The coming of Jesus happened at a quite unfortunate time. The Romans were ruling over the chosen people of God who had failed in revealing to the world about God. Right from the Garden of Eden, God’s promise of a time when the genesis of sin shall be crushed is revealed. Genesis 3:15. The prophesy is repeated through prophets and the people of Israel had the knowledge to know ‘when’ this son shall be born. Unfortunately at His birth, no one ‘in’ Israel was waiting for Him.
Mary and Joseph travelled for long and sort a simple room to rest the night but found none. Putting the picture in context, the two travelled from the village into the city to pay their taxes. At a time when many people had made such travels, they failed to get a room in any of the hotels and had to retire in a manger where Jesus was born. Luke 2:3-6
The angels in joy came down seeking to bring the good news to the Israelites but no one was ready for Him. It were some shepherd’s in the field who were found talking about the promise to David of a savior and thus they were the first to receive the great news; Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:10-11
The second were wise men from the east to Jerusalem Matthew 2:1. These knowing a King was born went to ‘State House’. There they were met with a ruler that was not even aware of a King being born. Funny thing a ‘stranger’ expecting the birth of a King when the children of the house are lost to pleasures unaware. This is a message that reminds of the parable about the wedding. The invited guests were too busy each with their own engagements and people from the ‘streets’ are called into the wedding.
In essence that would be the very same way that Christ is coming again. When we are so sure of the truths we know thinking it would buy our salvation that is when we shall forget understanding the truths. We are lost in self justification of us being the ‘remnant’ church that we have forgotten the responsibility that comes with it. Souls are lost to the world as we ourselves conform to the standards of it.
Our dress competition has cropped into the churches. We seek to bring in tattoos and all forms of decoration for beauty. Our songs and dances are being ‘modernized’. We are entering into the world of ‘doing’ anything over the week and playing holier than thou on Sabbath. The Sabbath itself has been tainted by abuse. We are either late for the Sabbath-because we take too long to prepare or we fail to honor the full Sabbath. Our shopping is done on a sanctified day just as any other. Apart from the fact that we spend a few hours in church, no one can anymore tell we honor the Sabbath.
Evangelism has been left to the ‘pastors’. Service has been given to the ‘youth’ for being ‘energetic. Said youth are busy raving and having fun. At a time when all signs are pointing to the coming of Christ, we have let go of our guard and watch. Our prayers are sunk in our wants rather than our needs.
Looking at the whole scenario in this perspective, it makes sense the words of Christ, For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, Matthew 24:38
What is the difference between us and the Pharisees? None! They prayed in public places to be seen-well we do worship on Saturday which makes us equally visible. They were expected to know of the birth of Christ, so are we of His coming yet they were caught off guard.
Friends, it is scary that we are stooping as low as being the world. We are the light of the world. It makes no sense that God should give us the light and we put it down. The world will crumble in darkness.
And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Revelation 3:14-21
That is a clear message. It is either you are hot or cold. But the gospel in that is that As many as I love, I rebuke.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him
