The First vs the Second Time

Have you ever noticed the difference between the first time you do something and the next time when you repeat it?

Is it usually easier to do something after the first time? You’ve made your mistakes, learned a lot, and now are better prepared to do it again?

What if you’ve been given a challenging task filled with dangers and the possibility of failure? What if you’ve been told some signs to look for to help you accomplish your mission? Will you recognize the signs when they appear? In C.S. Lewis’ book, The Silver Chair, Jill and Eustace are given four signs to help them accomplish a mission that the king of the country had assigned to them.  They didn’t always recognize the signs, but the signs were faithfully given and, ultimately, the king’s mission was accomplished.

Do you know that there is an eternal king who has assigned his people the task of proclaiming His glory to the nations? And that He has sent His beloved one to us that we might accomplish this task and be aligned with His purposes?

The king of glory predicted the arrival of one who would be specially set apart to accomplish His purposes. Two thousand years ago, those given the signs of His coming missed these signs until the king sent heralds to loudly proclaim what had just happened:

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

This was the first time our king sent us His own anointed one as part of his kingdom plan. He has told us that he will do it again.

Now, brothers and sisters, we don’t need to write to you about times and dates. You know very well that the day when the Lord comes again will be a surprise, like a thief who comes at night. People will say, “We have peace and we are safe.” 1 Thes 5: 1, 2

Are you ready? Will you recognize the signs at his second coming? Have you heard what happens next?

And if you aren’t ready, now is indeed the best time to prepare! You can listen to a message or read a blog or contact us. We’d love to talk about it with you!

Merry Christmas. May the message of a redeemer king being sent to us by the King of Kings fill your heart with hope, joy, and love! And He is coming again!