Future Advent

Isaiah 61:2b-3 and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion, to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.
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Luke 3:16-18 John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one more powerful than I will come, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” 18 And with many other words John exhorted the people and preached the good news to them. 
 
AS Advent is a season to celebrate the Lord Jesus come to earth, it is also a time to anticipate – and celebrate – Christ’s second advent. In our previous lesson we included the first part of Isaiah 61:2 and the second part in this lesson. Now let’s see the full verse: Isaiah 61:2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn. In essence, Jesus divided the verse. As he announced his ministry in Luke 4:18-19, Jesus stopped at “the Lord’s favor”. He did not read, “he day of vengeance of our God.” This is because Jesus first came to seek and save what was lost (Luke 19:10b). He will then come a second time to judge the world: John 5:27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.
   In God’s favor, the gospel has been declared. Today the ministry of God’s Word covers the earth. Jesus’ first advent has made the way of salvation. Many believe. And many do not. His winnowing fork will clear the chaff from the seed. Jesus will judge the unbelievers into Hell. Believers are welcomed into the new Jerusalem. Beauty crowns their heads. Aromatic, healing oils anoint their bodies. Praise covers their souls. Joy is expressed in their worship. Despair is done. Faith firmly marks God’s church as we stand in his righteous truth. The Lord has planted his church to be oaks of righteousness to display his splendor.  
   We thank God for the Son’s first advent to invite our sinful souls into a new life in heaven. We thank God for the Son’s second advent to welcome home all who believe.
 
Prayer: Lord God, your favor is displayed in your very personal plan to save your own throughout the world. We anticipate with joy your coming to judge the world, so we may live eternally with you. Amen.