committed servants of Christ Jesus, write this letter to all the followers of Jesus in Philippi, pastors and ministers included. We greet you with the grace and peace that comes from God our Father and our Master, Jesus Christ.
3-6 Every time you cross my mind, I break out in exclamations of thanks to God. Each exclamation is a trigger to prayer. I find myself praying for you with a glad heart. I am so pleased that you have continued on in this with us, believing and proclaiming God's Message, from the day you heard it right up to the present. There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears.
7-8 It's not at all fanciful for me to think this way about you. My prayers and hopes have deep roots in reality. You have, after all, stuck with me all the way from the time I was thrown in jail, put on trial, and came out of it in one piece. All along you have experienced with me the most generous help from God. He knows how much I love and miss you these days. Sometimes I think I feel as strongly about you as Christ does!
9-11 So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. Live a lover's life, circumspect and exemplary, a life Jesus will be proud of: bountiful in fruits from the soul, making Jesus Christ attractive to all, getting everyone involved in the glory and praise of God.

*Scriptures are quoted from The Bible: "The Message" , Eugene H, Peterson, 2002.

"EXPECTATION: Jesus Will Return"

                       

 

                                         
“EXPECTATION: JESUS WILL RETURN”
(First in Advent Series: “Prepare The Way)

Jeremiah 33:15-16, Luke 21:25-36, I Thessalonians 5:1-6

INTRODUCTION: The stage is set.
You can hear the rumblings behind the curtain.
You purchased the tickets for the new production of "My Fair Lady," as soon as they went on sale. You loved the music in first Broadway version, enjoyed the movie. You have high expectations for this version performed in Austin. 

One way of looking at the events occurring in our world today is fear.  Do you remember 2011?
I received five e-mail letters and several phone calls when the movie 2012 was released. The premise was that the Mayan Calendar which begins before the first advent of Jesus some 2023 years ago would end on December 21, 2012. It would be the end of the world as we know it.
Meteors hit the most sacred places of worship around the world:
The Vatican, The Hindu Temples, The Notre Dame etc. Interestingly enough, none of the Muslim sites were hit. The oceans roar and toss flooding all the major cities along the coast. Typhoon, Volcanic Eruptions, Earthquakes, etc. resulting in destruction and panic. People who had seen the movie were asked: “What city did you want destroyed?”
What do you think was their first answer? What would be your
answer? “Los Angeles, Las Vegas or Washington D.C.?”
It says something of the anxiety, anguish and perplexity of those and our times.
(Parody: Scenes from 2012 destruction everywhere.)

Expectations were high for 2012 in Great Britain.
Queen Elizabeth II would celebrate her 60th Anniversary of her accession to the Throne and Head of the Commonwealth on February 6, 2012.
The Summer Olympics would begin, in London, on July 27, 2012.

The New Age Movement was saying that 2012 would be a year of transformation and new start. If 2012 were to mark the return of Jesus, it would be too late for change. “It looked like the Christians were right.” The whole world was not flooded. God said:
“Never again will a flood destroy the (whole) earth.” Genesis 9:11.

Will your expectations about "My Fair Lady" be met? How do you even know there are actors behind the curtain? Who are you waiting for? 

Same questions can be asked of Jesus. Apocalypses, (Greek Word for Revelation) = Opening the Curtain

For Christians, the four Sundays before the birth of Jesus (December 25) are called Advent, which means coming. It is a time of preparation, exploration and hope as we await the coming of Jesus.
Advent is not just looking back to the birth of a baby in Bethlehem,
it is also looking forward to the return of the of Jesus as Lord & King.

The Advent Wreath, above, one candle is lit each Sunday of Advent until all four are lit.  Center white candle is lit on Christmas Eve commemorating the One who said: "I AM The Light of the World."

Scripture Open the Curtain for us: (Scriptures* at end of blog)
“The Messiah will Complete Salvation History.” Jesus Will Return!
The Primary Actor will Show up!

Jeremiah 33:14-16* refers to both the First and Second coming of the Messiah (Hebrew) /Christ (Greek).

