Waiting Forwardly In Anticipation

Luke 2:25-35; Matthew 24:42-44; Matthew 25:1-13; Luke 12:35-40; Romans 13:11; Revelation 3:3

We read of many in Matthew and Luke eager to visit the long awaited Messiah, the Savior of the world. Luke records the story of the shepherds, and Matthew - the wise men... and of course let's not forget Herod, who told them to let him know when they found him so he could go and "worship" Him also. But of all the accounts of those longing to see this newborn King, the one I find most interesting is Simeon.

Luke 2:25-35 tells us all that we know about this otherwise unknown. Simeon was in the temple court being led by the Holy Spirit, looking for the young Messiah. Promised that he would live to see this child who would be the savior of the world, I have to wonder just how many little faces Simeon must have gazed at in anticipation. Is this the one God? Is that Him there? Verse 25 tells us that he was looking or waiting (prosdechomai) for the One who would bring redemption. Pros meaning "forward" and Dechomai meaning “to wait,” Luke is telling us that Simeon was waiting forwardly in anticipation.

Unlike Simeon, we may not have the promise that we will see His return before we depart this earth, but the Bible does tell us that we should be looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus. (Titus 2:13) We should be eagerly awaiting the return of our King, just as Simeon eagerly awaited His first arrival. In Matthew 24, Jesus Himself tells us to be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.  (Matthew 24:42) Are you ready for His return? It just might be today!

Luke 2:25–26 (NASB) And there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

Pastor Mike Deese

The Intersection

Isaiah 7:47; Isaiah 9:6; Isaiah 53:1-12; 1 Peter 2:24; Galatians 2:20; John 19:17-18; John 11:25; Romans 8:11


Have you ever been on a trip, traveling unfamiliar territory, and suddenly find yourself uncertain  of which way to turn at an upcoming intersection? Those situations are less likely now with GPS navigation in our cars and on our phones but it still happens from time to time. Even with a GPS navigator calling out your next turn, it can be a little tricky sometimes, especially in heavy traffic or late at night in the dark. 

There is a great intersection that we all face in life at some point. It is at the cross of Christ. We can choose to turn and walk away or believe and embrace it. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1:18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (NASB) 

It is difficult for some to believe that Jesus left His throne in Heaven, humbled Himself to come to this earth to die for the sins of man, and was risen from the dead. They may believe that Jesus walked this earth and was a great teacher and good example for us all. But the whole story of the virgin birth, the manger, the cross; all of that just seems too foolish. But I needed more than a great teacher and good example. I needed a savior.

The Bible is very clear concerning sin. Romans 3:23 says for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (NASB) And Romans 6:23 says for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NASB) That gift came to us in the form of a baby, whose mother Mary wrapped in a cloth and laid in a manger. That child would later prove to be the savior of the world, giving His life as a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:28) My prayer for you is that you don't see this as foolishness, but the power of God!

Luke 2:11 (NASB) for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Pastor Mike Deese

Faith

Genesis 15:6; Galatians 3:6-9; Hebrews 11:6; 1 Peter 1:8-9

What comes to mind when you think of faith? Is it simply believing in something or someone? Is it more than that? When it comes to faith in God, Merriam-Webster defines it as belief and trust in and loyalty to God.¹ I'll have to admit, I was surprised to see that Webster included all three of these; belief, trust, and loyalty. Scripture clearly shows that faith goes beyond belief. In fact, James 2:19 says You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. (NASB) Obviously, just believing in God does not demonstrate faith.

I've never been a great fan of heights. I like to keep my feet on the ground as much as possible. I guess my dislike in that area has never been more tested than our family trips to Stone Mountain, Georgia. We have been several times and we will usually ride the Summit Skyride; the gondola that takes you to the top of the mountain. I'm always inspecting the cables, pulleys, bolts and such before entering (as if I would be able to discern any problems). It is difficult for me to trust a bunch of metal pieces assembled by humans to carry a massive cable car fully loaded with guests as it transports them more than 825 feet above ground to the top of Stone Mountain. I reluctantly ride anyway. And I must say, there's not a better view of the Confederate Memorial Carving. It is simply stunning.

It's one thing to say you believe the Summit Skyride carries all those folks safely up and down the mountain day after day, and another to climb aboard and take the ride for yourself. Again in chapter 2, James says that faith, if it has no works, is dead. (v. 17) He speaks of how Abraham was justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar, (v. 21) and how Rahab the harlot was justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way. (v. 25) Their works were done in obedience to God, showing much more than just believing, but climbing on board and trusting fully in Him.

I thank God that we are saved by His wonderful gift of grace. And as Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:8, it is by His grace through faith; our belief, trust, and loyal actions revealing our full dependence on, and obedience to God. Do you have faith in Him?

Galatians 2:20 (NASB) I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Pastor Mike Deese


¹https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/faith

Don't Step On The Cracks

Psalm 119:15; Proverbs 4:25 ; Joshua 1:8; Matthew 6:24; Philippians 4:8; 1 Corinthians 7:35

Do you remember playing Don't Step On The Cracks as a child. I think we have all played that one. The other morning I had to play it again as I went jogging. A road crew had been by late the afternoon before and had sprayed the cracks in the road, and from the looks and smell of them they were still a little tacky. I sure didn't want to get any on the bottom of my running shoes and carry it into the house. 


As I was running along trying to avoid the somewhat fresh chemicals over the numerous cracks, I noticed how difficult it was to focus on anything else. It's amazing how something so simple can garner so much of our attention. We should be careful not to allow anything in our lives that demand so much focus it distracts us from things much more important. 

Luke 10:38-42 is a great example of how distractions can get in the way of more important things. It says Now as they were traveling along, He (Jesus) entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. But Martha was distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (NASB)

While many things we do and have are good, and may even be justifiable, we need to make sure that whatever it is, it does not come between us and our relationship with God. Our relationship with Him has to be the most important thing in our lives. Let's not allow distractions to get in the way.

Matthew 6:33 (NASB) But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Pastor Mike Deese