When we set out on a road trip to a particular destination
we typically look for signs marking our way. We also may as use a GPS to direct
us regarding different roads we must take. We may even use old fashioned maps
to guide us on our journey. No matter the method of direction for the journey, we
are observant to look for signs. Signs direct us and mark our travels, guiding
us on the correct way. When we see a sign ahead we take special note to read
it, no matter whether it is a marker for our journey or not, just because we
would not want to miss our destination. Likewise, in the Bible we are told
about a sign that we are to keep a look out for so that we don’t miss our
destination. We may have indeed missed this particular sign, as it seems to get
lost in the other events surrounding Jesus’ birth. This sign, once we recognize
it, is unmistakable. This sign is a marker and a witness to everyone, whether
one believes on Jesus or not. It is a marker for the entire human population
and once observed we recognize its veracity. This truth is a sign of the
deliverer. There are other things we uncover once we recognize this sign, and
when we put it all together we see the hope of humanity.
The word saviour/savior
is translated “deliverer”, and it may be that we have heard the word savior so
many times that we forget it also means deliverer. Before David was anointed,
he wrote this song.
Psalms 27:1G2962The lord
G5462is my
illumination G1473 G2532and G4990my
deliverer, G1473 G5100in
whom G5399shall
I fear? G2962The lord
G5231.5is the defender
G3588 G2222of my
life, G1473 G575from G5100whom G1168shall
I be timid?
These are words of encouragement to all of us, and it makes
a great song to help edify us in turbulent times. Speaking of a deliverer, we
are looking forward to a time of deliverance. David also wrote these words.
Psalm 65:5G2298WonderfulG1722in G1343righteousness
-- G1873heed G1473us, G3588O G2316God G3588 G4990our
deliverer! G1473 G3588He is the
G1680hope G3956of all
G3588the G4009ends G3588of the
G1093earth,
G2532and G3588of the
ones G1722in G2281the sea
G3112afar;
The deliverer is the hope of all the people on the earth. David
looked forward to a day the deliverer would come. We also look forward to the
day our deliverer will come. The deliverer came to earth and will come back
again. This is our hope, the thing we trust in, the thing we rely on. To some
it might seem like an empty hope, but we have been given a sign that we can’t
miss.
Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of
David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. KJV
Luke 2:11 For to you is born this day in the town of David
a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord! [Mic 5:2.] AMP
Luke 2:11G3754For G5088was
born G1473to you
G4594today G4990a
deliverer G3739who G1510.2.3is G5547Christ
G2962the Lord,
G1722in G4172the cityG*of
David
Anointed
Messiah, supreme in authority, Lord and master is
the title given to the baby born that day. That baby was going to be a
deliverer. At the time of Jesus’ birth an Angel manifested to shepherds who
were outside attending their flocks, and a bright light flashed and shone
around them. We have to wonder if those shepherds ever denied Jesus or if they
simply knew from that time on that what the Angel told them was the truth. The
Angel gave the shepherds a sign that they would find this deliverer wrapped in
swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. This not our sign, it was a sign to
the shepherds. We have a bigger sign. It is interesting that it was not just
the Angel’s announcement to the shepherds about the deliverer, but Simeon
prophesied in the temple over the baby, and this is where we find our sign.
Simeon was promised he would not die until he saw the deliverer.
Luke 2:28-32 [Simeon] took Him up in his arms and praised
and thanked God and said, 29 And now, Lord, You are releasing Your servant to
depart (leave this world) in peace, according to Your word. 30 For with my
[own] eyes I have seen Your Salvation [4992], [Isa 52:10.] 31 Which You have
ordained and prepared before (in the presence of) all peoples, 32 A Light for
revelation to the Gentiles [to disclose what was before unknown] and [to bring]
praise and honor and glory to Your people Israel. [Isa 42:6; 49:6.] AMP
NT:4992 soterion (so-tay'-ree-on); neuter of the same as
NT:4991 as (properly, concretely) noun; defender or (by implication) defence:
KJV - salvation. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance
with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft,
Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:4991 soteria
(so-tay-ree'-ah); feminine of a derivative of NT:4990 as (properly, abstract)
noun; rescue or safety (physically or morally): KJV - deliver, health,
salvation, save, saving. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and
Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006
Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
Another way to understand what Simeon said is that he saw
the deliver that was prophesied and ordained for the people. A light for the
nations to teach them and to bring praise, honor, and glory to Israel. Simeon
didn’t know that the religious leaders would reject Jesus and that Jews would
spend the next two thousand years denying the deliverer. Simeon says something
we usually overlook, that the deliverer would be a sign in a precise facet. And
sadly Simeon then tells Mary a sword will pierce through her own soul.
