God Entered His Story

The Exodus was an amazing display of The Exodus was an amazing display of power and love. The giving of the law, power and love. The giving of the law, power and love. The giving of the law, the wandering in the wilderness, the the wandering in the wilderness, the the wandering in the wilderness, the conquest of Canaan, the rise of the conquest of Canaan, the rise of the conquest of Canaan, the rise of the monarchy, the prophetic word, great monarchy, the prophetic word, great monarchy, the prophetic word, great demonstrations of the power of God along demonstrations of the power of God along demonstrations of the power of God along the river of redemptive history. the river of redemptive history. the river of redemptive history. But, don't align Christmas But, don't align Christmas But, don't align Christmas on the same continuum on the same continuum on the same continuum with those great events. We trivialize with those great events. We trivialize with those great events. We trivialize the incarnation if we make it just the incarnation if we make it just the incarnation if we make it just another stage along the way another stage along the way another stage along the way to the end. to the end. to the end. >> We shouldn't think of the incarnation as >> We shouldn't think of the incarnation as >> We shouldn't think of the incarnation as merely one more example of divine merely one more example of divine merely one more example of divine intervention into the course of history. intervention into the course of history. intervention into the course of history. It's so much more than that. The It's so much more than that. The It's so much more than that. The incarnation is God himself actually incarnation is God himself actually incarnation is God himself actually entering into history. entering into history. entering into history. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. I'm your host, Dan Cruver. In this episode of Light and Truth, John In this episode of Light and Truth, John In this episode of Light and Truth, John Piper shows that the incarnation is not Piper shows that the incarnation is not Piper shows that the incarnation is not merely another mighty act of God, but merely another mighty act of God, but merely another mighty act of God, but the coming of God himself into the the coming of God himself into the the coming of God himself into the [music] world he made.

[music] world he made. [music] world he made. This message was originally delivered at This message was originally delivered at This message was originally delivered at Bethlehem Baptist Church on [music] Bethlehem Baptist Church on [music] Bethlehem Baptist Church on [music] December 20th, 1981. >> This morning's message is the final >> This morning's message is the final message in the series on redemptive message in the series on redemptive message in the series on redemptive history that we began history that we began history that we began back on October 4th. And what I want to back on October 4th. And what I want to back on October 4th. And what I want to do this morning is try to gather it all do this morning is try to gather it all do this morning is try to gather it all together together together into one into one into one and show how the incarnation and show how the incarnation and show how the incarnation is the climax and in a very real sense is the climax and in a very real sense is the climax and in a very real sense the end the end the end of that history that we've been looking of that history that we've been looking of that history that we've been looking at beginning with creation. at beginning with creation. at beginning with creation. Isn't it one of the most captivating Isn't it one of the most captivating Isn't it one of the most captivating things about Christmas that the cosmic things about Christmas that the cosmic things about Christmas that the cosmic business business business of Jesus Christ began with a babe in a of Jesus Christ began with a babe in a of Jesus Christ began with a babe in a manger? manger? manger? That fascinates us, doesn't it? That's That fascinates us, doesn't it? That's That fascinates us, doesn't it? That's the way God is. He always seems to act the way God is. He always seems to act the way God is. He always seems to act that way lest any man should boast that way lest any man should boast that way lest any man should boast and give the glory to man rather than to and give the glory to man rather than to and give the glory to man rather than to God.

God. God. God aims to redeem the whole creation God aims to redeem the whole creation God aims to redeem the whole creation and make it a people and make it a people and make it a people who are not rebellious anymore, but who who are not rebellious anymore, but who who are not rebellious anymore, but who are full of joy and faith. And he begins are full of joy and faith. And he begins are full of joy and faith. And he begins this grand plan of redemption with this this grand plan of redemption with this this grand plan of redemption with this imperfect, solitary, imperfect, solitary, imperfect, solitary, wandering Aramean whose wife is barren. wandering Aramean whose wife is barren. wandering Aramean whose wife is barren. And then from that man and woman he And then from that man and woman he And then from that man and woman he makes a great nation, Israel, named makes a great nation, Israel, named makes a great nation, Israel, named after Abraham's grandson who is the after Abraham's grandson who is the after Abraham's grandson who is the father of the 12 tribal patriarchs. father of the 12 tribal patriarchs. father of the 12 tribal patriarchs. And God begins to go to work now on this And God begins to go to work now on this And God begins to go to work now on this people and to make this people into a people and to make this people into a people and to make this people into a lesson book for all the nations of the lesson book for all the nations of the lesson book for all the nations of the world to read and to understand how world to read and to understand how world to read and to understand how salvation is coming. salvation is coming. salvation is coming. Then after centuries of bondage in Then after centuries of bondage in Then after centuries of bondage in Egypt, God extends his hand and with an Egypt, God extends his hand and with an Egypt, God extends his hand and with an unbridled display of glory exerts his unbridled display of glory exerts his unbridled display of glory exerts his power for deliverance at the Red Sea.

