Semper Reformanda

“… the Son of man came… to minister” | The Advent of Christ | 4/25

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 (KJV)

Jesus declares explicitly the purpose of His coming, it is to die for our sins. Sometimes ‘to minister’ is implied as a Christian virtue; that may be accurate in other contexts. But in this specific scripture, ‘to minister’ has a divine purpose; one that indicates the fullness of time, the prophesy of the Old Testament. A disenchanted mind would wonder that perhaps Jesus is only obeying to the Will of the Father. That is true. But the nature of His obedience is not ‘passive resignation,’ it is out of His active Will and desire; a commitment to redeem humanity. The advent of Christ, inclusive of many other things, also a declaration of His voluntary dedication to save you and me.[1]

[1] Henry, M. (1706). Commentary on the Whole Bible, Complete, Mark 10:32-45

“through Jesus Christ” | The Advent of Christ | 3/25

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hebrew 14:20-21 (KJV)

Jesus Christ is the ‘channel of the act.’ (G1223)[1] He intercedes for us, and His intercession is absolute. In Luke 22:31-32, we find Jesus stating that he prayed for Peter and the effect of His prayer was not contingent on an ‘if’ situation but it was a word of certainty. To quote, “But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” Jesus does not say, ‘if thou are converted.’ He says, ‘when thou art converted.’ Christ’s intercession arrives with a certitude. Two powerful implications worth reminding this advent. Christ does not leave us on our own accord, helplessly struggling with our sins. He intercedes for us. And secondly, His intercession is an act that is immune to failure. His intercession is certain. Christ’s intercession certainly brings redemption. This is the good news.

[1] https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1223/kjv/tr/0-1/

“… seek glory of God” | The Advent of Christ | 2/25

How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only? John 5:44 (KJV)

If we hold unreasonable expectations in life, we will never find peace. Because unreasonable expectations do not often materialise in life. And to anchor our peace on something that is uncertain is not really wise. Our expectations are closely tied to our potential of experiencing joy. And joy cannot occur in the absence of peace. Jesus found himself amongst religious leaders that expected honor, praise and approval from men. Their expectation of man’s approval disqualified them from receiving Christ. It is an unfortunate situation, to be sitting next to a well and dying of thirst. Affirmatively there are things that we can adopt as cautionary principle. For instance, to be disenchanted with the praise of men or to be disenchanted with the sufficiency of money, et cetera. But these are virtues identified in the redeemed. And this cannot occur without the sanctifying and saving work of God. The advent refers to this gift; that he prepares our heart to receive Christ. He came to restore joy; that we are not burden by uncertain expectations, but on Him alone, the rock of ages, a history of faithfulness realised in His personhood.