When we look at the world with growing alarm, we may wonder when God is going to act - not least to make things easier for me! 2000 years ago many were looking for Him to act.
But he is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with us, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (cf
He is actually incredibly gentle with us, respecting the creatures that bear his image, as we see so poignantly at Christmas choosing to come as a baby. The implications are wonderful. But always with this is a consequence for the fallen world as Peter then says: But the day of the Lord will come like a thief...
and Paul: God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow.
He comes to us individually, but he comes to us all, everyone in our street, everyone in our favourite cafe, in our family. Each person is involved, will stand before him.
Announcing Jesus
It's interesting to look at God's announcements around Jesus' birth in Luke, through the angels and Simeon. The entwined themes of strength, compassion and restoration emerge:
"He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”
"For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”
“This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”
This is an amazing and strong challenge. It's not about nice, it's about getting a grip, each person needing to change, put themselves under his reign, so his favour may rest on them, to receive peace: shalom-wholeness.
We (Gentiles) are so grateful for the salvation and revelation. We're aware of how he has called faithful people in the past to declare it to us, the flourishing of our nation through that, and how we've been a blessing to other nations through his grace (more on this in Seeking the welfare of the city).
As we challenge the culture that speaks against him are we not seeing false motives coming into focus - those people will not endure, but Jesus's Kingdom will.
‘But you, Bethlehem, ... out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’
Adoration of the Shepherds. Tabula a Gerardo de Honthorst 1622 (wikipedia.org)