power for deliverance at the Red Sea. power for deliverance at the Red Sea. Fear not, stand firm and see the Fear not, stand firm and see the Fear not, stand firm and see the salvation that the Lord will work for salvation that the Lord will work for salvation that the Lord will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you you today. For the Egyptians whom you you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you will never see again. see today, you will never see again. see today, you will never see again. Rather, the Lord will fight for you and Rather, the Lord will fight for you and Rather, the Lord will fight for you and you have only to be still. you have only to be still. you have only to be still. You know, with just a few changes in the You know, with just a few changes in the You know, with just a few changes in the wording, that's exactly what the angels wording, that's exactly what the angels wording, that's exactly what the angels said said said Christmas night, wasn't it? Christmas night, wasn't it? Christmas night, wasn't it? Fear not, I bring you good tidings of Fear not, I bring you good tidings of Fear not, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all the great joy which will be to all the great joy which will be to all the peoples, for to you this day is born in peoples, for to you this day is born in peoples, for to you this day is born in the city of David a savior, a deliverer, the city of David a savior, a deliverer, the city of David a savior, a deliverer, a Red Sea splitter. a Red Sea splitter. a Red Sea splitter. And all you need to do is trust him. And all you need to do is trust him. And all you need to do is trust him. And that's no mere coincidence between And that's no mere coincidence between And that's no mere coincidence between the word of the people at the Red Sea the word of the people at the Red Sea the word of the people at the Red Sea and the word of the angels because and the word of the angels because and the word of the angels because everything that God was doing in Israel everything that God was doing in Israel everything that God was doing in Israel was pointing forward was pointing forward was pointing forward to the Messiah who was to come and to to the Messiah who was to come and to to the Messiah who was to come and to the righteousness of faith that can be the righteousness of faith that can be the righteousness of faith that can be had through him. Let me give you some had through him. Let me give you some had through him. Let me give you some examples of how they pointed forward.

examples of how they pointed forward. examples of how they pointed forward. When they came to Mount Sinai and the When they came to Mount Sinai and the When they came to Mount Sinai and the law was given, the basic reason was to law was given, the basic reason was to law was given, the basic reason was to simply show how people who have faith in simply show how people who have faith in simply show how people who have faith in the God of the Exodus will act. the God of the Exodus will act. the God of the Exodus will act. That's all the law was is to demonstrate That's all the law was is to demonstrate That's all the law was is to demonstrate what the obedience of faith looked like. what the obedience of faith looked like. what the obedience of faith looked like. The law did not demand that people try The law did not demand that people try The law did not demand that people try to earn their way into God's favor to earn their way into God's favor to earn their way into God's favor through works. through works. through works. What it did was say, "Depend wholly on What it did was say, "Depend wholly on What it did was say, "Depend wholly on his mercy and bear the fruits of his mercy and bear the fruits of his mercy and bear the fruits of repentance." It called for the obedience repentance." It called for the obedience repentance." It called for the obedience of faith and it provided atonement for of faith and it provided atonement for of faith and it provided atonement for sin. It didn't demand that you had to be sin. It didn't demand that you had to be sin. It didn't demand that you had to be perfect in order to be saved any more perfect in order to be saved any more perfect in order to be saved any more than the gospel demands perfection. than the gospel demands perfection. than the gospel demands perfection. Otherwise, there would have been no need Otherwise, there would have been no need Otherwise, there would have been no need for all those sacrificial lambs for all those sacrificial lambs for all those sacrificial lambs by which by which by which forgiveness was mediated. And all of forgiveness was mediated. And all of forgiveness was mediated. And all of those things, the call for faith and the those things, the call for faith and the those things, the call for faith and the sacrificial system were pointing forward sacrificial system were pointing forward sacrificial system were pointing forward to the day when there would be a to the day when there would be a to the day when there would be a redeemer who would come and whose death redeemer who would come and whose death redeemer who would come and whose death would fulfill all those sacrifices and would fulfill all those sacrifices and would fulfill all those sacrifices and end them end them end them and would be believed on and received by and would be believed on and received by and would be believed on and received by faith alone.

