Jesus Christ Is Coming!

Gustav Heinemann (1899-1976) was the third President of the Federal Republic of Germany. In 1950, addressing about 180,000 people at the Church Congress in Essen, he said these significant words: “Our freedom was bought dearly by the death of the Son of God. No one can put us in new bondage because God’s Son is risen. Let us answer the world when it wants to make us fearful: Your rulers are leaving—but our Lord is coming!”
 
That reminds me of the Savior’s entry into this world. Centuries before His appearance, He had been announced by Biblical prophets: “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah … out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2). But in the meantime, so much was going to stand in the way of this promise.

The Greeks defeated the Persians and became rulers in Israel. Greek culture, lifestyle, philosophy, and language spread and influenced the Jewish population. During this time also, two strong religious groups emerged in Israel: the Pharisees, who added many special laws to the Law of Moses. And the Sadducees, who were more liberal; influenced by Greek thought, they refused to believe in the Resurrection, and only accepted the Books of Moses. Thus, the people of Israel were exposed to two new philosophical directions—that of the Greeks, as well as their own religious groups. Both of these carried great influence.

Around 63 BC, the Romans occupied the Jewish land and ruled it from then on. They appointed governors at that time, and elevated the Edomite Herod to the status of Jewish king. The fulfillments of the prophetic statements in God’s Word seemed to move further and further away. But the truth was, they were coming closer and closer. What looked so dark and where no light seemed to shine anymore … what was so confusing and seemed impossible to solve … when everything else seemed to rule except God—that became the Hour of God!

The time came when God sent His Son Jesus into the world as Redeemer. That was the culmination of all history. Nothing and no one could stop that event; to the contrary, everything had to serve the eternal purpose of God. 

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, came the beginning of the Apostolic era. What became of the worldly rulers who had a close connection with Jesus? Emperor Augustus died in 14 AD. Herod Antipas, the child murderer of  Bethlehem, died around 4 AD. Pontious Pilate was deposed and is said to have died by suicide in 39 AD. Emperor Tiberius died in 37 AD, at the age of 77. Herod Agrippa was struck by God and died around 44 AD (Acts 12). But the gospel of Jesus spread at breathtaking speed across the European territory, and eventually the world.

The rulers of this world are leaving, but Jesus Christ is coming!

Midnight Call - 12/2024