Its finally time for the season
Christmas!!!
What are you longing for this Christmas?
Well, there will be so many that you can expect to get like
1. Presents
2. The Atmosphere
3. Holiday
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And will be a lot of things that you are longing
I'm sure how it feels of longing something.
And now, let say if you are in the middle of confusion and want to find the right direction, will you wait for someone that can direct and lean on?
Thats what Israelites had been longing for!!
From the death of Joshua, God had risen many judges such as Gideon ben Jehoash, Eli, Deborah, and many others, where Israelites betrayed God when the judges died. And after the period of judges, God raised the king for them to lean on!!
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| King David |
God expected the kings to lean more on Him instead of the living people. Otherwise, it can be seen from the case of King Jehoash of Judah.
He was fostered and anointed in 7-year-old by Jehoaida the Priest. Jehoash began his reign and did what is right in the eyes of the Lord when Jehoaida guided him (2 Chronicles 24:2)
Soon after the Jehoaida's death, Jehoash betrayed Lord who anointed him (2 Chronicles 24:17-18).
It was tragic that Jehoash has reigned for 40 years, same as David his predecessor who ended his reign with righteous and full of honors (1 Chronicles 29:28), while Jehoash being killed by his officials (2 Chr 24:25-26)
But, Lord understand that it is hard to lean on Him as He is invisible with physical eyes.
God has promised during the unfortunate period in King Ahaz's reign, in Isaiah 7:14 where there would be a young woman bear a son, which will be named Immanuel, means God is with us. So the Immanuel will have the same nature like God and His presence will be among the human social life.
Who is the "Immanuel" that has been promised?
Hezekiah, the righteous king who celebrated first Passover since the monarchy period?
Nope, he has fallen into a boastful attitude for his richness (Isaiah 39:1-8)
Josiah, the last righteous king who celebrated biggest Passover in monarchy period?
Nope, he died because of his disobedience of Lord's command (2 Chr 35:22-24)
Then who?
Jesus is the answer!! He has the throne like David of Israel (Isaiah 9:6-7) and has been granted the Lord's authority (Isaiah 53:1-2, Psalms 110:1)
Why did the King of the king came into this world in a usual human form? (Isaiah 53:1-2)
Because, as His title, Immanuel, He wants to always be with us, means feel our joyful and sadness.
Jesus had a usual human lifestyle like attended wedding (John 2:1-11) and mourning (John 11:35).
Israelite were waiting for the messiah from very long time, which has been promised by Him since fallen of Adam and Eve (Gen 3:15). Throughout waiting period, some of them were faithfully waiting while others were desperate and committed to sinful manners, for example worshiping golden calves statue (Ex 32:1-7).
Sadly, after Jesus came, He was rejected and tried to be killed by some of Israelite, while others of them were becoming His faithful follower such as Paul and James.
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| Paul |
What are we doing during this waiting period? Have we gathered and encouraged each other (Heb 10:24-25) ? Have we love our neighbors, forgiving each other, and working everything with all our heart?
Or even worse, are doing all those things in order to gain reputation instead to glorify His name?
Those are the questions that must be self-answered by me and us.
Jesus, yes it was Him that people are longing for to lean on. He always care of our burden (Matt 11:28-29) and have covered our sinful nature in the eyes of our Father (Rome 3:23-24).
Glory to Christ, the King of all king!!
May you have the meaningful Christmas
Christmas Songs
Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) - Keith and Kristyn Getty
We Are The Reason - Avalon
