PODCAST
The Redeemer Will Return
January 10th, 2014
Isaiah 59:12-21
Ezekiel saw the glory of God depart from the temple because of the persistent sinfulness of the people of Israel (Ezek. 10). But he predicted that in the future the glory would return. Such promises became a part of Israel’s hope that God would return to His people when they repented and kept the law. Malachi also proclaimed this hope: “. . . suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple” (3:1).
By the time Jesus was born the Jews were still aware that God had not as yet returned to His temple. The whole of Jesus’ ministry was designed to announce that God was now fulfilling His promise and returning to His people. That is why His message was first to Israel, calling them to repentance. But there was a major difference! When the chosen ones failed to recognize His coming and rejected His call, His church became the new temple in which and to which God returned. The climactic moment came on the day of Pentecost when all the Old Testament hopes of the Redeemer’s return were realized. Whenever His people are open to the Spirit’s indwelling, the promise is fulfilled.
Author: H. Ray Dunning
