NO ANTICIPATION!

Saturday, December 14, 2019

NO ANTICIPATION!

Matt 4:16

16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

           This morning’s glorious sunrise was not a surprise to me. I have come to expect it each day. It has never failed. But the dawn of redemption was a shocking surprise to all the players in the Christmas story.

           The people had settled into darkness! The word “sat” is kathemai and it means “to sit down and remain.” Malachi had told them to expect the coming of Elijah but 400 years had gone by and they had tired of waiting. They had stopped anticipating anything.

           For 48 years I have been telling folks that Jesus was coming again, and coming soon, but there is no anticipation in my hearers and, sadly, not much anticipation in me. The darkness is thick and substantive. You can feel it. We have become familiar with it. We expect nothing more. Darkness is the reality in which we live.

           Christmas changed everything! Peter described it in 2 Peter 1:19 as the Day Star! A star so bright that it is visible even in the day. The light of Jesus panicked the proud and comforted the downtrodden. It was a surprise to both.

 2 Peter 1:19

19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:

Dear Lord, we have grown weary of waiting and have grown accustomed to the darkness. Shine upon us we pray. AMEN