July 7 The Big Event

Luke 1:76-79 And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, 77 to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven 79 to shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace.
 
IN the latter 19th and early 20th centuries, the circus was a celebrated form of entertainment. Before a circus would arrive for their performance in a town, the circus public relations people would go into the towns with large brightly-colored posters. These were the “preview of coming attractions” as the promoters would nail them to any flat surface. “The Big Event” is here next week! Get ready.”
     From the posters and past experiences, people’s hearts grew in expectation of the circus wonders they would soon enjoy. Then the circus entered town with a colorful, noisy parade to say, “We’re here! The shows begin tomorrow. Huge tents soon changed the town’s landscape. The town was transformed in a matter of hours, turning an ordinary day into one extraordinary.
     God sent many prophets, many “public relations” people to “nail the posters” and announce his Son would come to transform the world. His people had lived for centuries in expectation of the Messiah. Now God is sending the “parade” in the form of John to literally point to the Lord Jesus and say, “He’s here!”
     Jesus will come and perform his mighty work. He will transform the world from ordinary to extraordinary. Salvation through the forgiveness of sins will guide his people and you out of darkness into the light. Reading of God’s gracious salvation promises throughout the Bible is a celebration of the Big Event.
     Are you excited Jesus has come? Are you one announcing he’s coming again? Everyone needs to know something special and wonderful has “come to town”. All must know Jesus is coming again. Isn’t God wonderful to advertise his glory, so you can experience him?
 
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for announcing, “Jesus is coming!” Thank you, Jesus for telling us, “I am coming again.” I pray I am prepared for this magnificent event. I pray all I know and love are prepared, too. Amen.