The Advent of the King
Isaiah 52:7-10;
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
"There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences..., and fearful events and great signs from heaven.... When these things begin to take place, look up and lift up your heads, because your re-demption is drawing near."
(Luke 21:11, 28)
At this time of Advent, or "coming," Christians look forward to celebrating the coming of the King as the child of Bethlehem, to His coming to us today by the Holy Spirit, and to the Lord Jesus' coming again to complete all things.
Yet with all the "sights" we see on our televisions of heart-rending human suffering, with warnings of impending catastrophe of one sort or another, with "wars and rumors of wars," many feel despondent and helpless. People are pessimistic about the outlook for their children and grandchildren. Many find it difficult to enter into the Christmas spirit at all, that spirit of rejoicing in Jesus' birth.
But Jesus says precisely in all this that we should "look up" and expect our fast-coming, complete redemption. Advent means we have a glorious present and an even more glorious future with our King. Despite all appearances, the King is in control, and nothing can ultimately harm us when we trust in Him. Let's meditate on what His coming means to each of us.
About the writer:
Rev. Leuan Lloyd-Jones and his wife Valerie are retired and live in Guildford near London. They have two daughters and five grandchildren living close by and enjoy spending time with them often. Their third daughter, Sally Lloyd-Jones, lives in New York and is the author of "The Jesus Story Book Bible." Leuan leads home groups, preaches and writes devotionals. We warmly welcome his third Anchor devotional as we celebrate the Advent season with his insights.
Isaiah 52:7-10;
New Living Translation (NLT)
7 How beautiful on the mountains
are the feet of the messenger who brings good news,
the good news of peace and salvation,
the news that the God of Israel[a] reigns!
8 The watchmen shout and sing with joy,
for before their very eyes
they see the Lord returning to Jerusalem.[b]
9 Let the ruins of Jerusalem break into joyful song,
for the Lord has comforted his people.
He has redeemed Jerusalem.
10 The Lord has demonstrated his holy power
before the eyes of all the nations.
All the ends of the earth will see
the victory of our God.
Footnotes:
a. Isaiah 52:7 Hebrew of Zion.
b. Isaiah 52:8 Hebrew to Zion.
1 Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters,[a] we don’t really need to write you. 2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord’s return will come unexpectedly, like a thief in the night. 3 When people are saying, "Everything is peaceful and secure," then disaster will fall on them as suddenly as a pregnant woman’s labor pains begin. And there will be no escape.
4 But you aren’t in the dark about these things, dear brothers and sisters, and you won’t be surprised when the day of the Lord comes like a thief.[b] 5 For you are all children of the light and of the day; we don’t belong to darkness and night. 6 So be on your guard, not asleep like the others. Stay alert and be clearheaded. 7 Night is the time when people sleep and drinkers get drunk. 8 But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.
9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. 10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Footnotes:
a. 1 Thessalonians 5:1 Greek brothers; also in 5:4, 12, 14, 25, 26, 27.
b. 1 Thessalonians 5:4 Some manuscripts read comes upon you as if you were thieves.
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