Jesus and the Expectant | Awaiting His Return

This is a moment in our history as a nation when people are probably more open to the gospel than maybe they've been in decades. Harvest is at the right place at the right time. We've seen 1,200,000 professions of faith in the history of harvest. 10,000 people baptized through harvest since 2023.

So this is a really good time to pour some rocket fuel on a burning fire. When you give you're investing in this revival fire. Just go to harvest.org. Simeon was eagerly waiting for Jesus to come the first time. And in the same way, we should be eagerly awaiting for Jesus to come the second time.

Coming up today, Pastor Greg Laurie points out that the Lord will return with a different agenda. Everyone will see him and no one can resist him. The first time He came to a manger, the second time He's coming back in glory. We should be eagerly awaiting His return. This is the day when the lost are found.

This is the day for a new beginning. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound. Can you hear all the angels are singing? This is the day, the day when life begins It's the day we celebrate God incarnate, the baby Jesus born in a humble stable. It was a miraculous birth on many levels.

And yet the simple circumstances mask the enormity of how deity came to dwell among humanity. Today on A New Beginning, Pastor Greg Laurie helps us connect the past and the future as we consider how Jesus could return at any time. His return will be no less miraculous. And today, a lesson on patient expectation. This is the day, the day when life begins.

I'm going to talk about two people that were waiting for Christmas. Two people that are an integral part of the Christmas story, Simeon and Anna. And Simeon and Anna saw the newborn Jesus eight days after his birth in the temple. And Simeon was waiting. He was waiting for Christmas, effectively, waiting for Christ, because it was revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Messiah with his own eyes.

And Simeon held on to the promises of God given 400 years before the birth of Christ by the prophet Malachi who said, the son of righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. Even though that promise was 400 years old, he believed it. He's listening. He's waiting. He's hearing from God.

So old Simeon hung on to the promises of God. And I encourage you, hang on to God's promises. They're true and they're trustworthy. And 2 Peter 1.4 it says God has given to us great and precious promises. 2 Corinthians 1.20 says God's promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding yes.

So he was waiting. He was looking for the Messiah to come.

So one day Mary and Joseph walk into the temple. And Simeon knew these are the ones. This is the child. How did he know? I don't know.

Probably because he heard from God. Probably because he was close to God. I don't think they glowed in the dark. I don't think they had halos like we see in some religious art. But somehow Simeon knew this is the Messiah I'm looking at.

And so he says this in Luke chapter 2 verse 32. Speaking of Jesus, he is a light to reveal God to the nations. and he is the glory of your people Israel. Mary and Joseph were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed him and said to Mary, the baby's mother, this child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall and many others to rise.

He has been sent as a sign from God, and many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And then he says to Mary, and a sword will pierce your very soul.

Now, Simeon's done.

Now this woman steps forward. Her name is Anna. Look at Luke chapter two, verse 36. Anna, a prophetess, was also there in the temple and she was very old and she lived as a widow to the age of 84 and never left the temple and stayed there day and night worshiping God with fasting and prayer.

So if you've ever wondered if you're old, according to the Bible, she was very old and she was 84.

So if you're 84, you're very old.

Now if you're younger than that, maybe you're not as old, I don't know. But the Bible's very clear, this is very old.

So this elderly woman lives in the temple and worships God and it's been revealed to her that she too will see the Messiah. Yeah, and I loved how she was living her life. You know, in our culture, people look forward to retirement and I no longer have to work I can just relax and rest and live a life of leisure But you know as Christians we never retire from following Jesus Christ or serving the Lord Scripture reminds us that our purpose does not end with a career. In fact, Psalm 92, 14 says, they will bear fruit in their old age, they will stay fresh and green. I think it's really important when you get older to continue to have a passion and a purpose in life.

You know, some people want to retire and all they want to do is golf or fish or pursue their hobbies. That's sad to me. No, now you have time to serve the Lord in ways you could not serve Him before. You no longer have the daily responsibilities of going to work.

Well, now you have time and you have a life to still live and you can make such great contributions because hopefully with your age you've acquired some wisdom and you can pass that wisdom on to younger people.

So be a godly girl, not a cougar. And so certainly Anna was using her life and her time well. You know, interestingly, studies have shown that people that overly focus their lives on leisure without meaningful goals can have a life of boredom, depression, and have their physical health decline. Studies indicate that individuals with a strong sense of purpose will live longer than those without one. I mean, listen, the whole point of a vacation is to what?

Recreate. I'm going to go have some recreation. Think about the word recreation. From the root word, recreate. to refresh, to recharge.

I don't know about you. I'm not a good vacationer. I kind of admire people that can take a lot of time off because after a week, I get bored because you know what? I like what I do. And I enjoy serving the Lord and trying to think of new and creative ways to bring God's kingdom, no more people.

And so after about a week or so, I'm coming up with a lot of ideas. Let's try this. Let's do that. You know, I wish I could rest a little bit better than I do, to be honest with you. But man, just to live a carefree life, I don't know what's carefree, but to live a life of just relaxation, leisure, and pursuing hobbies, that to me is sad.