"'Watch for this: The time is coming'—God's Decree—'when I will keep the promise I made to the families of Israel and Judah. When that time comes, I will make a fresh and true shoot sprout from the David-Tree. He will run this country honestly and fairly. He will set things right. That's when Judah will be secure and Jerusalem live in safety. The motto for the city will be, "God Has Set Things Right for Us." God has made it clear that there will always be a descendant of David ruling the people of Israel and that there will always be Levitical priests on hand to offer burnt offerings, present grain offerings, and carry on the sacrificial worship in my honor.'"

1. Old Testament Prophecy.

Context: Jerusalem lay in ruble.
Israelites were scattered all over the known world.
Offers Hope for the restoration of Jerusalem, which was in rubble.
Three Main Prophesies upon which Israelite Hope Hangs

A. Restoration of the People to the Land.
After 70 years in exile, King Cyrus, founder of the Persian Empire, told the Jewish captives they could return to their homeland.
- Most exiles had become so accustomed to life in Babylon, today's Iraq, that did not want to return to their country.
- Only a small number set out for Jerusalem to rebuild the city and temple. A task that was difficult and often failed.
- Only through the wise leadership of a few individuals like Ezrah and Nehemiah was the task completed.
The people were back in their Land.
70 AD of which Jesus warned his disciples, resulted in the Israelites being scattered again.
- Persecuted, removed from their land, they dispersed to Russia and Germany, Kristallnacht (night of broken class, November 9-10, 1938, began the arrest of Jews by German Gestapo and taken to Camps leading the horrific killing 6 million Jews, known as the holocaust. After the Second World War Jews wanted to return to their homeland, Israel, where they could be safe.
- The Movie: Exodus - tells the story of the People returning to the Land. 1948 Israel became a Nation.

B. Restoration of the Land to Prosperity.
Land that once had been fertile:
flowing with milk and honey was desolate.
- Cities had been flattened and lay in rubble.
- Land had become swampy and un-inhabitable.
- The desert claimed more and more land.
- Trees cut down and erosion took it toil.
True after Babylonian exile and 70 A.D.
- Today Israel is one of five nations in the world that is not only self-sufficient but exports crops.
- The desert is blooming.
- Trees have been re-planted forming forests.
- Jerusalem continues being re-built using Jerusalem stones and is one of the most beautiful cities in the world
The Land is Prosperous.

C. Restoration of Davidic King.
Under King Cyrus there was a king (puppet) (538 B.C)
- 164 B.C. Judas Maccabees defeated Syrian rulers winning independence for Judah and Jerusalem, commemorated through Hanukkah
- 100 B.C. Julius Caesar, first emperor of Rome was born.
- Rome came crashing into the world and little Judah became, once again, just part of a giant empire.
- 37 B.C. Herod the Great made King of Judah (puppet).
- 70 A.D. Romans destroyed Temple and city hundreds of thousands of people were slain and rest taken captive.
- "Wouldn’t this be a good time for the Messiah to come?" 
Fiddler on the Roof. (Tevye) - Leave land for new land.
(Perspective: 374 yrs. between return from Babylonian Captivity to Judas Maccabees. We, the United States of America, are only 247 years old.

2. New Testament Record.

Each of the Gospels has a focus. So do books like I Thessalonians and Hebrews

A. Mark Proclaims the Good News.
Time has come. - Kingdom God ruled by God alone.
- Came to re-claim God’s people, defying earthly power.
- Jesus did not see Rome as an enemy.
He did find ...
1.) Weakness and Illness of people.
2.) Demons gripped people in fear.
3.) Leaders who failed to teach the truth.
 
B. Matthew Illustrates the fulfilment of Prophecy.
- Bring in Age to Come and New Covenant.

C. Luke Writes of the Person of Jesus Christ.
- The Gospels together tell of the Messiah and the Salvation of History.
- Righteous Branch springing from the dead stump of King David’s line.

Luke 21:25-36
25-26"It will seem like all hell has broken loose—sun, moon, stars, earth, sea, in an uproar and everyone all over the world in a panic, the wind knocked out of them by the threat of doom, the powers-that-be quaking.

