Advent: New Life in Christ – part 2
And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it,
saying, “… your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side… because you did not know the time of your visitation.” (Luke 19:41-44)
There are Bible verses more positive than the above that could have opened this Advent Message. Archbishop Wabukala of Kenya in his message to the GAFCON members chose to encourage us with 2Cor 4:18, “We look not to the things that are seen, but to the things that are unseen. … the things that are unseen are eternal.” New life in Christ is a life of hope because eyes are opened not only to see by also to know what we must do. But today let’s be sternly reminded of the importance of recognizing and acting in the right season.
Timely Salvation. It’s time! The Messiah is coming – so John the Baptist announced and gave all the explanations of the signs that heralded the coming of the Messiah. But many Jews, even leaders did not see this. Jesus rebuked them when he wondered how they can predict rain and other weather patterns using signs, but they had failed to read most important indications of the arrival of their Salvation (Matt 16:1-4). The suffering was there, but hope was on its way. God must have smiled at Zechariah when he exclaimed, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people” (Luke 1:68); and for you who “did not know the time of your visitation”, the Lord weeps and prophecies doom. Today we still have opportunity to receive our Salvation; the Lord will welcome all who come to Him.
Timely Stewardship. It’s time! Bring the offering – so the wise men from the East did not only follow the new star, but came to worship with gifts. It was not only time to receive Salvation but also celebrate and worship with the very best and most costly of gifts. It was for them like a special Sabbath or Feast Day when the offering must be large and special. Our Advent response must touch the pocket as well.
Timely Settlements. It’s time! The Prince of Peace is coming – so you can ride this wave to restore some cracking relationship. Why wait? Don’t wait for the other to come to you, go to them and make peace. As soon as Paul says in Christ we are a new creation, he quickly mentions reconciliation as a ministry that we received. Moreover, before your good offering is accepted, reconciliation is necessary; and if you are to escape the troubles of court and prison, timely reconciliation is necessary (Matt 5:23-26). For parents and children, for the estranged youth who now realizes you need the elders, or for a couple that for months have talked not, it’s time for reconciliation. Then you also will be able to reconcile with God. May the Lord God smile on you as you take the right action – it’s time!
God bless you.