Live in Hope of His Return
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | November 9, 2023 | Nehemiah 3:29-30
KEY VERSE:
After them Zadok the son of Immer made repairs in front of his own house. After him Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, made repairs. Nehemiah 3:29 (NJKV)
MESSAGE
The East Gate of Jerusalem is also called the Golden Gate or the Beautiful Gate (Acts 3:2). In Hebrew, it is, the “Gate of Mercy.” When Jesus entered Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives in Matthew 21, it is believed that He entered through the East Gate. The East Gate faces the rising sun and is the gate of hope. It is the gate of anticipation of what is yet to come when all the trials of life and all the struggles of the earth will end, and the glorious new sun will rise on the new day of God.
The East Gate symbolizes the Coming of Christ and reminds us to look forward to that event. Our salvation hopes that Christ will return for the Church and have victory over Satan and the world. We should be living our lives in anticipation of that day. This gate reminds us that Jesus Christ will return soon and we must be ready always. For our Christian life, it shows us our need to live with this hope and to long for His return.
Living in hope of Christ's return is an essential aspect of the Christian faith. It is a source of comfort, encouragement, and motivation as believers eagerly await His second coming. Living in hope of Christ's return begins with a strong, unwavering faith in Him. Regularly study and meditate on the Scriptures to deepen your understanding of His promises and the signs of His coming. Faith empowers you to endure in hope, even during difficult times. Preparing for Christ's return involves living a life that reflects His teachings. Strive for holiness, righteousness, and moral purity. 1 Peter 1:16 reminds us to be holy because God is holy. A holy life aligns you with God's will and prepares your heart for His return.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE
The journey of faith and hope can be long and challenging. James 5:7 encourages us to be patient as we wait for the Lord's return. Remember that He is faithful to His promises, and our endurance in hope will be rewarded. In times of doubt or discouragement, remember that as the East Gate faces the rising of the sun, there shall definitely be a new glorious dawn.
PRAYER
Thank You for the promise of Christ's return, a hope that sustains us through all trials and tribulations. In a world filled with uncertainty, I look to You as my source of unwavering hope. Help me to keep my eyes fixed on the eternal glory that awaits us in Christ. May we live with eager anticipation and unwavering faith, knowing that He will come again. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen!
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS. SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: EAST GATE
In Hebrew: "שַׁעַר הַמִּזְרָח" - "Sha'ar Hamizrach" literally means the "East Gate."
Significance of the East Gate
Strategic Location: The East Gate held significant importance due to its strategic location. In many ancient cultures, including Hebrew, the east was often associated with the source of light and the rising sun, symbolizing a new day or beginning.
Symbolic Meaning: The repair of the East Gate symbolizes the restoration of a crucial entry point. The gatekeepers and those responsible for its repair played a vital role in safeguarding the city from potential threats approaching from the east.
Cultural and Religious Significance: In Hebrew culture, the east is often linked with divine revelations. Repairing the East Gate could also carry a symbolic meaning of restoring a spiritual entrance or connection, emphasizing the importance of spiritual vigilance and protection.
Lessons about the East Gate
Spiritual Significance: The repair of the East Gate invites reflection on our role as guardians of the spiritual dawn. Are we actively engaged in restoring and safeguarding spiritual gateways in our lives and communities?
New Beginnings: Just as the east symbolizes the dawn of a new day, the repair of the East Gate signifies opportunities for new beginnings and spiritual restoration.
Reflections:
How can we actively participate in repairing and guarding the spiritual gateways in our lives, symbolized by the East Gate, to embrace new beginnings and ensure spiritual protection?
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