27-28"And then—then! —they'll see the Son of Man welcomed in grand style—a glorious welcome! When all this starts to happen, up on your feet. Stand tall with your heads high. Help is on the way!"

29-33He told them a story. "Look at a fig tree. Any tree for that matter. When the leaves begin to show, one look tells you that summer is right around the corner. The same here—when you see these things happen, you know God's kingdom is about here. Don't brush this off: I'm not just saying this for some future generation, but for this one, too—these things will happen. Sky and earth will wear out; my words won't wear out.

34-36"But be on your guard. Don't let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping. Otherwise, that Day is going to take you by complete surprise, spring on you suddenly like a trap, for it's going to come on everyone, everywhere, at once. So, whatever you do, don't go to sleep at the switch. Pray constantly that you will have the strength and wits to make it through everything that's coming and end up on your feet before the Son of Man."

If we think we are in despair and tired of waiting for Jesus to Return imagine how the Jewish people feel.
- Restored to the Land.
- Land has become prosperous.
- But the Davidic King has not been restored.
- When the Messiah did not come to stop the Holocaust, Some Jews thought the OT. Prophesies must have been symbolic. "We must bring in the Messianic Age" say the Reformed Jews.

3. Words of Jesus Himself.

A. He Would Return.
When Jesus left his followers, he said he would return.
I will come and take you with me... (John 14:3)
"This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven," said by two angels.  (Acts 1:11)
They will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. (Luke 21:27)

- That was about 1,990 years ago.
  Since that time, Christians like Jews have said:
“Wouldn’t this be a great time for Jesus to return?”
- The disciples and Paul had an urgency in proclaiming the Good News                                         believing that Jesus would return in their lifetime. After Jesus had said: This generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.
- During the early persecution period Christians Hoped Jesus returned...
- With Christians dying, there was a concern they would be left behind.
I Thessalonians 5:1-6 addressed that issue.
- Each period of difficulty and persecution Christians have clung to the Hope of Jesus’ promised return.

5:1-3 Don't think, friends, that I need to deal with the question of when all this is going to happen. You know as well as I that the day of the Master's coming can't be posted on our calendars. He won't call ahead and make an appointment any more than a burglar would. About the time everybody's walking around complacently, congratulating each other—"We've sure got it made! Now we can take it easy!"—suddenly everything will fall apart. It's going to come as suddenly and inescapably as birth pangs to a pregnant woman.
4-8But friends, you're not in the dark, so how could you be taken off guard by any of this? You're sons of Light, daughters of Day. We live under wide open skies and know where we stand. So let's not sleepwalk through life like those others. Let's keep our eyes open and be smart. People sleep at night and get drunk at night. But not us! Since we're creatures of Day, let's act like it. Walk out into the daylight sober, dressed up in faith, love, and the hope of salvation.

B. No one Knows the Time or Date.
- Speculation lead to trying to predict the exact date.
- Not even the Son of Man does not know.
- Didn't happen in 2012.  Maybe 2024?

C. Though Heaven and Earth Pass Away, My Words will Never Pass Away. (Luke 21:33)
- My Presence is with you - Holy Spirit.
- Hope that God is in control of history.

CONCLUSION: Stand up and lift your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. (Luke 21:28)

The signs are all around.
- God’s people are in the Land. Land is Prosperous.
- There are Rumors and Wars. (Hamas and Israel back to fighting) *
- There are Earthquakes. Philippines 7,6 magnitude earthquake. 
- There is a renewed interest in “End Times.”
- There are people clamoring for solutions to problems.
- There are signs in the universe. is it - 2024?
- There is despair. Growing lack of Hope.
- God’s people are ready for their promised ruler.
- *October 7, 2023, Israel was brutally attacked by Hamas. "It was like a second Holocaust.,"

   Hostages were taken captive. As of writing this, 104 hostages have been released by Hamas. 
The Good News, The Beauty is, that the King has Come!
Has delivered us from a bondage greater than any Tyrant.
He has given us Hope!
He has promised never to leave or forsake us!

The promise of Jesus’ Return gives us Hope.
Without it there would be nothing but despair, for no person will be able to bring in the Messianic Age.

