Who Is THIS Jesus? !!!
Today is the second Sunday of advent.
Today we light our second purple candle…for FAITH.
Now, we have two candles burning: HOPE & FAITH surrounded by the wreath, symbolic of LIFE.
What are you longing for this season of Advent?
What am I longing for this season of Advent?
What does humanity long for this Advent season?
Are we waiting—in HOPE—Knowing God will make all things right?!!
Are we waiting—in FAITH–!!
Are we remembering—Knowing God is 100% Trustworthy–!!
Are we constantly aware of the fact that God Never Lies–!!
Are we filled fully with Hope & Faith, assured that—Always—Jesus Keeps His Promises–!!
Whatever this—-“THIS”—this that we are waiting for, longing for during this season of Advent, help us recall that we are told how it is good to share our “THIS” with a brother or a sister—in Christ.
By sharing our longings, we offer our brothers & sisters the opportunity to pray over our THIS.
Jesus is the Son of God!!!
Jesus is God!!!
Jesus is the Holy Spirit!!!
When Jesus came to earth to dwell among us, He faced Satan’s temptation—not once, not twice, but three times–!
Jesus knows what we need–!
Jesus knows our flesh, our weakness, our bodies because He created us and breathed the breath of life into our being–!
Jesus knows!
Jesus knew!
Jesus will always know!
Before Jesus began His earthly ministry, Jesus went out into the wilderness to fast and pray. Everything was going well during Jesus’ time of fasting in the wilderness. Jesus had been there so many days (40 days), and Jesus was hungry. It was an opportune time for the devil’s attacks, and he attacked, not once, not twice, but three times.
Jesus was hungry.
Jesus was tired.
So Satan used the very thing Jesus needed at that moment to tempt Him—food.
The devil exclaimed to the Creator of the world that he should turn some stones into bread.
Do not be tricked. Satan knew that Jesus was the Son of God.
Jesus taught us a lesson that day. We cannot go through this life in our own power; NO, we need the Word of God more than we need food alone (bread).
So Satan attacked again by showing Jesus the kingdoms of the world.
Do not be tricked. Satan knew (and has known from the beginning) that JESUS WAS & IS & WILL FOREVER BE the SON of GOD!!!
Jesus taught us a lesson that day. We should not ever face Satan’s lies alone; we walk by faith and not by sight.
Then, Satan devised an even higher trick by standing on the pinnacle overlooking Jerusalem and the temple, taunting Jesus—“If You are the Son of God , throw Yourself down from here.” (Luke 4: 9)
Do not be tricked or perplexed!!!!!!
SATAN KNEW EXACTLY WHO JESUS WAS & IS & WILL FOREVER BE!!!
Satan knew the Person of Jesus and tempted Jesus on purpose.
Satan knew Jesus was the Son of God—
The day he tempted Adam & Eve in the garden.
The day he filled suspicion and jealousy in Cain’s heart.
The day he caused Moses to doubt his strength to lead the nation of Israel out of Egyptian captivity.
The day he filled Joseph’s brothers with thoughts that their lives would be better if their brother Joseph were dead.
On & On & On & On & On & On & On & . . .
- The day Satan was cast out of heaven, that day, Satan knew Jesus was the Son of God.
- That day Satan tempted the Son of God there on the pinnacle—Satan knew who Jesus was!!!
- Jesus taught us so many truths we need to rest upon.
- That day, as Jesus encountered Satan’s tricks & temptations, Jesus—the Son of Almighty God—taught us (and still teaches us) that we need him, that we need to “hide” the Word of God deep inside our hearts.
When tempted by Satan, Jesus taught us to rely upon the Word of God.
When tempted by Satan, Jesus taught us to worship the LORD our GOD and Serve HIM Only.
When tempted by Satan, Jesus taught us how we must know HIM—the Word of God.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
(John 1: 1-5)
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.
In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.
The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”
Comprehend in this context means—“Did not Overtake it; Did not Embrace it; nor Did not Overpower it.”
As we light this second purple candle today on this second Sunday of Advent, let us realize the TRUTH, the LIFE, and the WAY.
As we light the candle of FAITH, let us realize how we need Jesus.
As we surround our two purple candles with the wreath symbolic of life, let us realize we must have HOPE & FAITH—-Found Only in Jesus.
Do not believe me but believe the Word of Almighty God. The psalmist David writes of God:
“But You, O God, the Lord, deal kindly with me for Your name’s sake; [Jesus]
(Psalm 109: 21 & 26)
Because Your lovingkindness is good, deliver me; [Save me, Save us—God]. . . .
Help me, O LORD my God;
Save me according to Your lovingkindness.
And let them know that THIS is YOUR hand;
You, LORD, have done it.”