Luke 2:33-35 And His [legal] father and [His] mother were
marveling at what was said about Him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to
Mary His mother, Behold, this Child is appointed and destined for the fall and
rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is spoken against — [Isa 8:14,15.] 35 And a sword will pierce
through your own soul also — that the secret thoughts and purposes of many
hearts may be brought out and disclosed. AMP
Luke 2:34G2532And G2127[2blessed
G14733them G*1Simeon],
G2532and G2036said G4314to G*Mary G3588 G3384his
mother, G1473 G2400Behold,
G3778this
one G2749is
situated G1519for G4431a
downfall G2532and G386a
rising up G4183of
many G1722in G3588 G*Israel,
G2532and G1519for G4592a sign
G483being
disputed;
35G2532( [2even
G14733you G11611and], G1473[3your
G3588 G55904soul G13302shall
go through G45011a
broadsword],) G3704so
that G302[4should
be G6015uncovered
G1537 G41832of
many G25883hearts
G12611 the thoughts]
NT:483 antilego (an-til'-eg-o); from NT:473 and NT:3004; to
dispute, refuse: KJV - answer again, contradict, deny, gainsay (-er), speak
against.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with
Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc.
and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:3004 lego (leg'-o); a
primary verb; properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate
(in words [usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas NT:2036 and NT:5346
generally refer to an individual expression or speech respectively; while
NT:4483 is properly, to break silence merely, and NT:2980 means an extended or
random harangue]); by implication, to mean: KJV - ask, bid, boast, call,
describe, give out, name, put forth, say (-ing, on), shew, speak, tell, utter. (Biblesoft's
New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew
Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International
Bible Translators, Inc.)
Anti-speech, or speaking against is anti-lego. But notice that Jesus is called the logos, the “word”. While Jesus is the living word, the sign Simeon is
prophesying is “disputed speech”. The living word’s speech is disputed. Jesus
would be a sign that is spoken against, refuted, contradicted, and opposed. Soooo…that’s
true. This is the neon billboard the world is looking for on the journey of
life. Regardless of whether one believes Jesus is Messiah or not, the
consternation on the subject of Jesus is indisputable. Jesus is a divisive topic,
and yet that in itself is the sign. Again, the fact that Jesus is hotly
disputed IS THE SIGN. Today, the minds of men have become so twisted that the
name of Jesus evokes anger, yet those same angry individuals can allow people
to speak regarding any other religious individual without any emotion whatsoever.
We see the same thing in Jesus’ later ministry years regarding the religious
leaders. The simple fact that there is dispute over Jesus is the sign. One does
not have to believe on Jesus to see that the sign we are looking for is a religious
figure who causes anger, anxiety, hatred, and fighting among people in the
world. No matter where we live, the name of Jesus stirs up emotions. This is
the sign.
Mary would witness all of this hatred toward her first born
son. No mother wants to see her child spoken against or beaten down. A broad
sword would cut through and wound Mary, but it would also be an apokalupto, uncovering of kardia, hearts and thoughts or
reasoning’s. Think about this, anyone who held the Pharisees and Sadducees in
high regard had their hearts broken when those religious leaders’ true selves
were exposed by Jesus simply existing. Remember what we studied last week
regarding what Jesus did, he healed the sick and brought the good news of the
kingdom to people. And for that, they hated him. Jesus would be the apocalypse
of people’s hearts and thoughts. The Holy Spirit is the discerner of the
thoughts and intents of the hearts, and the sign of Jesus being opposed is a
revealing of hearts and thoughts and reasoning’s.
http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-beauty-of-new-covenant-he-healed.html
We should not be upset that even the mention of Jesus’ name
arouses anger and negative emotions. This is what he was born to do. Imagine
having that as your “call in life”. Jesus was so hated by some that they tried
to erase him from the Bible, especially the prophecies of the Old Covenant. How
revealing is it that today we can trace and detect many of the alterations that
men made to conceal the truth of Jesus as Messiah. But Jesus is a deliverer to
the humans who make Him Lord, a light to the non-Jews. The Samaritans believed
Jesus was the Savior of the world.
