Faithful Expectation

“I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come forth out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel.”- Numbers 24: 17

The season of Advent is upon us. The new liturgical year has begun. In tenth grade Scriptures class, we had the opportunity to discuss the passage above this week. About 1,500 years before the coming of Christ, an unexpected prophet on the plains of Moab was commissioned to curse the fledgling nation of Israel as it made its way toward the Promised Land. However that prophet, Balaam, was unable to curse them. God would not let him. Instead he pronounced four blessings and the final blessing included a prophecy about the "start that shall come forth out of Jacob."

I will never tire of contemplating the profound reality that the all powerful Creator of the universe has been intimately bound up with the history of the world from the beginning. The scriptures detail the way in which this God has chosen to lead humanity back to Him. It also reveals a great deal about the character of God. Scripture study is all about getting to know this fascinating God who speaks through prophets, provides signs and wonders, watches over, guides, and nurtures His creatures. There is no doubt that the epic story of God's mission of salvation that is preserved in the Bible is totally captivating. It has been capturing the hearts of believers since the dawn of civilization.

This truth - that God is fascinating, astounding, bold, and enthralling - is most evident in the story of the birth of Christ. Few hearts can fail to be touched by the God who chose to be born in poverty and held by human hands! God became vulnerable, helpless, and utterly dependent on a lowly young couple in an insignificant little town. This God is worth getting to know. This God is worth loving with my whole heart and my whole life. Advent is the ever-new season in which we can keep our eyes fixed on the horizon of eternity, watching for the return of this great King of Kings.

Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus!

- Mr. McMenaman, Admissions Director & Theology Teacher