One of the most challenging things we encounter as mere human beings is waiting. No one likes to wait especially in today’s high-tech world where we have instant access to news, family, and friends by cell phone, text, etc. We don’t even like waiting for our special Starbucks coffee because we have a schedule to keep! |
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In Luke 2:25, we are introduced to Simeon, a righteous and devout servant of God, who had been waiting to see the promised Messiah, the Savior of the world. The Holy Spirit had told Simeon that he would not die before he had seen the Messiah. Luke 2:27 tells us he was moved by the Spirit to go to the temple the exact time when Joseph and Mary were there with baby Jesus. Simeon’s heart leaped for joy when he was finally able to hold this precious baby, the Savior of the world, in his arms. |
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If living in this pandemic has taught us anything it is that we weary of having our lives interrupted and changed by something we cannot control. But we must trust in God because He knows best. God isn’t responsible for sending this pandemic, but He did allow it, perhaps to remind us we are not in control of our destiny and we can’t fix all the world’s problems. |
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We must remember that Christ’s birth on this earth over 2,000 years ago was the beginning of God’s redemptive plan for all of humankind but not the final chapter. Yes, God sent His Son to die for our sins and rise from the dead but that isn’t the end of the story. This is why Jesus kept preaching, “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand”. One day, if we can remain patient and vigilant, we will see the new heaven and the new earth God has promised us in Revelation 21:1. Like Simeon, we must hold on to God’s promise and not allow ourselves to be distracted or sidetracked. |
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We need to ask ourselves, “Are we listening to the Holy Spirit?” It is hard to wait and even though we know God will see us through this pandemic we sometimes become discouraged and lose hope. God says in Isaiah 55:8, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. God works in ways we cannot imagine and always accomplishes what He has planned. Christ didn’t come to earth to live in a rich palace, surrounded by wealth and luxury. He was born in a manger and lived a humble life alongside his parents and later His disciples.
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This Christmas season let us rejoice with Simeon for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ and share the eternal hope with others that this world, filled with disease, crime, hunger, and injustice, won’t be our final home. May the love, joy, and peace of Jesus fill your hearts and lives! |
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The Board of Inste Global Bible College, Gina Reyna, Mallory Peters, Victor Colon, Ricky Poon, Rylee Ward, and Lois and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with God’s best! We love and appreciate you all. |
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Vince McCarty,
Interim President of Inste Global Bible College
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