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The Advent of the King
During December as a church, we observe the season of Advent. Jesus came as a baby in the manger he will return as the righteous King. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. Before Christ returns there will be signs of his return.
Jesus during passion week is speaking in the temple. He prophesizes the destruction of the temple. He tells the crowds about the coming persecution and the signs of the end of the age. Then he tells them how they should act during the end times, and the times of coming persecution. “When these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” This is a tall order; how do we get to this point.
Malachi warns about the coming judgement. The lord of hosts will destroy the arrogant and evil doers. Those who fear the Lord will be set free. We are to remember the statutes and rules of Moses. Are we those who are arrogant and evil or are we those who fear the Lord?
Before the great and awesome day of the Lord the Lord will send Elijah to turn the hearts of the children and their fathers. During the advent season we look at the birth of John the Baptizer. John is the type of Elijah his message is simple and direct. Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Repent, turn around.
We live in the end times. The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Jesus our Lord ushers in the kingdom of God. God’s judgment of sinful mankind is born by our Lord on the cross. From the temple our Lord will be arrested and put to death on the cross. He takes our sin to the cross and lays his righteousness upon us. We are saved by God’s grace. Without any merit or worthiness in us we are redeemed by the suffering death of our Lord. We can stand in the presence of the righteous judge because we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ.
When the signs of God’s judgement take place in our world, we are not terrified. Instead of hunkering down and hiding in our churches. We stand firm and we celebrate the opportunities God gives us to witness to our faith. Look at the promise our Lord gives to those around him who will face persecution. He will give them a mouth and wisdom, which none of their adversaries will be able to withstand. By our endurance we will gain our lives.
The End is near, we are called to turn around, repent, and rely solely on the incarnate, the crucified, and risen Christ. We are to straighten up and raise our heads, our redemption is drawing near.
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