faith alone. faith alone. Then they wandered in the wilderness and Then they wandered in the wilderness and Then they wandered in the wilderness and God showed them that there he could God showed them that there he could God showed them that there he could spread a table for them when there was spread a table for them when there was spread a table for them when there was no food at all and that therefore they no food at all and that therefore they no food at all and that therefore they should trust him to meet all their should trust him to meet all their should trust him to meet all their needs. The manna he provided was like a needs. The manna he provided was like a needs. The manna he provided was like a foreshadowing foreshadowing foreshadowing of the bread that comes down from heaven of the bread that comes down from heaven of the bread that comes down from heaven from God, Jesus Christ, the bread of the from God, Jesus Christ, the bread of the from God, Jesus Christ, the bread of the world. And remember the time that they world. And remember the time that they world. And remember the time that they set up the serpent on that post when the set up the serpent on that post when the set up the serpent on that post when the people had rebelled so that if they people had rebelled so that if they people had rebelled so that if they looked at it they could be healed. And looked at it they could be healed. And looked at it they could be healed. And John says that's a prefiguring of the John says that's a prefiguring of the John says that's a prefiguring of the day that Christ would be hung on the day that Christ would be hung on the day that Christ would be hung on the cross so that we could look to him and cross so that we could look to him and cross so that we could look to him and be saved. And all their testings in the be saved. And all their testings in the be saved. And all their testings in the wilderness pointed forward to the day wilderness pointed forward to the day wilderness pointed forward to the day when the Messiah would be tested in the when the Messiah would be tested in the when the Messiah would be tested in the wilderness yet without sin. And then wilderness yet without sin. And then wilderness yet without sin. And then when they crossed the Jordan into the when they crossed the Jordan into the when they crossed the Jordan into the promised land and enjoyed rest from all promised land and enjoyed rest from all promised land and enjoyed rest from all the nations, it was a partial the nations, it was a partial the nations, it was a partial fulfillment of the promise to Abraham. fulfillment of the promise to Abraham. fulfillment of the promise to Abraham. But those sensitive readers of the Old But those sensitive readers of the Old But those sensitive readers of the Old Testament like the writer to the Testament like the writer to the Testament like the writer to the Hebrews, they saw this is an imperfect Hebrews, they saw this is an imperfect Hebrews, they saw this is an imperfect rest. And since it's an imperfect rest, rest. And since it's an imperfect rest, rest. And since it's an imperfect rest, it must be it must be it must be pointing beyond, a kind of type of a pointing beyond, a kind of type of a pointing beyond, a kind of type of a rest that is yet to come when the one rest that is yet to come when the one rest that is yet to come when the one who offers rest for our souls who offers rest for our souls who offers rest for our souls comes. A better country, a city whose comes. A better country, a city whose comes. A better country, a city whose builder and maker is God. A Sabbath rest builder and maker is God. A Sabbath rest builder and maker is God. A Sabbath rest for the people of the savior in his for the people of the savior in his for the people of the savior in his kingdom.

kingdom. kingdom. And then the monarchy was established. And then the monarchy was established. And then the monarchy was established. To be sure through awfully evil motives, To be sure through awfully evil motives, To be sure through awfully evil motives, but God in his sovereign grace turns it but God in his sovereign grace turns it but God in his sovereign grace turns it for good and promises that through this for good and promises that through this for good and promises that through this line line line the Messiah is going to come who will the Messiah is going to come who will the Messiah is going to come who will redeem all the evil that brought that redeem all the evil that brought that redeem all the evil that brought that very kingdom very kingdom very kingdom into existence. into existence. into existence. All the history of Israel from Abraham All the history of Israel from Abraham All the history of Israel from Abraham right on is a great lesson book for the right on is a great lesson book for the right on is a great lesson book for the nations, a great pointer forward. The nations, a great pointer forward. The nations, a great pointer forward. The lesson lesson lesson in a word that it wants to teach is in a word that it wants to teach is in a word that it wants to teach is this. this. this. God the creator owns God the creator owns God the creator owns and rules all things. And he aims to and rules all things. And he aims to and rules all things. And he aims to subdue the rebellion of creation subdue the rebellion of creation subdue the rebellion of creation and be glorified in an obedient and and be glorified in an obedient and and be glorified in an obedient and joyful people who forsake self-reliance joyful people who forsake self-reliance joyful people who forsake self-reliance and trust in him like little children. and trust in him like little children. and trust in him like little children. They can't earn his favor through works They can't earn his favor through works They can't earn his favor through works of the law. They can only trust in him of the law. They can only trust in him of the law. They can only trust in him for righteousness. And someday he was to for righteousness. And someday he was to for righteousness. And someday he was to bring them a righteous branch for David, bring them a righteous branch for David, bring them a righteous branch for David, whose name would be the Lord whose name would be the Lord whose name would be the Lord is our righteousness.

