More than meets the eye
“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Luke 21:25-28 (NIV)
Today is the beginning of Advent and at first it may seem strange that we are reading a passage in Luke that talks about perplexing signs in the heavens and people fainting in terror. What has this got to do with joyfully anticipating Christ’s birth? How can this apocalyptic end-time prophecy of Jesus returning ‘with power and great glory’ fit in with his first coming as a helpless infant?
To Luke, the infant Jesus is more than a baby born in a manger. He is also the Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. Jesus is both infant and Saviour. Luke is reminding us that there is more going on than meets the eye.
Likewise, Luke mentions a time of great fear with shaking heavenly bodies, but he goes on to say it is actually a time to ‘lift up your head’ because there is more going on, Jesus is coming back, and our ‘redemption’ is near. We should not lose hope despite what is happening.
Just as new leaves on a tree signal the coming of summer, we have to ‘watch’ (v.36), and “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life…” (v.34). Just because life goes on as usual doesn’t mean that there isn’t more going on and we should be paying attention. He warns “…that day will close on you suddenly like a trap.” (v.34).
As we move into the Christmas season, let us not forget about God’s vision for the world. It is bigger than we can grasp. It is so much more than just another annual celebration of Christ’s birth. It isn’t just about creating memories with family and friends or feasting on fine food and drink. It is about God’s plan of salvation and his kingdom which is both already, but not yet fully here.
Heed Luke’s warning: “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (v.36).
Prayer
Our heavenly Father, as we enter into this Advent season let us not forget about the bigger picture. Jesus came into this world as a helpless babe, but he is also our Saviour and he will return to earth again to usher in your kingdom. Help us to continually watch and always be aware. In his name we pray, amen.
|
Study by: Jackie Mill About the author: |
 |
Local congregation:
Grace Communion International Central Glasgow
Garnethill Room
Conference Suite
St Andrews West
260 Bath Street
Glasgow
G2 4JP
Meeting time:
Sunday 11:15 am
Local congregational contact:
Peter Mill
Email: edinburgh@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church