Pastor Ponderings #177: ADVENTure

Advent is defined as the arrival of a notable person, thing or event. Where I live in Canada, there is always the advent of snow leading up to winter. The Bible notes two specific advents, one that has already happened and one which is still coming. The advent which has already occurred is celebrated each Christmas as the birth of Jesus.

Matthew 1:23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

The statement, God with us, produces images of peace on earth, joy and good will between nations and neighbours alike. Sadly, the Lord would not be greeted with open arms. It is not difficult to grasp just why Jesus was so poorly received by His fellow Jews, His own kin, community, and countrymen. If a kid down your street claimed to be the Son of God - God in the flesh, you would have concerns too. Besides, this kid has played in your backyard with your own children. You’ve known him all his life and though certain aspects about him were quirky or unusual, he ate popsicles and popcorn like all the others. How could this individual claim divinity? Those threatened by His bold statements devised a plan to solve their Jesus problem - kill Him!

Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.

Jesus was not a victim, but the victor. Not only did He taste death, He ate the whole meal! He drank the bitter cup intended for His enemies. His death wasn’t a kneejerk reaction by a hostile population; it was a pivotal piece of a pre-planned operation to eliminate the sting of death and rob the grave of its power. The victory is promised to all those who believe but it only culminates in His second advent.

Scripture tells us that Jesus will come again. But the second coming will be unlike the first. At the first He came as a defenseless newborn, next time in great power & authority. In His first advent, He wore a crown of thorns; in the second appearing, on His head will be many crowns. The first time around, He came in meekness, riding on a donkey. The next go round He will come in power riding a white horse. Initially, He came to serve & save; finally, He comes to rule & reign.

Hebrews 9:28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.

In His first appearing, Christ came as a sacrificial lamb to die for our atonement. In His second advent, he comes as Lord of lords and King of kings, the Salvation of believers and Judgement of the lost. The first advent showed us Jesus, Emmanuel – God with Us. The second advent will show us Jesus, Saviour – Us with God. At the 1st advent, only a few people peered into the face of a baby in a manger; at the 2nd advent, every knee will bow before the throne of Him who occupied the manger. How ADVENTageous it is to bow before Jesus while it is still optional.

Revelation 1:8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.

There is a great promise for those who have responded to the report of Christ’s first advent in repentance. This promise includes confidence, acceptance, inheritance and joy in anticipation of His second advent. The return of King Jesus will be the ultimate ADVENTure.