Throughout Advent this year we want to look at the theme of
reconciliation. Jesus Christ came into the world to reconcile the world to God.
2 Corinthians 5: 18 tells us “Now all things are of God who has reconciled us
to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of
reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to
Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to use the
word of reconciliation.”
The nation of Israel was chosen by God to be His special
people. Unfortunately, there came a time when they turned away from God and
began worshiping the false gods of the nations surrounding them. God sent
prophets encouraging them to come back to Him, but they rejected the prophets
and God’s warnings. Due to their disobedience God allowed invading armies to
occupy the nation of Israel for 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ.
Those were dark days for the people of Israel. They saw
their beautiful Temple and the holy city of Jerusalem destroyed. The majority
were led away to distant countries. All they had left were the memories of what
used to be and a hope that one day things would change.
That hope was found in the words of the prophets. They had
predicted that God would send a Messiah that would reconcile the nation of
Israel to God. For seven centuries the people had looked for that Savior. One
night, in a manger in Bethlehem, that promised Savior arrived.
There was a time many years ago I was going through a very
dark time in my life. I kept telling my wife that I just felt if I had more
faith that I might pull through that time. I began to read a Bible and talking
to some Christian friends where I worked. One day, while alone in our home, I
knelt down in our living room and prayed. I said, “Lord, I’ve made a mess of
my life, but if there is anything you can do with it, I give it to you now.
Would you please come into my life as my Lord and Savior?”
At that moment I was reconciled to God. My sins were
forgiven, and my relationship with God was forever settled. No, all my problems
didn’t immediately disappear, but in time God gave me the victory.
If you are going through a tough time right now, God will do
for you what he did for me. All you have to do is invite Him into your life. If
you would like to know more about that, please contact me. I would love to talk
to you about this.
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