is our righteousness. is our righteousness. Now, Now, Now, the next thing that God did in the next thing that God did in the next thing that God did in redemptive history redemptive history redemptive history took everybody off guard. Only a few people who were most Only a few people who were most sensitive to the sensitive to the sensitive to the heart of the Old Testament heart of the Old Testament heart of the Old Testament could begin to fathom what God did next. could begin to fathom what God did next. could begin to fathom what God did next. What he did was split What he did was split What he did was split the coming of the Messiah into two the coming of the Messiah into two the coming of the Messiah into two comings comings comings with 2,000 years with 2,000 years with 2,000 years in between. Unimaginable in between. Unimaginable in between. Unimaginable for any Jew in the first century. for any Jew in the first century. for any Jew in the first century. Unheard of. Unheard of. Unheard of. It was incomprehensible for the Jews of It was incomprehensible for the Jews of It was incomprehensible for the Jews of Jesus' day what God did at Christmas Jesus' day what God did at Christmas Jesus' day what God did at Christmas time. The Old Testament prophets had not time. The Old Testament prophets had not time. The Old Testament prophets had not been told by God been told by God been told by God how all the things they were predicting how all the things they were predicting how all the things they were predicting fit together in time. fit together in time. fit together in time. 1 Peter 1:10 says this, "The prophets 1 Peter 1:10 says this, "The prophets 1 Peter 1:10 says this, "The prophets who prophesied concerning the grace that who prophesied concerning the grace that who prophesied concerning the grace that is coming to you sought out and searched is coming to you sought out and searched is coming to you sought out and searched out about this salvation, searching into out about this salvation, searching into out about this salvation, searching into which or what sort of time the Spirit of which or what sort of time the Spirit of which or what sort of time the Spirit of Christ was revealing in them as they Christ was revealing in them as they Christ was revealing in them as they testified beforehand concerning the testified beforehand concerning the testified beforehand concerning the sufferings of Christ and the glories sufferings of Christ and the glories sufferings of Christ and the glories after them.

after them. after them. In other words, some prophets foresaw In other words, some prophets foresaw In other words, some prophets foresaw that there would be sufferings in the that there would be sufferings in the that there would be sufferings in the Messiah. That was unspeakable enough. Messiah. That was unspeakable enough. Messiah. That was unspeakable enough. And that there would be a revelation in And that there would be a revelation in And that there would be a revelation in glory, but what they weren't shown is glory, but what they weren't shown is glory, but what they weren't shown is how it fit together. Would it happen at how it fit together. Would it happen at how it fit together. Would it happen at the same time? Would one come before the the same time? Would one come before the the same time? Would one come before the other? Would they be separated in time? other? Would they be separated in time? other? Would they be separated in time? It's not there in the prophetic books It's not there in the prophetic books It's not there in the prophetic books because God chose not to reveal it to because God chose not to reveal it to because God chose not to reveal it to them. them. them. And what happens then in the New And what happens then in the New And what happens then in the New Testament is that God splits Testament is that God splits Testament is that God splits this expectation into two this expectation into two this expectation into two days. The first coming days. The first coming days. The first coming for the Messiah to suffer and die. The for the Messiah to suffer and die. The for the Messiah to suffer and die. The second coming for him to gather his second coming for him to gather his second coming for him to gather his redeemed people from all over the world redeemed people from all over the world redeemed people from all over the world into his kingdom and reign forever and into his kingdom and reign forever and into his kingdom and reign forever and ever. The Jews had expected one great ever. The Jews had expected one great ever. The Jews had expected one great day of the Lord, and the Old Testament day of the Lord, and the Old Testament day of the Lord, and the Old Testament gave rise to that expectation. gave rise to that expectation. gave rise to that expectation. The day would be the coming of the The day would be the coming of the The day would be the coming of the Messiah, the defeat of his enemies, the Messiah, the defeat of his enemies, the Messiah, the defeat of his enemies, the establishment of the kingdom, the establishment of the kingdom, the establishment of the kingdom, the sanctification of the people, the ruling sanctification of the people, the ruling sanctification of the people, the ruling for eternity in righteousness and peace.

for eternity in righteousness and peace. for eternity in righteousness and peace. But But But that isn't the way God did it. It was that isn't the way God did it. It was that isn't the way God did it. It was supposed to mean the end of this age and supposed to mean the end of this age and supposed to mean the end of this age and the beginning of the kingdom of God. the beginning of the kingdom of God. the beginning of the kingdom of God. It's no wonder then that when the It's no wonder then that when the It's no wonder then that when the disciples finally broke through to the disciples finally broke through to the disciples finally broke through to the ability to say, "You are the Messiah, ability to say, "You are the Messiah, ability to say, "You are the Messiah, the Son of God." the Son of God." the Son of God." And Jesus responded, "Yes. And Jesus responded, "Yes. And Jesus responded, "Yes. And the Son of Man must suffer many And the Son of Man must suffer many And the Son of Man must suffer many things things things and be rejected by the elders and the and be rejected by the elders and the and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be chief priests and the scribes and be chief priests and the scribes and be killed killed killed that they were utterly speechless. that they were utterly speechless. that they were utterly speechless. They could not fathom it. They could not fathom it. They could not fathom it. They were even afraid to ask him a They were even afraid to ask him a They were even afraid to ask him a question about it. How can you defeat question about it. How can you defeat question about it. How can you defeat your enemies? How can you establish the your enemies? How can you establish the your enemies? How can you establish the kingdom of God? How can you fulfill the kingdom of God? How can you fulfill the kingdom of God? How can you fulfill the promises if you're rejected by the promises if you're rejected by the promises if you're rejected by the people of God and killed like a common people of God and killed like a common people of God and killed like a common criminal? criminal? criminal? It's just unimaginable. It's just unimaginable. It's just unimaginable. It took them 3 years of instruction It took them 3 years of instruction It took them 3 years of instruction many resurrection appearances and the many resurrection appearances and the many resurrection appearances and the anointing of the Holy Spirit before the anointing of the Holy Spirit before the anointing of the Holy Spirit before the apostles finally could grasp that it was apostles finally could grasp that it was apostles finally could grasp that it was precisely precisely precisely through being rejected by the people and through being rejected by the people and through being rejected by the people and dying on the cross that God could defeat dying on the cross that God could defeat dying on the cross that God could defeat his enemies and establish his kingdom his enemies and establish his kingdom his enemies and establish his kingdom and fulfill the promises.

