Past and Present  

The first chapter of Luke’s gospel has to be one of the most exciting passages in the Bible. Not only does it give us the account of John’s (the Baptist) miraculous birth, but it also describes both his ministry and the future ministry ushering in the second coming of Christ. The entire passage is replete with tremendous hope and promise for the current generation of elderly believers. Let’s unpack this awesome Scripture and see where it leads us.

I can’t help but take notice of Zechariah’s faithfulness in prayer. It reminded me of the parable Jesus would later teach suggesting the disciples should always pray and not lose heart (Lk 18:1). In their advanced age, Zechariah was still praying for a son. Yet when the angel came to confirm his prayer was being answered, he doubted. Later, in talking with Mary, the angel Gabriel concretized this issue when he said, “For nothing will be impossible with God.” These words should be indelibly etched in the hearts of all true believers.

Concerning the nature of the Lord’s message in Luke 1, I think what the disciple John recorded for the seven churches in Rev. 1 is apropos: “Grace and peace to you from the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come.” Luke 1 is not simply a historical account relating the birth and ministry of John the Baptist, it is depicting a ministry that will also be executed during the second coming of Christ just as it was at his first coming. 

Before I go any further, I want to explain something regarding what I believe about the second coming of Christ. I do not believe we are going to literally see Christ manifested as an individual coming in the sky. That concept should challenge any serious believer’s credulity. When Jesus comes to Jerusalem, he is coming to the new Jerusalem, to The Church of Jesus Christ. Clearly, Jesus is coming in his people. As it says in 1John 3:2, “Beloved, now we are the children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” And another scripture that comes to mind is Colossians 3:4, “When Christ who is our life appears, then you also shall appear with Him in glory.”

The present day John the Baptist ministry must be seen in this context. Any serious study of the Bible has to reveal the earnestness of God’s heart to have residence with his people. Exodus 25:8 exemplifies this truth: “Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them.” Jesus made a point of telling his disciples of the imperativeness of his going to the Father that they might be filled with his Holy Spirit: “But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the Advocate won’t come” (John 16:7 NLT.

The principal aspect of John’s ministry was preparing people to receive Christ. This was not meant to be simply an intellectual acknowledgment of who Jesus was, and it was never intended to develop some kind of cult-like ritual that people would rotely follow. Receiving Christ meant dying to self, taking up one’s cross, and following Jesus. It meant embracing what he taught and lived. The essence of John’s ministry is just as valid and necessary for the second coming of Christ as it was for the first. We are going to see the same characteristics apparent in Jesus’ second coming as we saw in the first.

 What the Lord will be doing as Jesus returns will be totally supernatural. Amazingly,everything about John’s birth and ministry was this way also. We are not fundamentally accustomed to functioning in a supernatural environment. But if you are part of “The Company of the Committed,” (to cite Elton Trueblood), you should expectantly anticipate experiencing this dimension with the second coming of Christ. I think we are going to see things take place in our lives for which there is no logical explanation and then we will conclude we have seen the Lord at work.

There is another interesting aspect of this last-days’ ministry. The ministers are not going to be drawn from well known and established names and ministries. They are going to be raised from the host of overlooked, neglected, rejected, forgotten, persons of absolute obscurity. In other words, this ministry will be raised out of those who recognize they are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. They will be characterized by humility, purity of heart, mercy, and grace. They will hunger and thirst for righteousness and pursue justice. 

Unfortunately, there is a first century behavior which manifests just as profoundly today as it did then. Those who appeared to have the greatest spiritual knowledge, insight, and understanding were the very people who most resisted and persecuted the initial coming of Christ. 

As we anticipate Jesus’ second coming, history will repeat itself just as fervently. This is a strange phenomenon as true as it is. I don’t believe it will be the mega churches who will primarily usher in the second coming but rather the seemingly insignificant little fellowships. These are the small groups of believers who celebrate in relative obscurity. They are without official buildings and names, they have no denominational affiliation, and they are not differentiated by a set of distinguishing features defining them as a particular congregation. They are more distinguished by their commitment to build one another up in Christ. They are more concerned with living out the reality in Christ than with keeping up a set of rules and regulations. 

Jesus confirmed the John the Baptist ministry in Luke 7:27 when he said, “John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say, Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.’” This is exactly what is taking place as true followers practice living out the life of Christ.

Finally, this is a ministry born out in the wilderness. People who are called into this ministry are systematically stripped of relationships which could in some measure hinder or impair their spiritual preparation. This is a dynamic which often throws many faithful believers for a loop. Those who thrive on fellowship are frequently deprived of this very thing. However, separation from others can mean even greater union with God. Ultimately, it comes down to whether or not we are willing to pay the cost. 

Remember, the enemy of our souls will attempt to bring despondent thoughts and situations into our lives. He will continually try to dissuade and discourage us from pursuing the very thing to which we are called. Zechariah showed us the results of effective, fervent, prayer in the face of what appeared to be impossible circumstances. Jesus is coming again to establish his kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. Many of us are going to rule and reign with him. I want to be part of that company. I intend to be part of that company. May this be the hymn of our commitment…

I Surrender All

All to Jesus I surrender 

All to him I freely give 

I will ever love and trust him 

In His presence daily live