The Bible says, redeem the time because the days are short, which means make sacred use of every opportunity. Certainly, Anna did that. And coming back to Simeon now. He was eagerly waiting for Jesus to come the first time. Luke 2.25 says he was righteous and devout and eagerly awaiting for the Messiah to come.

And in the same way, we should be eagerly awaiting for Jesus to come the second time. Right? Because Hebrews 9.28 says he will come again for those that eagerly await him. When you are right with God, you will long for the return of Christ. If you're not right with God, I think you'll probably dread the imminent return of Jesus.

Bible prophecies are being fulfilled in our lifetime before our very eyes. And each one of these signs is saying the same thing. Get ready, Jesus is coming. And I ask you, are you doing anything right now that you would be ashamed to be doing if Christ were to come back today?

So a young lady wrote me, her name is Crystal. She lives in North Carolina. And she worked for Planned Parenthood where they did abortions. She was a professing believer, but she actually assisted the doctor in the abortion procedures, murdering the unborn children. And one day she was on her way to work and she heard me on the radio and I asked this question, are you doing anything right now you would be ashamed to do if Christ were to come back?

And that day as she was working alongside the doctor after he had aborted a little baby and she was taking the little body parts and putting them together there on the counter, she realized how wicked and horrible this was. She repented, she quit the job and now she works as a pro-life worker saving the lives of babies instead of taking the lives of babies.

So we need to be ready for his return. The first time he came to a manger. The second time he's coming back in glory. In his first coming, he was wrapped in swaddling cloths. In his second coming, he'll be clothed royally and a robe dipped in blood.

In his first coming, he was surrounded by animals and shepherds. and his second coming will be accompanied by saints and angels. In his first coming, there was new room for him in the inn. In his second coming, the door of the heavens will be open to him. In the first coming, he was the Lamb of God coming to die for the sin of the world.

In the second coming, he'll be the ferocious lion of the tribe of Judah, bringing judgment to the world. We should be eagerly awaiting his return. Pastor Greg Laurie will have the second half of his message in just a moment.

So many listeners have commented on the encouragement they receive from these daily messages I appreciate that God has never left my side even when I wasn living for Christ I would still call out to God in times of need After living in my own strength for many years, I found Pastor Greg's podcasts. God obviously gave Greg a gift by helping draw his listeners to the Word of God. I am so thankful that Pastor Greg has now helped me to find my way back home to God. Thank you. How have Pastor Greg's studies touched your life?

Would you let him know? Send him an email, greg at harvest.org. That's greg at harvest.org.

Well, today we're getting a larger view of the reason Jesus was born. Pastor Greg's message, Jesus and the Expectant. You know, it's interesting that the birth of Jesus and the death of Jesus are so close. Death and Christmas are linked together because he wasn't born in a manger so we could sing Christmas carols and wrap beautiful gifts and give them to one another, though I think those things are all wonderful and fine. He was born in the manger to ultimately go to the cross and die for the sin of the world.

And we have to admit we are sinners in need of a Savior and jump into the open arms of Jesus, A while ago, I was watching television with my wife and she got up and walked out of the room. I really didn't know where she went, but then a few moments passed and I heard her voice, but it seemed to be at a distance. Greg, where is she? I thought I'm hearing things. Went back to my program.

Greg, that sounds so much like Kathy. Where is she? Walking through the house, where are you? Where are you? I hear it again, Greg.

I go outside. It's outside. Where is she? She's up in a tree. She's stuck in a tree.

How on earth did you get in that tree?

Well, what happened was she went to empty some trash. I probably should have done that. That's the man's job, is it not?

So she went out to empty the trash. In our little place where we keep our trash cans, it's this tight little spot, and the door locks. And so she stepped out, emptied it, and the door shut, and she was locked in this little space.

so she climbed up on a trash can and she climbed up in a tree and couldn't get down from the tree. And I said, okay, jump. I held my arms out. Jump. She says, no, you'll drop me.

Get a ladder.

So I got a ladder and she climbed down.

Now when my grandkids were little, I'd say, jump into Papa's arms and they would jump.

Sometimes they wouldn't even tell me they were gonna jump. All of a sudden, kids flying through the air. Whoa, kids and kids. Never dropped one. But the point is, is that Jesus says, jump.

He holds his arms. Oh, I don't know. Are you gonna catch me? I don't know if I trust you. But we need to be saved.

We need his help. Because this is all about the gift that God has given to us on the first Christmas and every Christmas, the gift of eternal life. You know, the problem we have now is there are people called porch pirates. They steal packages off your porches. I read recently that there are 48 million packages stolen every year at a value of $12 billion.

I heard about one lady that was putting kitty litter in the boxes so they could steal that. But God's gift to you will never be stolen. And it's there for you to receive and there for you to enjoy.

So we're waiting for Christ to return. What should we do? How should we live?