and fulfill the promises. and fulfill the promises. The meaning of Christmas was a total The meaning of Christmas was a total The meaning of Christmas was a total blur for some 30 years until the blur for some 30 years until the blur for some 30 years until the apostles broke through to the insight apostles broke through to the insight apostles broke through to the insight that oh that oh that oh this is the the first half of the final this is the the first half of the final this is the the first half of the final act of redemption and the second half act of redemption and the second half act of redemption and the second half will only come later. will only come later. will only come later. And when they finally saw that And when they finally saw that And when they finally saw that God counted them prepared to interpret God counted them prepared to interpret God counted them prepared to interpret Christmas for us and that's what they Christmas for us and that's what they Christmas for us and that's what they did in the New Testament interpreting did in the New Testament interpreting did in the New Testament interpreting the incarnation in view of the second the incarnation in view of the second the incarnation in view of the second coming. coming. coming. Now Now Now everything they wrote everything they wrote everything they wrote in their interpretation of the in their interpretation of the in their interpretation of the incarnation has a trademark about it. A incarnation has a trademark about it. A incarnation has a trademark about it. A very unusual trademark that stamps it as very unusual trademark that stamps it as very unusual trademark that stamps it as apostolic. apostolic. apostolic. The words of the apostles. The words of the apostles. The words of the apostles. The trademark The trademark The trademark is that is that is that even though even though even though the apostles looked forward the apostles looked forward the apostles looked forward to the second appearance of the coming to the second appearance of the coming to the second appearance of the coming of the Messiah, they nevertheless called of the Messiah, they nevertheless called of the Messiah, they nevertheless called the first appearing of the Messiah the first appearing of the Messiah the first appearing of the Messiah the end of the ages.

the end of the ages. the end of the ages. History ended at Christmas. History ended at Christmas. History ended at Christmas. That's the trademark of the apostles. That's the trademark of the apostles. That's the trademark of the apostles. They do not treat Christmas as just They do not treat Christmas as just They do not treat Christmas as just another bend in the river of redemptive another bend in the river of redemptive another bend in the river of redemptive history. history. history. With Christmas comes the end. Let me With Christmas comes the end. Let me With Christmas comes the end. Let me show you some examples of where this show you some examples of where this show you some examples of where this trademark is found. In 1 Corinthians trademark is found. In 1 Corinthians trademark is found. In 1 Corinthians 10:11, the Apostle Paul says that all 10:11, the Apostle Paul says that all 10:11, the Apostle Paul says that all the events of the Old Testament the events of the Old Testament the events of the Old Testament happened to them as a warning. happened to them as a warning. happened to them as a warning. But they were written down for our But they were written down for our But they were written down for our instruction, upon whom the end of the instruction, upon whom the end of the instruction, upon whom the end of the ages has come. ages has come. ages has come. That's Paul speaking 2,000 years ago. That's Paul speaking 2,000 years ago. That's Paul speaking 2,000 years ago. The end of the ages has fallen upon us. The end of the ages has fallen upon us. The end of the ages has fallen upon us. The Apostle Peter, do you remember what The Apostle Peter, do you remember what The Apostle Peter, do you remember what he said when he stood up on Pentecost to he said when he stood up on Pentecost to he said when he stood up on Pentecost to interpret what was happening in the fall interpret what was happening in the fall interpret what was happening in the fall of the Holy Spirit? He said, quoting of the Holy Spirit? He said, quoting of the Holy Spirit? He said, quoting Joel, Joel, Joel, "This is what was spoken by the prophet "This is what was spoken by the prophet "This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel in the last days, it shall be, God Joel in the last days, it shall be, God Joel in the last days, it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my declares, that I will pour out my declares, that I will pour out my spirit."