The Mayas, Stoics, Hindus and New Age teach that history repeats itself every 3,000 years. God’s Word teaches that God has a purpose, plan and completion for us/world.
What is something for which you are waiting?
How are you spending your time waiting?
The curtain is about to open. Are you ready? That is Advent.
Take a moment to reflect then draw a picture of what that looks like.

(I will post on the Second Sunday of Advent next week.)

Christ The King

 

                                 “Christ Is King* (Revelation 5:12)

     We just visited the first “Protestant” (Anglican) church build in Latin America. Belize City, Belize, C.A. (Belize used to be called British Honduras, Thus the reason of British influence. Belize was granted Independence in 1981 and became the seventh country in Central America.) Across the street was a house built for Queen Elizabeth II.  She only stayed there only once.  King Charles III has yet to visit Belize, let alone live in the house. We were struck by the power and wealth of the monarch, surrounded by poverty.  Since the building has not been used, Belize is going to use it for a museum. (See Below)

          This Sunday, the last of the Christian Year, is called “Christ the King Sunday.” It is a time for focusing on KING, Jesus Christ! 

           Living in the United States, Royalty is something we fought.  Our leaders are elected not crowned.  Blood line doesn’t determine who is elected as president.  For us Royalty is more associated with Hollywood Movies.

Thinking of the Second Person of the Trinity as King is difficult. what Revelation 11:15

The world has now become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ., and he will reign for ever and ever, affirm that Both Jews and Christians believe that many of the Psalms referred to the Promised Messiah, as much as they did to the events of their time... Christians noted how many of the passages describe, in detail, Christ’s life and death.  Jesus quoted from the Psalms.

          The difference is the Jews are still waiting for the Messiah.  We believe and celebrate that Jesus was the Messiah, Christ (Greek for Messiah).  We now wait for his promised return.

Read John 18:33-38.  Note the dialogue between Pilot, Roman Governor, and what he asks Jesus. John 18:33-38 Pilate: “Are you the King of the Jews?” (Royal Threat) 

Jesus: “My kingdom is not an earthly kingdom ...My kingdom is not of this world.”

           Pilate: “So you are a King.” 

          Jesus: “You say I AM a king... came to tell of Truth.”

          Pilate: “What is Truth?”

          Jesus taught his Disciples, and through them us how to pray.  We call the pattern he gave us:  The Lord’s Prayer: This wonderful prayer begins focused on Who God Is: “Our Father who is in heaven.”

There are six petitions. The first: "God’s name be hallowed.”

                                      The second: "Thy Kingdom Come:” May thy kingly rule be established in our life-time and n our day.  God is sovereign.  We are seeking to live in that kingdom.  Jesus began his ministry: “The Kingdom of God is at hand.”  All his teaching revolved around his conception of the Kingdom of God and the new order of things when God alone will reign.  He told of how all things would be transformed and how people’s characters would be different.

“The Kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ. And he will reign forever and ever.”

                             “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."*

Rev. 5:12 Worthy is the Lamb who was slain – to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessings.

          The Third Petition: “Thy will be done.”

Asking for God’s Kingdom to Come is Asking for God’s Will/Plan to be done on earth, as it is done in heaven.  We use: “Thy will be done ...” in our weekly prayers, it may be the most difficult of the petitions to make.  Because God’s will/kingdom has meant: suffering, loneliness and even death for some who faithfully followed God and not Culture.  Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane is such an example. Other examples are The Apostle Paul’s imprisonment. Others are Martin Luther, John Calvin, and John Knox, (Founders of Reformed/Scottish Church and known as Presbyterian in the United States of America.)

                     If we believe God Cares For Us, God’s Kingdom means direction, purpose, plan and security, no matter the circumstances.  (Read Romans 8:25-28) Note that even out of what might be seen as disaster/failure God brings good. Thus, we can live in hope!

Hope for the future fills the present with significance.  All that is happening is furthering God’s Kingdom.  Our desire is to cooperate with God’s plan.  The Kingdom is in the future, but it is not remote and imaginary. In praying “Your Kingdom Come” we are saying: “May your rule be the norm for my life.”  May God help us live in that Kingdom now. The Gospel of Mark records: “Jesus went about proclaiming the kingdom of God is at hand.” Jesus’ actions and teachings evidenced God’s presence/kingdom.

