Vol. 6, No. 52 – December 26, 2021
Advent 2021, Hope Still
Matthew 2:4-6
Assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he [Herod], inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: ‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel. –Matthew 2:4-6; Micah 5:2.
God sent His Only Son to be born of a virgin, to come to heal those sick with sin, to die for all, only requiring repentance and faith, and trusting in Him only for their salvation. It seems bizarre to many—there is a commitment, a faith in His sacrifice, and a promise of eternal life in the presence of this One who is sent by the Father. How much does it cost? It costs the life of the sinless One, it costs your followship!
It is amazing that there are people on the earth that believe there is a God, but not believe that this God sent His One and only Son to be born of a virgin. To live a sinless life. To offer His life as a sacrifice for our sin. To die. To be buried. To rise from the dead, having final victory over the outcomes of the grave. To rise in victory over the prince of this earth, Satan. To rise to heaven, to be seated at God’s right hand; to await His own return to the earth as King of kings, and Lord of lords.
It is what we look forward to: His coming again. It is our Advent hope; it is hope still. As all the promises and prophecies have taken place in our past and present, noting is more assuring than the reality that God will honor His Son’s soon return for those who belong to Him.
Jesus again said to them, “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and our and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them our of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. I and the Father are one. Surely, I am coming soon, Amen. –John 10:7-11, 27-30; Revelation 22:20.
Life Application
Although God’s grace and mercy still chases, Jesus is worth our pursuit. It requires us to go another way. The wise men, Magi, got this message. They responded to a dream that was placed in their hearts to return to their home another way. They had committed to make a report to a king of the world. That king was incensed with their response. God was glorified.
We live in a time when our bringing glory to God ought to be high on our list. How are you doing with that. He is coming soon. How will He find you? Will you be serving Him, or sitting on your rusty dusties? We should give that question our response; it is an important question.
Jesus is worth our pursuit; He is our Hope Still; He is the Hope Still for every believer in the world, for all times. Amen!
