Great Days in History

        1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

            Today is “Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.”  In 1941, when most of the world was at war, the United States was trying to stay out of the conflict.  On December seventh, the Japanese navy conducted a surprise attack on U.S. naval and army forces in Hawaii.  The next day, the United States officially entered World War II.  The lives of every American alive at that time were severely impacted.  The fallout and effects from the events of that day are still being felt in our time.

            There were many days in the history of mankind which contained monumental events.  The Bible speaks of five of the most significant.  One is yet to happen.

            The birth of Jesus Christ: Prophesied from the very beginning in the garden, the birth of the Son of God as Savior of the world came about when God had everything in place.  His desire for all people to have life eternal would be fulfilled through the life, ministry and death of His only begotten Son.

            The baptism of Jesus: Many people overlook this day, but when Jesus was baptized by John, He unabashedly identified with sinful humanity and officially began His work to free us from the iron grip of Satan.  His Father openly acknowledged Him on that day.

            The crucifixion of Jesus: This was a dark day for the human race with its wickedness on full display.  Jesus’ own people railroaded Him in a rigged trial and pressured Pilate to yield to their wishes to execute Him by crucifixion, a grisly death.  This all despite the fact that Jesus was innocent of any law-breaking, either Mosaic or Roman.

            The resurrection of Jesus: This was a day of victory!  Despite its gruesome aspects, Jesus’ death was actually the sacrifice of the Son of God for the sins of the world.  He came back from the dead on this day in triumph over Satan, death and Hades.

            The return of Jesus: Jesus will return at the end of the age to reward His own and take them to be with Him.  What a great day that will be!  Jesus’ enemies and unbelievers will be condemned to eternal destruction.  A sad day for them.

            Do I even have to ask?  Are you ready?

                                                            ><>  Jeff