Advent Day 18: Waiting for Payday

People have been praying for revenge ever since November 23, 2013 revealed to an aghast world the lifeless and mutilated body of my brother. A few weeks later, a video showing the two alleged killers was released on Youtube and I was once again reminded of the fleeting nature of earthly joys. I expected the video to satisfy my desire to see earthly justice done in light of all the wrongs committed against my brother. The video ended leaving me utterly dissatisfied.

As I think of Advent today, my mind turns to the truth of Scripture -- Joy is not found in circumstances; it is found in the Coming One whose name is Jesus. Still waiting for closure as far as the legal system is concerned, I now realize no punishment the authorities choose to inflict upon the alleged killers could ever deposit lasting joy into my heart. Yet, joy, true joy is offered freely to all -- including Simon's alleged killers. The apostle Paul reminds us,

“For the wages of sin is death, 

but the free gift of God is eternal life 

in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

Rom 6:23, ESV

For several years as I celebrated Christmas, the word “wages” played a regrettable role in that it led me to measure my merriment by the size of my paycheck. Yet, upon receiving Paul's reminder, it occurs to me that death IS the paycheck, the wages reserved for every rebellious act -- be it voluntary or casual. Every stolen fruit, every act of rudeness, every ounce of pride intensifies the fact that I am on death row waiting for my execution. My scores of sins are akin to the menial tasks I often perform at work; they have earned me the right to receive my due payment, which is eternal separation from God.

Yet, despite this dreadful anticipation, my heavenly Father upturns my expectancy by promising a gift that is extremely rare, precious, costly, and completely undeserved. He offers me a Coming King who alone is able to grab death, the impostor, by the collar and overpower the ugly head of sin with His immense love – the undeserved gift of love housed in Jesus.

What am I to do with this uncommon gift? 

I am to take refuge in Christ and accept the wondrous offering of His grace. I am to pray on behalf of my brother's offenders that they too will accept the Father's gift. I am overcome with joy and humbly choose the pathway of gratitude. I can celebrate the coming of Christ in a new way, a deeper way.

Indeed, God has changed my sense of expectancy from that of trepidation to one of confidence because of the promise of His coming. The single act of the arrival of baby Jesus on earth symbolizes a notice that cancels my death sentence replacing it with the assurance of untold treasures. His Advent changed my position from eternal death to eternal life. 

So, here I come and bow my heart in adoration because the Ruler, the King, the Savior is come!