                      If God’s kingdom has already come, why do we pray that it will come?  We are affirming our desire that God will continue working in our lives.  We are saying:

“I am willing to do whatever you want me to do.  It was because of Paul’s obedience that he wrote from jail, The letters to the Philippian and Colossian Churches:

“Rejoice in the Lord always ...”  (Philippians. 4:4)

          Read Joshua 5:13-15. The power present with Joshua was neither impersonal nor magical. Power related to a Person: a Person who has continuity in history.  The continuity of a Supernatural Leader was made explicit in the incident near Jericho.  Here the One who met Joshua said:

“As commander of the LORD’S the army I AM come,” implying that this ONE had been present, before, in a

different capacity.  Joshua had been present and seen this Presence before.  Now this One was coming as Commander. of the LORD’s Army.  “Joshua fell face down in reverence.”

          This parallels Moses experience. Read Exodus 3:1-22. Moses was called by a Person – The Great “I AM.”   Through the Burning Bush.

“Take off your sandals for you are standing on holy ground.” Joshua received the same instruction.  He quickly unstrapped his sandals and kicked them off, knowing he was in Moses’ place.  When God spoke to Moses from a burning bush, God mentioned the past.  “I AM the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Moses hid his face before the same God who appeared before and called Abram.” 

“I AM not a new God.”  Continuity in Leadership --Joshua. Moses had said, as he transferred leadership to Joshua: 

Deut. 31:7-8 “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the LORD swore to their forefathers to give them and must divide it among them as their inheritance.  The LORD Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will neither leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

God had lead Moses and the people through a cloud in the day and fire at night.  Those ended when the people crossed the Jordan River, on dry ground, and the men were circumcised, and they celebrated the Passover.  Now Commander of the LORD’S Army meets, affirms and gives orders on how Jericho will be taken. 

Because Joshua knew the ONE kept his promises, Joshua was able to say to the people, in front of the walls of Jericho, without fear: “Shout for the LORD has given you the city.”  (Joshua 6:16) Why? (Schaeffer, Joshua)

“Because the Power was Personal, and Person was there.” (Jericho was about 7 Acers and walled, Fortress.) The Rear Guard started marching, totally surrounding the city.  It had a psychological impact.  There was fear of leaving the security/city. They knew what the Jews had done on other side of Jordan.  They were aware that the river had stopped.  “Their hearts melted, and they no longer had the courage to face the Israelites.” (Josh 5:1)    

The kingdom of God comes through Jesus, comes through us, and will come when Jesus returns to this earth, to complete what he began.  We cannot build the kingdom of God.  Only God can.  But we can make ourselves available for God’s use.

Ph. 2:9-11    God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

When Jesus told his disciples he would leave for a while: “I AM going to prepare a place for you.  I will come back and take you to where I AM.” 

“Do not be Afraid.  I will not Leave or Forsake you.  The Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.  (Will Guide and Empower you.)  Peace, I give to you, not as the world gives.  Let not your hearts be troubled neither let them be afraid.”(John 14:27) 

When Christ returns to this earth he will come in the capacity as King.  “Word of God.”  (Revelation 19:13) and will rule. All will recognize his right to rule. There will be peace.  We can regard Jesus as Lord now as a willing commitment or when he returns/called into his presence.

There is a Hym that affirms the meaning of Christ as King: 

The King Is Coming! 

O the King is coming, the King is coming!  I just heard the trumpets sounding. And now His face I see. O the King is coming, the King is coming! Praise God, He is coming for me!

Are you ready to meet the King?  Have you bowed your knee and acknowledged Him as Lord?  If not, today is a good time?

If you are ready to meet the King I invite you to affirm your faith, using the Apostle’s Creed.

          Next week I will begin a new set of blogs during the Four Weeks Advent in Preparation for the First Coming of Jesus born as a baby in a humble setting.  We call it Christmas.  The blogs will focus on the promised return of Jesus Christ the Christ.

*The Messiah composed by Frederic Handle