GBC Blog

Preparing for the Second Coming of our High Priest

Leviticus 14:1-20 has the law concerning the restoration of a leper to the community and the presence of God. The restoration process took two weeks and involved several sacrifices with a waiting period between week one and week two. The priest would go to the outside of the camp to meet the healed leper. From there, the rituals would begin – birds, goats, and a lamb would be sacrificed. In biblical terms, atonement would take place. A payment for sin, which leprosy symbolized, would be accomplished.

In the New Testament, we understand that Jesus is not only the High Priest (see Hebrews 4 & 7), but He is also our sacrifice. The blood of Christ is what atones for our sins, but the story of Jesus does not end with the death and resurrection. As our High Priest, Jesus presently intercedes on behalf of his people (I John 2:1-2). Additionally, our High Priest Jesus will return to bring us back into the Father’s presence, just like the healed leper was fully and finally brought into the presence of God in the Tabernacle (Leviticus 14:11-20).

How are you preparing for the return of Jesus? Some people have the idea that we prepare by simply waiting. By waiting, some Christians have the idea that they just sit around and do only what is necessary to survive. Other Christians may have the idea that we really don’t have to prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The reality is that all Christians should be preparing by continuing to grow in Christlikeness by the power of the anointing we’ve all received – the anointing is the Holy Spirit of God. So, are you more like Jesus this week than you were last week? How are you more like Jesus? How has the Spirit of Christ changed you to be more like Christ recently?

Here are a few thoughts, Seasoned Saints, as you prepare for Jesus’ return:

• Fill your soul with the sufficiency of Jesus. Puritan John Owen spoke about making sure that we are continually learning about Jesus’ sufficiency. Filling your soul includes intentional Holy Spirit-empowered disciplines where you are regularly consuming the scriptures, praying, and assembling with the people of God.
• Purposely look with joy to the end of your journey. The healed leper had been an untouchable outcast. Through the rituals of Leviticus 14, he had something wonderful to look forward to – the presence of God. Yes, our Christian loved ones will be in Heaven when we arrive; but Heaven is wonderful because of God’s presence. Consider the joy that should flood your soul!
• Persevere for Christ! Don’t give up! It may seem like the time of waiting for your children to repent or your loved ones to turn to Christ is long; but we have a great High Priest. His Father is all-powerful and is capable of drawing those loved ones to the Son.
• Continue on the path of holiness. The book of Leviticus shows us the grace of God in providing a way to His presence; but the book does not make light of sin. In other words, the book of Leviticus shows both the holiness of God and the horribleness of sin. As you look at your life, you may be tempted to think that you must acquiesce to the sins of family members in order to love them; but that is not true. You should love them, but you should also maintain a holy path. Show your lost loved ones how God, in his love, has made a way for them to be forgiven of sin and be with the Lord forever.

These are just four ways in which you can actively prepare for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Look joyfully for Him to return. Live expectantly. Soon, we shall see Him.