John 4:40-42 So when the Samaritans arrived, they asked Him
to remain with them, and He did stay there two days. 41 Then many more believed
in and adhered to and relied on Him because of His personal message [what He
Himself said]. 42 And they told the woman, Now we no longer believe (trust,
have faith) just because of what you said; for we have heard Him ourselves
[personally], and we know that He truly is the Savior of the world, the Christ.
AMP
The Samaritans (aka Samarians) believed Jesus was the
deliverer of the world and the anointed one. Remember that the Samaritans were
not liked by the Jews of the south and the Jews of the north because they were
resettled by the Assyrians before the southern kingdom people came back to
Judah. The southern kingdom Jews thought of the Samaritans as mixed or half
breeds, and called them dogs. Isn’t it funny that Jesus uses the story of the Good
Samaritan to insult the pious religious people? While a good Jew would travel
around Samaria, either by water or over the mountains, Jesus walked right
through the region and those people believed he was the Messiah. The heathen
dogs believed Jesus was the anointed deliver of the world. The Samaritans are
now part of the sign. We know that Peter had a bit to say to those same
religious leaders after the day of Pentecost.
Acts 5:29-33 Then Peter and the apostles replied, We must
obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our forefathers raised up Jesus, Whom
you killed by hanging Him on a tree (cross). [Deut 21:22,23.] 31 God exalted
Him to His right hand to be Prince and Leader and Savior and Deliverer and
Preserver, in order to grant repentance to Israel and to bestow forgiveness and
release from sins. 32 And we are witnesses of these things, and the Holy Spirit
is also, Whom God has bestowed on those who obey Him. 33 Now when they heard
this, they were cut to the heart and infuriated and wanted to kill the
disciples. AMP
The religious leaders who persecuted the Apostles are also
part of the sign. Paul also had a speech to give regarding Jesus as deliverer.
Paul gives us a great look at history, remember Paul was a rabbi who was
converted by his experience on the road to Damascus.
Acts 13:15-23 After the reading of the Law and the
Prophets, the leaders [of the worship] of the synagogue sent to them saying,
Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation or consolation or encouragement
for the people, say it. 16 So Paul arose, and motioning with his hand said, Men
of Israel and you who reverence and fear God, listen! 17 The God of this people
Israel selected our forefathers and made this people great and important during
their stay in the land of Egypt, and then with an uplifted arm He led them out
from there. [Ex 6:1,6.] 18 And for about forty years like a fatherly nurse He
cared for them in the wilderness and endured their behavior. [Deut 1:31.] 19
When He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He gave them [the
Hebrews] their land as an inheritance [distributing it to them by lot; all of
which took] about 450 years. [Deut 7:1; Josh 14:1.] 20 After that, He gave them
judges until the prophet Samuel. 21 Then they asked for a king; and God gave
them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 And
when He had deposed him, He raised up David to be their king; of him He bore
witness and said, I have found David son of Jesse a man after My own heart, who
will do all My will and carry out My program fully. [1 Sam 13:14; Ps 89:20; Isa
44:28.] 23 Of this man's descendants God has brought to Israel a Savior [in the
person of Jesus], according to His promise. AMP
The promise was for a deliverer, but not just to establish
Israel with her own government. Jesus will reign as King of kings and Lord of
lords during the millennial kingdom, but today we are being delivered to a new
homeland. Paul’s speech is awesome, and Luke took good notes. Now let’s note
what happened when Paul was done speaking.
Acts 13:42-48 And when the Jews were gone out of the
synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the
next sabbath.43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and
religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them,
persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.44 And the next sabbath day came
almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.45 But when the Jews saw
the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things
which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.46 Then Paul and
Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should
first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge
yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.47 For so
hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the
Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.48
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the
Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. KJV
The TR and the NA27 disagree slightly here, so we read in
the KJV that the non-Jews believed on Jesus as Messiah and deliverer. These
people have now become another part of the sign to us. Jesus is a light to the
nations, and the Jews became envious and started contradicting and blaspheming.
Why would someone argue against Jesus who delivers us and transforms us? We are
citizens of heaven.
