Even the most dedicated atheist would have to admit the world cannot just keep going like it is now, something big is on the way. As Christians, we are taught that Jesus will return and take us to be with Him. It is "The Blessed Hope".
The disciples lived in a time that there was much change going on. They knew that Jesus was Messiah and they knew that the world itself would have to change in order to bring His Kingdom. One day they asked Jesus one day to explain what would happen when this present age would end. In Matthew 24 Jesus told them in great detail just what would take place before the end of the age. He told them to watch and wait and be ready.
It is exciting to anticipate His coming... Don't you want to be there??? Can you imagine what it will be like??? To have all that you have hoped in and trusted in God for, to be right there!!!
Matthew 24:33 & 44 "So also when you see these signs, all taken together, coming to pass, you may know of a surety that He is near, at the very doors."
"You also must be ready therefore, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not expect Him."
When Jesus was born, there were people who were anticipating His arrival. They had been promised that they would see the Messiah face to face. They had waited SO long... but, Holy Spirit led them to be in the temple on a certain day...
Luke 2:25-32 "Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout [cautiously and carefully observing the divine Law], and looking for the Consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.
And it had been divinely revealed (communicated) to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).
And prompted by the [Holy] Spirit, he came into the temple [enclosure]; and when the parents brought in the little child Jesus to do for Him what was customary according to the Law,
[Simeon] took Him up in his arms and praised and thanked God and said,
"And now, Lord, You are releasing Your servant to depart (leave this world) in peace, according to Your word.
For with my [own] eyes I have seen Your Salvation,
Which You have ordained and prepared before (in the presence of) all peoples,
A Light for revelation to the Gentiles [to disclose what was before unknown] and [to bring] praise and honor and glory to Your people Israel."
Luke 2:36-38 "And there was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old, having lived with her husband seven years from her maidenhood, and as a widow even for eighty-four years. She did not go out from the temple enclosure, but was worshiping night and day with fasting and prayer.
And she too came up at that same hour, and she returned thanks to God and talked of [Jesus] to all who were looking for the redemption (deliverance) of Jerusalem."
Can you imagine their excitement? To finally hold the Messiah in their arms! To have what they had waited for all their lives finally be manifested in flesh and blood! Both of these people were very old. I am sure that people had wagged their heads at them, laughed at them and told them, "You think you will actually live long enough to see the Messiah face to face??? You are a fool! We have been waiting for thousands of years. God is not in any hurry."
BUT... there He was! In Simeon's arms! You just know that old man was so full of joy and satisfaction! He saw his hope fulfilled!!!!!!
The Word says that we are not to be discouraged that it seems like Jesus coming is never going to happen. We have people who tell us, "You think you will actually live long enough to see Jesus return face to face? You are a fool! We have been waiting thousands of years. God is not in any hurry."
But, He IS coming... He is even at the doors!
Now That I've Held Him In My Arms by Micahel Card
Praying today for:
The nation of Cameroon
The state of Colorado
Remember, Nana loves you!
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