The Meaning of the Lord’s Coming
“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me.
Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple;
the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,"
says the LORD Almighty. (Mal 3:1)
Waiting for the fulfilment of a promise is not an easy task, especially when the anticipated time is not known. During this Advent season, we are reminded of many who waited for Christ’s first coming, and we are encouraged to wait eagerly for His second coming. Many church traditions use five candles to illustrate the meaning of the Lord’s coming; and today we light the third candle – the Shepherd’s candle, which reminds us of the joy to the world when the Saviour comes. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11). The coming of the Lord means JOY!
We had already lit the first two candles; the second was Bethlehem’s candle, which reminds us of faith and love; we remember the journey of Mary and Joseph to the little town of Bethlehem. Micah’s prophecy pointed to this little town as the one from whom would come forth “the ruler of Israel”. One needed a lot of faith to grasp and believe this, since there were many more worthier cities. By faith many looked forward to this prophecy’s fulfillment, and when the chosen blessed couple came here for a census, it was just the right time – and the Christ was born. The coming of the Lord encourages us in FAITH!
Today’s key reading from Malachi belongs to the discussion of the first candle – the Prophet’s candle, the candle of hope. It is assurance that “the Lord you are seeking… whom you desire will come.” The reason they are seeking him and desire him is because they need him – they need deliverance from mighty enemies and an oppressive environment; they need salvation, they need a Messiah. The promise is systematic, beginning with a messenger who will come to prepare the way. Such prophecies are also found elsewhere, especially in Isaiah. These prophets had one common role: to point to the hope that is alive as the people looked forward to the coming of the Lord. The coming of the Lord confirms HOPE!
‘The one who is to come’ was one of the names of the Messiah; and the prophets with much certainty and conviction insisted, he will come. Though they may not have heard scientific evidence, they were as sure as a bride waiting for the groom at home on the day of her introduction or give-away ceremony (even if his entourage is delayed). No, the Lord’s coming is much more certain; once in a blue moon the groom disappoints, but the Lord will surely come. Be encouraged in Hope and Faith, and receive the Joy of His coming.
God bless you all.