++ Most people associate Advent with preparation for Jesus, but what are we getting ready for — remembering His first coming or anticipating His return? ++
In recent posts we have been talking about the need for a vision from God to give direction to our church or activity, or indeed individual lives.
The Bible reminds us that without a vision, a guiding principle from God, things quickly decay and decline.
The question of how vision comes points towards a habit of prayer, conversation with God that includes listening. And that comes out of the relationship every believer has with God, not just church leaders.
Many have been used to leaving ’the spiritual stuff’ to someone who stands at the front of a church meeting — but this is about becoming a praying church together.
Advent is at one level a run up to the Christmas celebration of Jesus’ first coming. But at another level, it is serious preparation for Jesus’ return.
Jesus has come, showed what the life of God was like in a person, and allowed Himself to be arrested and brutally murdered.
Why? To satisfy justice as a sinless sacrifice, the finality of all such sacrifices and end of the priesthood who maintained the ritual.
Jesus taught directly and through stories that we should live in the expectation of His return at any time. We are to be prepared!
Advent is a season where the emphasis is us being found doing what Jesus told us to be doing.
Jesus asked His first disciples this question:
“But when the Son of Man returns, how many will He find on the earth who have faith?” (Luke 17:8 NLT)
It is a question just as relevant for every believer today.
Are we seeing where Jesus is doing His mission and joining Him in it, or lapsing back into a comfortable ‘churchianity’ that doesn’t grow us or extend His kingdom?
Will He find active, organic faith? It’s the Lord’s simple and straightforward question that expects a clear answer.
Will we be found praying together, seeking His vision, and helping each other to live it out as best we can?
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