Phil 3:17-21 Brethren, together
follow my example and observe those who live after the pattern we have set for
you. 18 For there are many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even
with tears, who walk (live) as enemies of the cross of Christ (the Anointed
One). 19 They are doomed and their fate is eternal misery (perdition); their
god is their stomach (their appetites, their sensuality) and they glory in
their shame, siding with earthly things and being of their party. 20 But we are
citizens of the state (commonwealth, homeland) which is in heaven, and from it
also we earnestly and patiently await [the coming of] the Lord Jesus Christ
(the Messiah) [as] Savior, 21 Who will transform and fashion anew the body of
our humiliation to conform to and be like the body of His glory and majesty, by
exerting that power which enables Him even to subject everything to Himself. AMP
We are awaiting the coming of
Jesus, maybe not so patiently, as we agonize over our deteriorating society. We
view the attacks against Christians and Christmas as a persecution, but really
it is as Simeon prophesied, Jesus is the apocalypse of men’s’ thoughts,
reasoning’s and hearts. It is the reason he came, to divide humanity. This
emotional dispute is the sign. But we are to fix our hope on the living God who
is the deliverer of all who trust on Him.
1 Tim 4:8-10 For physical
training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual
training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds
promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come. 9 This
saying is reliable and worthy of complete acceptance by everybody. 10 With a
view to this we toil and strive, [yes and] suffer reproach, because we have
[fixed our] hope on the living God, Who is the Savior (Preserver, Maintainer,
Deliverer) of all men, especially of those who believe (trust in, rely on, and adhere
to Him). AMP
Hope is what calms us in anxious times of chaos. Our hope
is in the accomplished work of Jesus’ blood. Hope that death is abolished. Hope
for immortality. Hope in our deliverer. Hope in epiphany.
2 Tim 1:8-10 Do not blush or be ashamed then, to testify to
and for our Lord, nor of me, a prisoner for His sake, but [with me] take your
share of the suffering [to which the preaching] of the Gospel [may expose you,
and do it] in the power of God. 9 [For it is He] Who delivered and saved us and
called us with a calling in itself holy and leading to holiness [to a life of
consecration, a vocation of holiness]; [He did it] not because of anything of
merit that we have done, but because of and to further His own purpose and
grace (unmerited favor) which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world
began [eternal ages ago]. 10 [It is that purpose and grace] which He now has
made known and has fully disclosed and made real [to us] through the appearing
of our Savior Christ Jesus, Who annulled death and made it of no effect and
brought life and immortality (immunity from eternal death) to light through the
Gospel. AMP
2 Tim 1:10G5319and
made manifest G1161 G3568now G1223through
G3588the G2015grandeur
G3588 G4990of our
deliverer G1473 G*Jesus G5547Christ,
G2673the
one clearing away G3303indeed
G3588 G2288death,
G5461and
having enlightened G1161 G2222life G2532and G861incorruptibility
G1223through
G3588the G2098good
news
NT:2015 epiphaneia (ep-if-an'-i-ah); from NT:2016; a
manifestation, i.e. (specially) the advent of Christ (past or future):KJV -
appearing, brightness. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and
Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006
Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:2016 epiphanes
(ep-if-an-ace'); from NT:2014; conspicuous, i.e. (figuratively) memorable: KJV
- notable. (Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with
Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc.
and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
NT:2014 epiphaino
(ep-ee-fah'-ee-no); from NT:1909 and NT:5316; to shine upon, i.e. become
(literally) visible or (figuratively) known: KJV - appear, give light. (Biblesoft's
New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew
Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International
Bible Translators, Inc.)
