Tag: millennial reign

Unrecognizable

Barbara WeberLeave a comment

John 1:10-11 WEB

He was in the world, and the world was made through him, and the world didn’t recognize him. [11] He came to his own, and those who were his own didn’t receive him.

If God was sitting on the pew next to you, would you know? It seems unlikely considering God has walked the Earth in the past and not been recognized (John 1:11). When I think of how much the Pharisees were devoted to God (Acts 26:5), and how well they knew scripture (Mt 23:23), it stuns me they did not recognize God (John 5:16). But more, it scares me.

It’s frightening. Pharisees were trained for years in the word of God. All Pharisees had huge sections of scripture memorized. They had more of God’s word inside of them than modern Christians (Phil 3:5-7). And if the Pharisees could not recognize God, why do we think we are going to be able to recognize God?

Lord Jesus, please send out a spirit of Revelation that will open the eyes of Christianity so we can see you at your appearance. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

Before Christ

Barbara WeberLeave a comment

John 1:6-9 WEB

There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. [7] The same came as a witness, that he might testify about the light, that all might believe through him. [8] He was not the light, but was sent that he might testify about the light. [9] The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.

John the prophet was commissioned by God to announce the coming of Christ (Mark 1:2). This is not the same John who wrote the Book of John. This is John the Baptist who is also called the Forerunner of Christ, or Elijah who is to come (Luke 1:17). John was called baptist because he preached repentance followed by baptism (Mark 1:4).

It’s interesting, the testimony of Christ was a message of repentance (Acts 19:4). John spoke to the general public but often he aimed his comments at religious and political leaders. And, not just any religious leaders, but the Pharisees (Mt 3:7). That is significant because the Pharisees were the godliest people in the land.

If the godliest people of the day could not discern Christ (John 12:42), how can we be sure we do not miss Christ? It’s important we understand the first announcement of the coming of Christ (Gen 3:15, Luke 1:31). We’re at a time when we all expect the millennial reign to come at any moment, so it seems pertinent we can recognize when somebody is announcing Christ.

Lord Jesus, please help me recognize the signs of your second coming. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.