spirit." spirit." Those were the last days. Those were the last days. Those were the last days. Again, the Apostle Peter in his first Again, the Apostle Peter in his first Again, the Apostle Peter in his first letter letter letter wrote in the text that was read earlier wrote in the text that was read earlier wrote in the text that was read earlier in chapter 1 verse 20 that Christ was in chapter 1 verse 20 that Christ was in chapter 1 verse 20 that Christ was destined before the foundation of the destined before the foundation of the destined before the foundation of the world, but was made manifest at the end world, but was made manifest at the end world, but was made manifest at the end of the times of the times of the times for our sake. for our sake. for our sake. Manifest at the end of the times. The Manifest at the end of the times. The Manifest at the end of the times. The appearing of Jesus at Christmas marked appearing of Jesus at Christmas marked appearing of Jesus at Christmas marked the end of the times or as Paul called the end of the times or as Paul called the end of the times or as Paul called it the end of the ages. it the end of the ages. it the end of the ages. One other text One other text One other text from Hebrews 9:26 from Hebrews 9:26 from Hebrews 9:26 which is especially important because which is especially important because which is especially important because here the two comings of the Messiah are here the two comings of the Messiah are here the two comings of the Messiah are held side by side and still the first held side by side and still the first held side by side and still the first one one one is called the end. is called the end. is called the end. Hebrews 9:26, "Christ has appeared once Hebrews 9:26, "Christ has appeared once Hebrews 9:26, "Christ has appeared once for all at the end of the age for all at the end of the age for all at the end of the age to put away sin by the sacrifice of to put away sin by the sacrifice of to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself and just as it is appointed himself and just as it is appointed himself and just as it is appointed under men once to die and after that the under men once to die and after that the under men once to die and after that the judgment so judgment so judgment so Christ having been offered once to bear Christ having been offered once to bear Christ having been offered once to bear the sins of many will appear a second the sins of many will appear a second the sins of many will appear a second time time time not to deal with sin not to deal with sin not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly but to save those who are eagerly but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him." Now, what this text waiting for him." Now, what this text waiting for him." Now, what this text shows is that even though time had shows is that even though time had shows is that even though time had elapsed between Christmas and the elapsed between Christmas and the elapsed between Christmas and the writing of Hebrews and he looked forward writing of Hebrews and he looked forward writing of Hebrews and he looked forward to another uncertain elapse of time till

to another uncertain elapse of time till to another uncertain elapse of time till that second appearing nevertheless he that second appearing nevertheless he that second appearing nevertheless he still looked back and said that first still looked back and said that first still looked back and said that first coming was the end coming was the end coming was the end of the age. of the age. of the age. That's the trademark of the apostles. That's the trademark of the apostles. That's the trademark of the apostles. That's the way they thought about That's the way they thought about That's the way they thought about Christmas and I think the Holy Spirit Christmas and I think the Holy Spirit Christmas and I think the Holy Spirit preserves that trademark for us because preserves that trademark for us because preserves that trademark for us because there is a tremendously important truth there is a tremendously important truth there is a tremendously important truth in it in it in it namely namely namely don't trivialize Christmas into just don't trivialize Christmas into just don't trivialize Christmas into just another great event in the stream of another great event in the stream of another great event in the stream of redemptive history. Creation out of redemptive history. Creation out of redemptive history. Creation out of nothing was an awesome event. I tried to nothing was an awesome event. I tried to nothing was an awesome event. I tried to imagine what the angels imagine what the angels imagine what the angels thought thought thought when matter when matter when matter the universe flashed into existence at the universe flashed into existence at the universe flashed into existence at the word of God. the word of God. the word of God. I I I never had imagined such a thing. never had imagined such a thing. never had imagined such a thing. And there it was. And there it was. And there it was. The fall was an awful event that shook The fall was an awful event that shook The fall was an awful event that shook creation. The Exodus was an amazing creation. The Exodus was an amazing creation. The Exodus was an amazing display of power and love. The giving of display of power and love. The giving of display of power and love. The giving of the law, the wandering in the the law, the wandering in the the law, the wandering in the wilderness, the conquest of Canaan, the wilderness, the conquest of Canaan, the wilderness, the conquest of Canaan, the rise of the monarchy, the prophetic rise of the monarchy, the prophetic rise of the monarchy, the prophetic word, great demonstrations of the power word, great demonstrations of the power word, great demonstrations of the power of God along the river of redemptive of God along the river of redemptive of God along the river of redemptive history.

