Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
A New Vision of the Messianic Age
Jeswin John
Ascension MTC,
Philadelphia, PA
25 He replied, “But I see four men unbound, walking in
the middle of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the fourth has the
appearance of a god.”
The Messianic Age is defined by Alister McGrath, a theologian, as a time of “righteousness, justice, and peace”, which was “inaugurated by the first coming of Jesus Christ and [is] to be consummated at his return.” It is something never before seen in the world since the fall of Adam. The prophets of the Old Testament eagerly waited for this new era in human history. The incarnation of Jesus the Christ heralded the Kingdom of God and he sits at the right hand of God the Father as the King of Kings. Even as we ourselves patiently await the reign of Christ on Earth, our hope is strengthened by the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The account in Daniel chapter 3 is a well-known story of the three friends of Daniel being thrown into a furnace because they refused to bow down to an idol. The king is greatly astonished, because, not only are the men still standing, but a fourth being had entered their presence. The fourth being is described by the king as “a son of the gods. While God is able to deliver from the fire, he revealed his sovereignty in all things by providing salvation within the fire. The fires seen here represent the challenges we face today. The fires are being stoked and burn hotter every day as we proclaim that we are Christians. We need to realize that we are only transients in this world and our true destination is the heavenly city (Heb. 11:10). This is our source of faith and hope while living in this world.
Looking at the present state of the global Christian community, notably the horrendous violence in the Middle East, the pressures facing Christians seem insurmountable. The attitude towards Christians, even in the developed world, is unwelcoming. Only when we open our eyes to the reality of the wider world do we understand the words of Jesus in John 15:18-27. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18). Even so, Christ did not leave us as orphans (John 14:18) but has given us the Holy Spirit as our guide and counselor. The Christian worldview is one that understands our role as ambassadors for Christ in a hostile world. Our faith in God our Savior must be established so that we too can firmly stand in the face of persecution as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were able to.
The Messianic Age is defined by Alister McGrath, a theologian, as a time of “righteousness, justice, and peace”, which was “inaugurated by the first coming of Jesus Christ and [is] to be consummated at his return.” It is something never before seen in the world since the fall of Adam. The prophets of the Old Testament eagerly waited for this new era in human history. The incarnation of Jesus the Christ heralded the Kingdom of God and he sits at the right hand of God the Father as the King of Kings. Even as we ourselves patiently await the reign of Christ on Earth, our hope is strengthened by the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The account in Daniel chapter 3 is a well-known story of the three friends of Daniel being thrown into a furnace because they refused to bow down to an idol. The king is greatly astonished, because, not only are the men still standing, but a fourth being had entered their presence. The fourth being is described by the king as “a son of the gods. While God is able to deliver from the fire, he revealed his sovereignty in all things by providing salvation within the fire. The fires seen here represent the challenges we face today. The fires are being stoked and burn hotter every day as we proclaim that we are Christians. We need to realize that we are only transients in this world and our true destination is the heavenly city (Heb. 11:10). This is our source of faith and hope while living in this world.
Looking at the present state of the global Christian community, notably the horrendous violence in the Middle East, the pressures facing Christians seem insurmountable. The attitude towards Christians, even in the developed world, is unwelcoming. Only when we open our eyes to the reality of the wider world do we understand the words of Jesus in John 15:18-27. Jesus said, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18). Even so, Christ did not leave us as orphans (John 14:18) but has given us the Holy Spirit as our guide and counselor. The Christian worldview is one that understands our role as ambassadors for Christ in a hostile world. Our faith in God our Savior must be established so that we too can firmly stand in the face of persecution as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were able to.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, in our
journey through this world, equip us with your divine wisdom and courage to
fearlessly proclaim the truth of your gospel to a world living in darkness.
Lord, cleanse and make us holy to work in your vineyard. Help us to look
forward to your heavenly kingdom and find all our joy in you alone. Even so,
come, Lord Jesus. Amen.
THOUGHT
FOR THE DAY:
While we wait patiently for the Second Coming of our Lord in these challenging times, are we preparing ourselves by carrying out our responsibility as disciples of Christ?
While we wait patiently for the Second Coming of our Lord in these challenging times, are we preparing ourselves by carrying out our responsibility as disciples of Christ?