For centuries mankind looked for the blessed hope to come! Those that heard the voice of God, or believed those who did, were certain that there was one coming who would bring them salvation from the oppression they faced on a daily basis. The clenches of unjust rulers, the bondage of sins waged from within and without, man knew that He needed a redeemer! And prophet after prophet declared that in fact He was on the way. Ezekiel was one such prophet and he declared in Ezekiel 37:23 (AMP):
3They shall not defile themselves any more with their idols and their detestable things or with any of their transgressions, but I will save them out of all their dwelling places and from all their backslidings in which they have sinned, and I will cleanse them. So shall they be My people, and I will be their God.
And then that day came – the Savior, the Redeemer, the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings – came – but He came as a baby – He grew as boy with no unusual powers or strength – He died as a man on a shameful wooden cross – only those who dared to believe His Words spoken while on earth were able to receive the promise of His coming.
There are many who still wait, they wait as if He never came, for they did not understand that at His first coming – He came to save man from himself – it is at His second coming – that He will triumphantly wager and win battle against all the enemies of God:
13Awaiting and looking for the [fulfillment, the realization of our] blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One),
14Who gave Himself on our behalf that He might redeem us (purchase our freedom) from all iniquity and purify for Himself a people [to be peculiarly His own, people who are] eager and about [living a life that is good and filled with] beneficial deeds.Titus 2:13-14 (AMP)
And this the blessed hope – that He will come again! Until then, those who have heard, who have seen, who have felt the touch of His first coming know that indeed even today, especially today – He is our Blessed Hope!
Receive that Hope Today!
Maria
There is still time to join the many who have contributed coats, hats, scarves, and toiletries for the two projects HeartLife has spearheaded this Christmas season, warm coats and other outerwear for those in the South Suburbs who need it – and toiletries fo help those who reside in a nursing home to brighten their Christmas. For more information fill in the comments section below and we will inform you where the drop off sites are.
In the Spirit of the Season – We Thank You!