Lord’s Day, Vol. 13 No. 31

Longing for Christ’s Coming (Luke 2:25-38)
 
Jesus Christ is the only Saviour of the world. This was revealed by the angel of the Lord (Luke 2:9) and a multitude of heavenly host (Luke 2:13) to Jewish shepherds in the field near Bethlehem at the time of His birth in Bethlehem – Luke 2:14 (KJV) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. The shepherds came with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the babe lying in a manger.
In Matthew’s account of the Gospel, wise men from the East came, to witness His birth, led by His star in the heavens, an amazing cosmic phenomenon – Matthew 2:11 (KJV) And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 
 
Our Lord testified in quoting from Deut. 17:6 and 19:15 that a matter is confirmed to be true by the witnesses of two men – John 8:17-18 (KJV) It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.
 
At Christ’s birth, it is carefully recorded in the Gospels of both Jewish and Gentile witnesses. This is significant because Christ came to save both Jews and Gentiles – Romans 3:29 (KJV) Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also. Also, 1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
 
At Christ’s dedication in the Temple at Jerusalem, God raised also two witnesses – Simeon (Luke 2:25-35) and Anna (Luke 2:36-38). Out of the number of young babies that were coming and going from the Temple day by day over the years, the Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon and Anna that Jesus, the son of Mary and Joseph, is the Christ. We read in Luke 2:25-26 that the Holy Ghost was upon Simeon and it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, the Lord’s Christ! 
 
Both Simeon and Anna were very much in tune with heart-beat of God in His plan to save the lost. They personally testified and affirmed Him for themselves as witnesses of God’s redemption plan, commending Him to others so that they likewise may receive Him as their Lord and Saviour. They were longing for Christ’s coming. So must the church today, be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:8-21), longing for Christ’s return and to proclaim Him to the world. Not any other Christ, but the Christ of the Bible!
 
The work of the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ is well explained by our Lord Jesus in John 16:7-11 (KJV) Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. Three things that the Holy Spirit will do for the believer is to help him truly understand human sin, that is, man’s depravity; the remedy for sin in Christ; and the judgment to come for the unrepentant. The hour indeed is drawing near to Christ’s return. May His church be redeeming the time, because the days are evil, be not unwise but understanding what the will of the Lord is, walking as children of light. Amen. 
 
 Yours lovingly,

Pastor Lek Aik Wee