Advent Flow #13 - NAME OF GOD: Christ, Messiah

Jesus asked, “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” They replied, “The son of David.”                                                       

 - Matthew 22:42

“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.” 

- Luke 9:20

and, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God" 

- Matthew 16:16

The woman (at the well) said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you – I am he.” 

- John 4:25

NAME OF GOD: Christ, Messiah

by Rosalie Lund

Christos, The Anointed One: “This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God.” (1 John 4:2) John uses two names, Jesus, which refers to His human name, and Christ, which refers to His divine title. Jesus Christ is fully man and fully Messiah at the same time. Christ, which means Messiah, the Anointed One is His divine title. Jesus is God in human flesh. – lwf.com(LoveWorthFinding)

The Old Testament is filled with prophecy, and the New Testament references that prophecy, of a coming Messiah, a Savior King, coming to rescue the people of Israel from their oppression. Isaiah 40:10 says, “See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him."

The Israelites clung to that prophecy and waited. They waited a long time; so long that the waiting became “part of the furniture,” as I sometimes like to say. They got so used to waiting that they no longer noticed the waiting. Many got so used to waiting that they missed the coming, and didn’t want to give up the waiting, because the coming wasn’t what they expected. Isaiah 40:11, “He tends his flock like a shepherd: he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”

But the shepherds knew – “And the angel said unto them: Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)

Having been born into a musical family, and having been involved in choirs for a good ¾ of my life, one of the classical works most near and dear to my heart is Handel’s Messiah. I’ve sung the Christmas portion many times and even had the honor of performing the soprano solo, “Rejoice, O Daughter of Jerusalem.” Of course, performances always culminated in the singing of the “Hallelujah Chorus” at the end of the Christmas portion, though many don’t know that it is from the Easter portion of Handel’s work about the Gospel of Jesus Christ – which ends with His ascension to heaven and praise to Him for our hope of eternal life with Him. We don’t want to wait; we want to get to the exciting ending!

The “Hallelujah Chorus” is appropriate in many situations because it is a glorious exclamation, proclamation and celebration of the coming of Messiah, Jesus the Christ, God’s Anointed One! We use it at Christmas-time to celebrate Christ’s birth, and we use it at Easter-time to proclaim His Lordship. Is there anything more worthy of celebration? I think not. But, let’s not forget this “Hallelujah” excitement during the long times of waiting.

Come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!

Questions:

Who do YOU say that Jesus is?

Today the waiting has changed from waiting for Christ to come, to waiting for Christ to come again.

Are you waiting eagerly for that?

Or, are you waiting in fear that…?

Or, has your waiting become “part of the furniture” (something you don’t really think about anymore)?

How can you (re)ignite an eager anticipation of Christ’s impending return?

Pray: Dear Sovereign Lord, holy is your Name – Jesus the Christ! Forgive any weakness of faith in me, any apathy that may have set in as the waiting for your return becomes longer, in my estimation. Restore to me the joy of my salvation and spur me to active anticipation of Your return. “Then shall I teach transgressors Thy ways, and sinners shall be converted unto You.” (Isaiah 51:13) Amen