We have now entered the season of Advent celebrated in Christian communities throughout the world. The word “advent” comes from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming”. It is a season observed as a time of expectant waiting, reflection and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
For Christians, the season of Advent, serves as a reminder both of the expectant waiting by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah, as well as the waiting of Christians for Christ’s return to the earth.
As I reflected on this period of Advent I was interested in discovering how the Hebrew prophets described the Messiah and Deliverer they were predicting was coming to earth. These prophets give us a direct insight into God’s viewpoint of what mission He was planning to carry out in our world.
David, one of the writers of the Psalms described the Messiah as defender of the poor, deliverer to the needy and that he would set prisoners free. David foretold that He would open the eyes of the blind, lift up those bound down, watch over strangers and uphold the orphans and widows.
Isaiah was very descriptive in describing the Messiah. He foretold this Saviour as one who would bring strength, wisdom, understanding, counsel and knowledge. He also described Him as the suffering servant who would decide with equity for the meek and would be known as the Prince of Peace.
Micah the visionary came much later. He described the coming Saviour as a ruler who would feed his flock and would be a person of peace.
As we reflect on these descriptions we can see these qualities and ministries were actually evident in the life and ministry of Jesus the Christ. And taking our thoughts even further, each of these descriptions is a challenge for us to follow in giving ministry to others in the steps of Jesus.
Following Jesus’ baptism and temptations in the wilderness, he chose his disciples, preached and performed miracles of healing. While Jesus was giving this ministry, there was at least one person who seemed to question the predictions of these prophets.
John the Baptist had been imprisoned for speaking out against evil deeds carried out by Herod Antipas. When John got wind of what Jesus was doing, he sent his own disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the One we’ve been expecting, or are we still waiting?”
Jesus told these disciples, “Go back and tell John what’s going on: The blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side. Is this what you were expecting? Then count yourselves most blessed.”
In our own personal reflections, do we still ask ourselves the question John wanted an answer to concerning Jesus: “Are You the One?” The proof of Jesus as Messiah is in his loving actions for others.
As disciples of Jesus, we take up a mission, his call, in the world. With our faith pointing to God as our source of life and purpose, we join with God in creating invitational, Christ-centred communities of justice and peace. God asks us daily: “Are you the one who will respond to my invitation to service? Are you the one through whom my peace will flow?
Are you the one?
Bill Gillard
Evangelist Bill Gillard lives with his wife Betty at the foothills of the Blue Mountains, just outside of Sydney, NSW.