A speaker I heard this morning, Marilyn Williams, brought up the idea that celebrating the birth of Christ without celebrating the promise of the return of Christ is incomplete. Jesus has already come to save us, but his complete purpose is to also come back and reign over this earth.
As we take time to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior this Christmas, let's also celebrate God's promise that Jesus will return to govern this world in perfect peace, fairness and justice.
Isaiah 9:2, 6 & 7
2 The people who walk in darkness
will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness,
a light will shine.
6 For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 His government and its peace
will never end.
He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David
for all eternity.
The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies
will make this happen!
It is interesting to note that scripture in the Old Testament often refers to Jesus' birth and Jesus' return at the same time; leaving us sometimes wondering if the verse is referring to Jesus coming as an infant and a Savior or to Jesus coming as a warrior and a reigning King. What is actually important to understand about these verses is that Jesus is always BOTH the savior and the King, never either.
God gave the prophet Isaiah these promises about the coming Messiah as an infant as well as a returning conquering warrior. It is important for all mankind to know that we are walking in the darkness of death until we receive the light of God's presence in our hearts personally. Although Jesus was born a baby, Isaiah gives several significant names that we must know Him by: "Wonderful," "Counselor," "Mighty God," "The Everlasting Father," and "The Prince of Peace". He is not merely the baby in a manger!
As we prepare to celebrate Christ's birth this Christmas, let us remember that not only has He come to us on that starry night long ago, but He still lives now and forevermore! Not only does He reign from Heaven's Throne, but if we crown Him our Eternal King, He rules in our hearts as well. He has come once as a gift for all, but He will return someday as a ruler over all. He didn't come all the way from Heaven to merely rule over us, but to rule in us! Whether we receive Him as our Lord and Savior or not, He will still rule. The question to ask yourself is: Are you with him; being ruled by Him from the inside out, or are you against Him-merely waiting to be ruled over by Him when He returns?
Additonal verse:
Romans 14:11 For the Scriptures say, “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,‘every knee will bend to me, and every tongue will confess and give praise to God."
Devotion by Marilyn Williams
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