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THE GREAT EXPECTATION

SCRIPTURE READING
ISAIAH 61:1-11
1 THESSALONIANS 5:16-24
JOHN 1:6-8, 19-28

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “The Great Expectation”. The great expectation means the important period of hope and waiting for the advent or arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ. We shall reflect on the fact that

1. The great expectation refers to the arrival of who is the Saviour and Light of the world.

2. The great expectation requires that we are found blameless at the coming of the Lord.

Firstly, the great expectation refers to the arrival of Jesus who is the Saviour and Light of the world. During the time of Prophet Isaiah, Israel was in captivity in Babylon, it was during this period of hopelessness that Isaiah ignited in them the great expectation of their redeemer or Saviour, “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, (Isaiah 61:1-2). Although Isaiah assured the exiles of the Lord’s deliverance from captivity, He also assured them of the Lord’s spiritual deliverance from the darkness of sin. This spiritual deliverance was made complete during the first advent or coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. John wrote “There was a man sent from God whose name was John (the Baptist). 7 He came as a witness to testify concerning that light so that through him all might believe. 8 He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. (John 1:6-8) Dear friend, our generation and generations to come are in great expectation of the second coming of Jesus Christ the Saviour and Light of the world. Our faith and hope must be like those in captivity and darkness patiently waiting for the redemption of our Lord Jesus Christ who is the light of the world. As part of the great expectation of the Saviour and Light of the world, Paul urged us to continue …to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is —his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2)

Secondly, as we are in great expectation of our Saviour and the light of the world, we must also endeavour to remain in great expectation by being blameless at the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul in his concluding remarks in his first letter to the Thessalonians wrote, May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24) We are greatly encouraged to rely on God to prepare us for the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Without the enablement and sanctification of God, we shall continue to live in sin and be unworthy of the Kingdom of God when Jesus returns to judge the world. Again to live a blameless life we must follow the perfect example of our Lord Jesus Christ and abide by His teachings. To remain blameless when the Lord returns, let us pay heed to Paul’s admonishment when he wrote, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labour in vain. Philippians 2:14-16

In summary, we have learnt that the great expectation refers to the arrival of Jesus Christ who is the Saviour and Light of the world. Again, the great expectation requires that we are found blameless at the coming of the Lord. May the Holy Spirit prepare and render us blameless for the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.