Notice that Jesus’ appearing is our epiphany. When the Magi
came with gifts for Jesus that was an epiphany. But any revealing, appearing or
manifesting of Jesus is an epiphany. That is our hope. Jesus appeared to
deliver us, offering us eternal salvation. http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2013/11/epiphany-jesus-above-appearing.html
Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God (His unmerited favor and
blessing) has come forward (appeared) [2014] for the deliverance from sin and
the eternal salvation for all mankind. 12 It has trained us to reject and
renounce all ungodliness (irreligion) and worldly (passionate) desires, to live
discreet (temperate, self-controlled), upright, devout (spiritually whole)
lives in this present world, 13 Awaiting and looking for the [fulfillment, the
realization of our] blessed hope, even the glorious appearing [2015] of our
great God and Savior Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed One), 14 Who gave
Himself on our behalf that He might redeem us (purchase our freedom) from all
iniquity and purify for Himself a people [to be peculiarly His own, people who
are] eager and enthusiastic about [living a life that is good and filled with]
beneficial deeds. [Deut 14:2; Ps 130:8; Ezek 37:23.] AMP
Again we see the epiphany has a purpose for our hope. We
are delivered from sin we could not atone for. There is no temple, and we can’t
make atonement without a sacrifice in the temple. Therefore anyone who rejects
Jesus’ atonement dies in their sins. His gift to us is the atonement of our
sins. We have been released by ransom. http://musingsofawinsomeheart.blogspot.com/2015/07/release-by-ransom-purchased-redeemed.html
Titus 3:1-7 REMIND PEOPLE to be submissive to [their]
magistrates and authorities, to be obedient, to be prepared and willing to do
any upright and honorable work, 2 To slander or abuse or speak evil of no one,
to avoid being contentious, to be forbearing (yielding, gentle, and
conciliatory), and to show unqualified courtesy toward everybody. 3 For we also
were once thoughtless and senseless, obstinate and disobedient, deluded and
misled; [we too were once] slaves to all sorts of cravings and pleasures,
wasting our days in malice and jealousy and envy, hateful (hated, detestable)
and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving-kindness of God our
Savior to man [as man] appeared, 5 He saved us, not because of any works of
righteousness that we had done, but because of His own pity and mercy, by [the]
cleansing [bath] of the new birth (regeneration) and renewing of the Holy
Spirit, 6 Which He poured out [so] richly upon us through Jesus Christ our
Savior. 7 [And He did it in order] that we might be justified by His grace (by
His favor, wholly undeserved), [that we might be acknowledged and counted as
conformed to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action], and that we
might become heirs of eternal life according to [our] hope. AMP
Titus 3:4G3753And
whenG1161 G3588theG5544graciousnessG2532andG3588theG5363humane
treatmentG2014appearedG3588 G4990[2our
delivererG1473 G23161of
God],
Jesus appeared, epiphany, as deliverer he saved us and
poured out the Holy Spirit so that now we are justified and able to inherit
eternal life. That again is our hope. Solomon explained hope.
Wisdom 3:1-5 But the souls of the righteous are in the hand
of God, and there shall no torment touch them.2 In the sight of the unwise they
seemed to die: and their departure is taken for misery,3 And their going from
us to be utter destruction: but they are in peace.4 For though they be punished
in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of immortality.5 And having been a
little chastised, they shall be greatly rewarded: for God proved them, and
found them worthy for himself. KJV
Solomon explains that a righteous person’s soul is in the
hand of God. Even though they look as if they are punished, they have
immortality. Understand the timing here, Solomon lived long before the first
century; he died around 931 BC. This tells us that the knowledge of a
deliverer, immortality, and hope were common to the Israelites one thousand
years before Christ came and Paul wrote to explain it all. It was not a point
of contention or disputation that a deliverer would bring immortality to the
righteous. However, because the people looked at Jesus who did not look like a
superhero or a Roman God, but an average man, he became spoken against. Solomon
then points out that in the millennial kingdom the righteous will judge nations
and rule over people. This is reiterated all throughout the New Covenant.
Wisdom 3:6-11 As gold in the furnace hath he tried them,
and received them as a burnt offering.7 And in the time of their visitation
they shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks among the stubble.8 They shall
judge the nations, and have dominion over the people, and their Lord shall
reign for ever.9 They that put their trust in him shall understand the truth:
and such as be faithful in love shall abide with him: for grace and mercy is to
his saints, and he hath care for his elect.10 But the ungodly shall be punished
according to their own imaginations, which have neglected the righteous, and
forsaken the Lord.11 For whoso despiseth wisdom and nurture, he is miserable,
and their hope is vain, their labours unfruitful, and their works unprofitable:
KJV
Solomon’s contrast to the righteous is the ungodly and the
ungodly person’s hope is vain. Solomon’s words show another reason why Jesus’
life is so divisive. The people that do not believe on Jesus put their hope in
things for today while not looking towards their eternal destination. The
people that believe on Jesus put their hope in eternity and endure the things
of today. Therefore, when Paul reminds us of our deliverer and the hope that we
have, it is not new revelation but a repeating of what Solomon and the people
of 1000 BC already knew. We see then, that this has been a theme for humanity
for 3000 years, a deliverer would save humanity by grace and mercy giving them
immortality. Solomon’s prophecies so accurately speak of Jesus that someone
thought it better to throw out the entire book of The Wisdom of Solomon. This
is a sign. Once Jesus fulfilled the prophecies, erasing the entire book was the
only logical thing to do, it is our sign. Peter then reminds us to stick to our
calling so that we will be sure to have eternal entry into the kingdom of the
Lord and deliverer Jesus, the anointed.