history. history. But don't align Christmas But don't align Christmas But don't align Christmas on the same continuum on the same continuum on the same continuum with those great events. We trivialize with those great events. We trivialize with those great events. We trivialize the incarnation if we make it just the incarnation if we make it just the incarnation if we make it just another stage along the way another stage along the way another stage along the way to the end. to the end. to the end. It is the end It is the end It is the end of redemptive history. And I think the of redemptive history. And I think the of redemptive history. And I think the analogy of the river analogy of the river analogy of the river helps us see how. helps us see how. helps us see how. Picture redemptive history now flowing Picture redemptive history now flowing Picture redemptive history now flowing from creation right on through from creation right on through from creation right on through as a river. as a river. as a river. And picture the ocean into which it is And picture the ocean into which it is And picture the ocean into which it is flowing as the final kingdom of God, flowing as the final kingdom of God, flowing as the final kingdom of God, eternal, glorious beyond all eternal, glorious beyond all eternal, glorious beyond all description. description. description. At the mouth of this river, at the end At the mouth of this river, at the end At the mouth of this river, at the end of the river, the ocean presses back of the river, the ocean presses back of the river, the ocean presses back with its salt water with its salt water with its salt water a ways up into the river. a ways up into the river. a ways up into the river. I've always wondered what kind of fish I've always wondered what kind of fish I've always wondered what kind of fish live in this live in this live in this no man's land where the fresh water and no man's land where the fresh water and no man's land where the fresh water and the salt water are mingling, where the the salt water are mingling, where the the salt water are mingling, where the river meets the ocean. [snorts] river meets the ocean. [snorts] river meets the ocean. [snorts] Therefore, at the mouth of the river, Therefore, at the mouth of the river, Therefore, at the mouth of the river, there's a a mingling there's a a mingling there's a a mingling of fresh water and salt water, and one of fresh water and salt water, and one of fresh water and salt water, and one might say that the kingdom has has might say that the kingdom has has might say that the kingdom has has pressed its way back up into the stream pressed its way back up into the stream pressed its way back up into the stream of history of history of history a short way.

a short way. a short way. It has surprised the travelers on that It has surprised the travelers on that It has surprised the travelers on that river very, very much. They can taste it river very, very much. They can taste it river very, very much. They can taste it if they put their dipper down into the if they put their dipper down into the if they put their dipper down into the water, they can smell it. water, they can smell it. water, they can smell it. They can see the seagulls circling the They can see the seagulls circling the They can see the seagulls circling the deck. The end has come upon them even deck. The end has come upon them even deck. The end has come upon them even though they're still on the river. though they're still on the river. though they're still on the river. Christmas is not just another bend in Christmas is not just another bend in Christmas is not just another bend in that river. Christmas is the arrival of that river. Christmas is the arrival of that river. Christmas is the arrival of the salt water the salt water the salt water of the kingdom back up into the river of the kingdom back up into the river of the kingdom back up into the river for a ways. for a ways. for a ways. And And And that salt water is beckoning us, that salt water is beckoning us, that salt water is beckoning us, welcoming us, alluring us on out into welcoming us, alluring us on out into welcoming us, alluring us on out into the deep. Christmas is not just another the deep. Christmas is not just another the deep. Christmas is not just another great bend in the river. It is the end great bend in the river. It is the end great bend in the river. It is the end of the river. of the river. of the river. Let down your dipper. Let down your dipper. Let down your dipper. Taste Jesus Christ. Taste his birth, his Taste Jesus Christ. Taste his birth, his Taste Jesus Christ. Taste his birth, his life, his death, his resurrection. Has life, his death, his resurrection. Has life, his death, his resurrection. Has not the age to come not the age to come not the age to come fallen upon us? Has not the kingdom fallen upon us? Has not the kingdom fallen upon us? Has not the kingdom arrived? Do you not taste the powers of arrived? Do you not taste the powers of arrived? Do you not taste the powers of the age to come?

I think those who can taste it lift up I think those who can taste it lift up their eyes and they see their eyes and they see their eyes and they see a big blue bow a big blue bow a big blue bow on the horizon between sky on the horizon between sky on the horizon between sky and ocean. and ocean. and ocean. And they are hankering and longing And they are hankering and longing And they are hankering and longing to go on out of the delta and the mouth to go on out of the delta and the mouth to go on out of the delta and the mouth of the river of the river of the river into the ocean. into the ocean. into the ocean. Now, Now, Now, scoffers say, they have always said, scoffers say, they have always said, scoffers say, they have always said, "Yeah, 2,000 years is a long river "Yeah, 2,000 years is a long river "Yeah, 2,000 years is a long river delta. Too long to believe in, in fact. Too long to believe in, in fact. Christmas was just another turn in Christmas was just another turn in Christmas was just another turn in redemptive history, if that." redemptive history, if that." redemptive history, if that." The taste in the water it must have been The taste in the water it must have been The taste in the water it must have been some some some factory dumping its chemicals into the factory dumping its chemicals into the factory dumping its chemicals into the river. river. river. Who can imagine 2,000 years of last Who can imagine 2,000 years of last Who can imagine 2,000 years of last days? days? days? Who can imagine 2,000 years of a river Who can imagine 2,000 years of a river Who can imagine 2,000 years of a river delta? delta? delta? My answer to the skeptics My answer to the skeptics My answer to the skeptics is the words of the Apostle Peter in his is the words of the Apostle Peter in his is the words of the Apostle Peter in his second letter where he said, second letter where he said, second letter where he said, "Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, "Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, "Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord that with the Lord that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, one day is as a thousand years, one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day."

