KEEP PROCLAIMING THE GOOD NEWS OF HIS COMING

“… Look! The Virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a Son and will call Him Immanuel (which means “God is with us)”. God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures. The Good News is about His Son. Isaiah 7:14;

In His earthly life He was born into King David’s family line, and He was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 1: 2-4.

God’s announcement of the birth of a special child is usually met with various responses throughout Scripture. Sarah, Abraham’s wife laughed (Genesis 18: 9-15); Zechariah doubted (Luke 1:18). By contrast, Mary graciously submitted. She believed the angel’s words and agreed to bear the child, even under humanly impossible circumstances. God is able to do the impossible (Luke 1:37). All created life is frail and weak and will ultimately come to an end (Psalm 90:5), but God’s word endures forever (Isaiah 40:8). God’s promises will be fulfilled. His redemptive truth cannot be annulled or changed.

Salvation, blessing and comfort are all associated with the coming of the Lord to His faithful people (Luke 4: 18-19). He comes with power and authority like a mighty ruler; yet His presence is like that of a caring shepherd tending his lambs (Isaiah 40: 10-11). This truth should fill God’s people with faith, hope, and prayerful longing for His nearness and special visitation, while they look for the day of His return and final redemption (I Thessalonians 4: 14-18).

Having confirmed the Good News about Jesus Christ who came as a man by natural descent; was part of the Jewish royal line through David; died and was raised from the dead; and opened the door for God’s grace and kindness to be poured out on us, Christians have both a privilege and a great responsibility to witness about God’s Good News to the world; to share with others what God has done. Those who become Christians are invited by Jesus Christ to belong to God’s family, and be His very own people. What a wonderful expression of what it means to be a Christian! In being reborn into God’s family we have the greatest experience of love and the greatest inheritance. Because of all that God has done for us, we strive to be His holy people.

Think of Mary, who was young, of a lowly background, and a female – all characteristics that to the people of her day, would make her seem unusable by God for any major task- but God chose her for one of the most important acts of obedience He has ever demanded of anyone (Luke 1:26-38). You may feel that your ability, experience, or education makes you an unlikely candidate for God’s service. God does call you (and every believer) to be Christ’s ambassador (2 Cor. 5:20) and to witness to the changed life that Jesus Christ has begun in you.

Beloved, do you realize that time is running out (Ephesians 5: 14-16) and many Christians are either very busy or do not have time for the Lord’s business. Think of John the Baptist; he knew he had a specific role to play in the world- to herald the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ – and he put all his energies into the task. He remained faithful to God’s calling. Even though he had no power or position in the Jewish political system, he delivered the message with almost irresistible authority. People were moved by the word because he spoke the truth; challenging them to turn from their sins and turn to God. A fearless and uncompromising preacher/herald of the word, people responded by the hundreds.

God has given every true believer in Christ a purpose for living, and you can trust Him to guide you (I Cor. 4: 1-2; Matthew 28: 19-20). Jesus said “And the Good News (the message of salvation) about the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come” (Matthew 24: 14). This was the disciples’ mission and it is ours today. Our task is to faithfully and continually press on to “all nations” till the Lord returns to take His Church to heaven.

Are you willing and ready? Note that your investments of time, talent, and treasures outside God’s will, definitely, would have no positive eternal value (Matt 25: 14-30). As a Christian you are set apart to herald Christ’s second coming. How faithful are you to this divine charge? Christ is returning as the

King of kings and the Lord of lords and you need to proclaim it from the roof tops. There is no sitting on the fence. God hates lukewarm attitude (Revelation 3: 15-16) and pride/self-importance. If we understand who Christ really is, we would display such attitude as John did when he acknowledged his unworthiness to be Christ’s slave. (Luke 7: 28) If such a great person as John felt so inadequate even to be the Lord’s slave, how much more should we lay aside our pride to serve Christ? We must have passion for perishing souls and that would inform our commitment to the Lord’s business of heralding His coming.

Christ has not promised a hitch-free evangelical mission field because of the devil’s activity – for he moves about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (I Peter 5:8; John 10:10a). There would be life’s trials and suffering, for Christians are not immune to these; but our faith need not be hindered by them. God has promised His presence (Matthew 28:20).

“Yes, the Sovereign Lord is coming in power. He will rule with a powerful arm. See, he brings His reward with Him as He comes.” (Isaiah 40: 10; Hebrew 6: 10).

Have an eventful and joyful time as you faithfully and diligently serve the Lord by proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom until He comes.

Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon

1. Igein Isemede.