2 Peter 1:10-11 Because of this, brethren, be all the more
solicitous and eager to make sure (to ratify, to strengthen, to make steadfast)
your calling and election; for if you do this, you will never stumble or fall. 11
Thus there will be richly and abundantly provided for you entry into the
eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. AMP
Peter also gives us another summation of our hope, our
deliverance, and why it seems to be taking so long for Jesus’ epiphany.
Impatience is obviously common among humans.
2 Peter 3:1-9 BELOVED, I am now writing you this second
letter. In [both of] them I have stirred up your unsullied (sincere) mind by
way of remembrance, 2 That you should recall the predictions of the holy
(consecrated, dedicated) prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior
[given] through your apostles (His special messengers). 3 To begin with, you
must know and understand this, that scoffers (mockers) will come in the last
days with scoffing, [people who] walk after their own fleshly desires 4 And
say, Where is the promise of His coming? For since the forefathers fell asleep,
all things have continued exactly as they did from the beginning of creation. 5
For they willfully overlook and forget this [fact], that the heavens [came
into] existence long ago by the word of God, and the earth also which was
formed out of water and by means of water, 6 Through which the world that then
[existed] was deluged with water and perished. [Gen 1:6-8; 7:11.] 7 But by the
same word the present heavens and earth have been stored up (reserved) for
fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly
people. 8 Nevertheless, do not let this one fact escape you, beloved, that with
the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day. [Ps
90:4.] 9 The Lord does not delay and is not tardy or slow about what He
promises, according to some people's conception of slowness, but He is long-suffering
(extraordinarily patient) toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but
that all should turn to repentance. AMP
Keep in mind, Paul told us we are also waiting for the full
number of the ingathering of the nations. Combine Peter and Paul’s ideas and we
have a full picture, the ingathering of the righteous humans from all nations
awaiting immortality and the destruction of the ungodly. This is Simeon’s
prophecy, Jesus is the light to the nations, appointed and destined for the
rising and the falling of many, the sign spoken against, the apocalypse of the
heart and thoughts, and our hope of his epiphany.
1 John 4:12-15 No man has at any time [yet] seen God. But
if we love one another, God abides (lives and remains) in us and His love (that
love which is essentially His) is brought to completion (to its full maturity,
runs its full course, is perfected) in us! 13 By this we come to know
(perceive, recognize, and understand) that we abide (live and remain) in Him
and He in us: because He has given (imparted) to us of His [Holy] Spirit. 14
And [besides] we ourselves have seen (have deliberately and steadfastly
contemplated) and bear witness that the Father has sent the Son [as the] Savior
of the world. 15 Anyone who confesses (acknowledges, owns) that Jesus is the
Son of God, God abides (lives, makes His home) in him and he [abides, lives,
makes his home] in God. AMP
The sign of Jesus’ Messiahship is that he was and is still
spoken against. Two thousand years of fighting, disputing, erasing, and
opposing. Has this been the case for any other religious figure in history?
Which religious figure has the most emotional dialogue concerning them in the
world, Budda, Gandhi, Moses, Abraham,
any or all Pope’s, Muhammed, Zeus, Apollo, Osiris, or Jesus? Which one of these
individuals, in name alone paralyzes people and forces debate? Which one of
these individuals is hated? Which one of these individuals is loved? Which one
of these individuals simply healed people and brought good news? Which one has
been fought over for two thousand years? Which one fulfilled all the prophecies
ever written about him up to this point in time? Which individual has prophecy
to fulfill in the future? Which one of these individuals uncovers the thoughts
and hearts of men? This is our sign. No matter what road we are on, this is a
sign for all humanity which points to the direction we will decide to go. The
deliverer is either our hope or our despair. Jesus reveals the thoughts and
hearts of people. He is a paralyzing figure whether we love him or hate him,
accept him or reject him. Our Deliverer is the most argued individual in the
world. His title is Anointed Messiah, supreme in authority, Lord and master.
