Tonight's Word 🌱

"For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope – the appearing of the glory of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good."
-Titus 2:11-14

While going through my Facebook account, a reminder notification came up showing me this post that I made nine years ago. At the time, I had put it together to present at my local church as the opening remarks for the service that day. Reading it again today brought back some fond memories, but it also sobered me up to the fact that I am ten years closer to the promised event of which it speaks. 

Homeward Bound

Jesus' birth was the subject of many prophesies before he was born. They outlined his mother's status, His birthplace, His lineage, the difficulties surrounding His birth, His life, His death, His ascension. Even His current position was prophesied beforehand, with amazing accuracy and detail.

The first coming was tangible, crucial proof that God was keeping His promises to His people. This was evidence that God was putting into motion His precious plan of salvation. But that coming was the First. We have now been promised a Second coming, by Jesus Himself! He says in John 14:1-3, "Let not your heart be troubled; You believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father's House are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."

His birth, which is often talked and sung about, especially in this season, should not only remind us of what did happen, incredible as it was. It should also remind us that because of what did happen, we can look forward to what will happen - the promise made by Jesus as a man. His second Coming will finish the work that the first coming established. Society chooses to acknowledge the birth of Jesus with festivities, merriment, and many other forms of social activities or spiritual services. Looking back however, is only spiritually useful if it spurs us on and points us forward to the day when Jesus will again come to earth to carry us to His home. 

This home is spoken of in the Bible. Revelation 21:4 tells us "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain; for the former things are passed away". This home called heaven, has been described as a Holy City, with streets of gold, and a Tree of Life. It is the home of the angels, and most importantly, it is the home of God. Our God. Our Redeemer. Our Creator and Father. This is the God we have served, and waited on patiently. The One we have sung about and to, who we have prayed to, who we have cried, and sighed, agonized to and found strength in. The One who we have loved because He first loved us. The One who loved us so much that He gave us His only Son to rescue us. He is the One who created this Universe, this planet. This is our God who created us and breathed life into us, the One who sustains you and me every waking moment of our life. Indeed, it is the same God who brought you to the point of receiving this message. Yes, His Home is in heaven, and He wants us to be where He is, for eternity. 

Now if that isn't an invitation, I don't know what is. He longs to make our heart His home before we make His Home our home. Will we allow Him to prepare us, to clean us up, to renew us, to dress us up with His robe of righteousness so that we may enter His heavenly Home? 

We welcomed Him as a babe. Are we ready to meet and join Him as our Saviour and King for eternity?

Opening Remarks, Dec, 2014

[includes excerpts from 'Apocalyptic Carols']

Prayer:
Father and King of the Universe, thank you for the gift of Jesus so many years ago. Thank you for the privilege of experiencing the beauty of your love and grace, and the solid example of a faithful and committed life that you shared with us through Him also. We ask you Father to continue to help, guide and direct us as we reflect and learn from His life, His character, His actions, and His words. Plant in us that desire to know Him and to make him known, so that all may benefit from and participate in the gospel's mission. We look forward to Your promised return. in Jesus' name. Amen.