November 12 Anticipation

Luke 8:40 Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him.
 
YESTERDAY we saw Jesus’ work in the region of the Gerasenes as a synopsis of his ministry to proclaim the gospel, to heal through the gospel and to command us to go and tell the gospel. Perhaps we can look at this verse as a picture of Jesus completing the gospel message: He’s coming again.
   Just as we expect the Son to come at the time the Father has set, the people of Galilee were expecting Jesus to return to them. After all, he was one of them. Some were his family. They were ready and welcomed him.
   And why not? Consider Jesus had miraculously fed the many thousands. He had healed the blind, lame, leprous and deaf. Our Lord had spoken with great compassion for his people and certain authority against the evil forces imprisoning their lives. The Jews – and Gentiles, too – delighted in Jesus’ works and words. The people of Galilee then joyfully said, “Welcome home, Jesus of Nazareth!”
   Are you joyful to anticipate Jesus’ return? Certainly we should be! After all, we know more about Jesus than the people of Galilee then. We know Jesus has been crucified, killed and buried. We know he is risen from that tomb, ascended to Heaven and seated at God’s right hand. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is alive to continue his teaching, healing, saving work in his sovereign power.  
   Even more, in the wonder of the Holy Trinity, we do not need to wait to welcome Jesus. We can spiritually welcome Jesus daily and constantly into our lives, homes, communities and churches. Yes, rejoice in Jesus’ promise from John 14:15 “If you love me, you will obey what I command. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
    Under the Father, Jesus is our brother. He is our Redeemer. He is our King and our Good Shepherd. Saved in the gospel, we are in his Kingdom, awaiting his return in glory and power. Anticipate the joy of living with him forever. Be ready to welcome him when he comes back to the world.
 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am looking forward to the day you come again. Amen.