Well, we should offer three things to God. There are three things that every Christian has that they can give to the Lord. And those things are your treasure, your talent, and your time. First, there's your treasure. And that's why I think every believer should invest their finances into God's kingdom.

Because when you do, you lay up for yourself treasure in heaven. And you know what else? There's a joy in giving. Jesus said it is more blessed to give then to receive. And that word blessed can be translated happy making.

There is a happiness that comes from giving. And experts have even done research that determines that there are endorphins that are released when you give. There's something in us that God has put in us that comes out when we give to others. And we invest in God's kingdom.

So invest in your finances in the kingdom of God. Number two, there's your talent. Everybody has certain talents that have been given to them by the Lord. You have something to offer for his kingdom. The Bible says we being many are one body in Christ, everyone members one of another, having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us.

So find out what those gifts and talents are and dedicate those to God. And finally, there's your time. Every day God gives us 1,440 minutes or 24 hours to use for Him. Use your treasure, use your talent, and use your time. And in closing, I think Anna is such a beautiful model for all of us.

You know, it's funny because when someone comes to Christ, we tell them there's four things you need to do. Number one, you need to study the scripture every day. You need to pray. You need to be a part of the church. And finally, you need to share your faith.

And that's exactly what Anna was doing. In fact when she heard about Jesus being born in Luke 2 we read she talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem That what we should be doing in this season telling people about Jesus.

So why did he come? Why did God send his son to our world? Why did the son come and be born in that humble manger of Bethlehem? He was born so we could be born again. He left his home so we could have a heavenly home.

He left his home in heaven to make a home in our hearts. Christ wants to come and live in your heart, in your life. He wants a relationship with you. And I ask you in closing, do you have that relationship with him? That's how you know you'll be ready for his return.

You have a relationship with him now. Has he come into your life yet? You see, all of us are separated from God by our sin. there's nothing we can do no life that we can live that is so good that will earn God's favor we need to admit we're sinners and then call out to Jesus Christ who will save us remember we need to jump into the arms of Jesus and he will catch you and he'll never drop you have you done that yet if not why don't you do it right now we're going to close with a word of prayer and I'm going to extend an invitation for anyone here, wherever you might be. If you've not yet asked Christ to come into your life, you can do it right now.

Jesus says he stands at the door of your life and he knocks and if you hear his voice and open the door, he will come in. If you've not asked him to come into your life, do it now. Let's pray. Father, thank you for sending Jesus and Lord Jesus, thank you for coming. And now I pray for any person who has not yet jumped into your open arms, any person who has not yet put their faith in you and believed in you, help them to come to you now and enter into this relationship with you.

We commit each one to you now.

Now when our heads are bowed and our eyes are closed and we're praying, if you want Jesus Christ to come into your life, if you want him to forgive you of your sin, if you want to know that you will go to heaven when you die, if you want to be ready for his return why don't you just pray this prayer with me just pray these words Lord Jesus I know that I'm a sinner but I know that you're the Savior who was born in that manger who died on the cross who rose from the dead come into my life now I choose to follow you from this moment forward in Jesus name I pray Amen An important prayer on this important day for so many who are making a decision for the Lord. Pastor Greg Laurie, leading listeners in prayer today here on A New Beginning. And if you've just prayed that prayer, we want to be the first to welcome you into the family of God. And you may have some questions as you begin living the life of faith.

Well, Pastor Greg answers many of the typical questions new believers ask as a part of the study helps in his New Believers Bible. We'd like to send you a copy free of charge to help you get started walking with the Lord.

So ask for the New Believers Bible when you call 1-800-821-3300. That's 1-800-821-3300. or go online to harvest.org and click Know God. You know, Pastor Greg, we hear from people all the time who tell us how these daily studies have impacted their lives.

So many have found the Lord and been encouraged through this teaching. That's right. And we hope our listeners might pray about making an investment so these studies can continue. Yeah, it's really true, Dave. You know, and even a little bit helps.

You know, people need to hear the gospel so badly. They need to hear the teaching of the Word of God. It changes everything because it changes us. And I'm so passionate about it, and I'm called to do it, and I'm thankful for it, but I can't do it alone.

So I'm going to ask folks that are listening, if you think more people need to hear the gospel, if you believe more people need to hear the teaching of the Word of God, then preferably consider investing in Harvest Ministries and maybe even become a Harvest partner, which means you're someone who stands with us every month in your faithful giving, and that opens up a lot of new opportunities for us.

So, thanks for that. Yeah, that's right. And we really are thankful for your partnership. You can reach us anytime, day or night, at 1-800-821-3300. That's 1-800-821-3300.

or just go online to harvest.org.

Well, next time we're in the front row of an evangelism conference in Spokane, Washington as Pastor Greg brings insights on practicing evangelism Jesus style.

Well, thanks for joining Pastor Greg and me on this special day. Merry Christmas from all of us here at Harvest Ministries and a new beginning. This is the day, the day when life begins. you