Historically, so much of Advent – “God with Us,” – was unexpected.
ln this passage, it is clear that the priests, the captain of the Temple and the Sadducees did not expect the Messiah to come in the “Jesus style.” Peter excused their ignorance but admonished them that it was now “time to repent” and “be converted,” so that “times of refreshment,” “restoration,” and the hope of “resurrection” might happen and be experienced personally for themselves.
He comes in unexpected Ways . . .
The unexpected home of Jesus was Nazareth not Bethlehem,
The unexpected base of His ministry was Galilee not Jerusalem,
The unexpected people were Gentiles, not Jews only.
He came as a “lamb slain” not as the prophet Elijah.
Jesus came as a babe not as an Emperor.
We too can miss the meaning of the Advent season – “God with us.”
However, God the Holy Spirit is very creative!
He comes to us in moments of our business,
our thoughtlessness,
our preoccupation with “many things,”
as well in moments of despair and loneliness.
He comes for us to know
His presence,
His precious joy.
His peace, and His comfort.
Let’s take time to embrace the “unexpected” Lord Jesus – our Savior!
Richard Lewis
Richard Lewis has been a member of Trinity since 2000; Carla since 2004, where they met and married in 2011. Richard has two daughters, Sherri Peach and Shauna Goodwin, and one son, Kerry, and four grandsons. He has taught at Nazarene Bible College (1980-2023); been in private counseling practice for 36 years; and lead teacher of New Beginnings Class at Trinity Church. Hobbies include model trains.
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