and a thousand years is as one day." and a thousand years is as one day." As far as God is concerned, the As far as God is concerned, the As far as God is concerned, the incarnation happened last Friday. incarnation happened last Friday. incarnation happened last Friday. That's not very long ago. That's not very long ago. That's not very long ago. That's not a very long That's not a very long That's not a very long river delta. river delta. river delta. Let me make one last effort to help you Let me make one last effort to help you Let me make one last effort to help you see Christmas this way, see Christmas this way, see Christmas this way, namely namely namely as something very near as something very near as something very near and the end of history. Most of you and the end of history. Most of you and the end of history. Most of you probably know somebody 90 years old or probably know somebody 90 years old or probably know somebody 90 years old or older. older. older. We have 11 members who are 90 years old We have 11 members who are 90 years old We have 11 members who are 90 years old or older. Uh nine of them are women. or older. Uh nine of them are women. or older. Uh nine of them are women. They live longer. Now, I want you to They live longer. Now, I want you to They live longer. Now, I want you to imagine 22 of these ladies on the bottom imagine 22 of these ladies on the bottom imagine 22 of these ladies on the bottom step step step of this uh these risers. And the first of this uh these risers. And the first of this uh these risers. And the first one over there and they're side by side one over there and they're side by side one over there and they're side by side standing there facing you. I think we standing there facing you. I think we standing there facing you. I think we could fit 22. We put them real close could fit 22. We put them real close could fit 22. We put them real close together. together. together. And they're facing you, okay? And they're facing you, okay? And they're facing you, okay? They're alert. They can remember their They're alert. They can remember their They're alert. They can remember their childhood. They can remember their childhood. They can remember their childhood. They can remember their middle life. They remember their old middle life. They remember their old middle life. They remember their old age. And now imagine them all turning age. And now imagine them all turning age. And now imagine them all turning facing that way, back to back forming a facing that way, back to back forming a facing that way, back to back forming a queue.

queue. queue. And instead of thinking of them as And instead of thinking of them as And instead of thinking of them as contemporaries, contemporaries, contemporaries, think of the one who is behind the think of the one who is behind the think of the one who is behind the person in front as living before the one person in front as living before the one person in front as living before the one in front so that they lived after each in front so that they lived after each in front so that they lived after each other. If the lady right there was alive today, If the lady right there was alive today, do you know when she would have been do you know when she would have been do you know when she would have been born? born? born? The same time Jesus was. There are only 22 ladies between you and There are only 22 ladies between you and the incarnation. the incarnation. the incarnation. And that's not a long river delta. instead of telling the stories long, instead of telling the stories long, long, long time ago in a little manger long, long time ago in a little manger long, long time ago in a little manger in Bethlehem, I want us to see ourselves in Bethlehem, I want us to see ourselves in Bethlehem, I want us to see ourselves positioned square between positioned square between positioned square between the first coming the first coming the first coming and the second coming and the second coming and the second coming which are very near and together make which are very near and together make which are very near and together make the end of history the end of history the end of history in which we live.

in which we live. in which we live. I want us to see these two appearances I want us to see these two appearances I want us to see these two appearances of the Messiah united by the the of the Messiah united by the the of the Messiah united by the the overflow of the ocean of the kingdom overflow of the ocean of the kingdom overflow of the ocean of the kingdom into the river of our present, the salt into the river of our present, the salt into the river of our present, the salt water swirling all around us letting us water swirling all around us letting us water swirling all around us letting us know that those seagulls overhead means know that those seagulls overhead means know that those seagulls overhead means the ocean is right there before us. the ocean is right there before us. the ocean is right there before us. And I want us to feel in our hearts the And I want us to feel in our hearts the And I want us to feel in our hearts the undertow of the eschaton pulling us, undertow of the eschaton pulling us, undertow of the eschaton pulling us, drawing us out into the deeps. drawing us out into the deeps. drawing us out into the deeps. I want us this Christmas to desire I want us this Christmas to desire I want us this Christmas to desire to be with the Lord. to be with the Lord. to be with the Lord. Even so, Even so, Even so, come come come Lord Jesus. Come quickly. Lord Jesus. Come quickly. Lord Jesus. Come quickly. >> [music] >> [music] >> [music] >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Amen. >> Thank you for listening to this episode >> Thank you for listening to this episode >> Thank you for listening to this episode of Light and Truth where we are of Light and Truth where we are of Light and Truth where we are committed to providing God-centered committed to providing God-centered committed to providing God-centered preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly preaching to help you see Christ clearly and treasure him truly. I'm your host, and treasure him truly. I'm your host, and treasure him truly. I'm your host, Dan Cruver.

Dan Cruver. Dan Cruver. On our next episode, John Piper begins a On our next episode, John Piper begins a On our next episode, John Piper begins a [music] six-part series titled The [music] six-part series titled The [music] six-part series titled The Cross, The Spirit, and The Final Day. I Cross, The Spirit, and The Final Day. I Cross, The Spirit, and The Final Day. I hope you'll join us. hope you'll join us. hope you'll join us. For more resources, visit For more resources, visit For more resources, visit desiringgod.org.