PASTORAL MESSAGE: Waiting For Jesus

By BRUCE WHISENHUNT
Pastor, Christian Community Church

The promise of a coming, conquering Son has been an underlining theme throughout all of Scripture. Since the fall of Adam and Eve, God’s people have been a waiting people looking for the blessed hope.
First mentioned in Genesis 3:15 and continuing through the Old Testament account through the writings. Isaiah wrote of a Sign; “A virgin shall bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). “For unto us a Child is born His Name is Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

New Testament writers capture the relief at Jesus’ arrival. In Luke 2:25 we learn of Simeon who, upon seeing Jesus, recognized the consolation of all peoples. The prophetess Anna has a similar experience as she gazes upon the baby Jesus (Luke 2:38).

This long wait is summarized by Paul the Apostle, when he writes “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman (Gal. 4:4–5).

And now, 2,000 years after the first Advent, Gods people are still waiting, anticipating the second advent, the fulfilling of the promise to return.

From the words of the angels on his accession: “This Jesus, will return in like manner” (Acts 1:11), to Jesus’ promise to return in Revelation 22:20. Gods people have always been a waiting people and today we are waiting still, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”