Complete Favor

Isaiah 61:2a-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. 
 
WE remember Advent is a season to both celebrate the Lord Jesus has come to earth and to rejoice in the promise Jesus will return in glory. The Father has a purpose with each of the Son’s incarnations.
   The Father first sent the Son to save you from sin’s curse. Jesus focused on that purpose when he announced to the Nazareth synagogue he had come “to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:19) Favor is God’s grace to end the grief of sin’s curse. Jesus often confirmed his salvation purpose as in John 12:47 “I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it.”
   Isaiah and John the Baptist tell us the Father’s second purpose to send Jesus: Isaiah 61:2a and the day of vengeance of our God. And John promises and warns, “His winnowing fork will gather the wheat – the redeemed. Then Jesus’ winnowing fork will burn up the chaff – the unrepentant with an unquenchable fire. Are you excited for Jesus’ winnowing fork? Do  you pray he will come quickly? You should be so hopeful and prayerful.
   After all this the joy of your salvation, isn’t it? When Judge Jesus has finished his winnowing work, gladness will reign over all the redeemed. All prophecies will be complete. Beauty will crown your redeemed soul. Aromatic healing oils will anoint you with heaven’s sweet aroma. Praise will flow from your mouth. Joy will break forth when you worship the king. Despair is done. It will pass completely from your consciousness.
   You thank God for the Son’s first coming. He has made the way for the Spirit to birth your sinful souls into a new life now and forever. How marvelous it will be on the day Jesus welcomes you into his home! God’s Favor will be complete in you forever.
 
Prayer: Lord God, your favor is displayed in your very personal plan to save me. I anticipate with joy you are coming to judge the world, and I may live eternally with you. Amen.