Ever since His departure from our earthly midst, countless generations have believed the biblical prophecy that Yeshua will soon return in their lifetime. “…so also the Messiah, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to deliver those who are eagerly waiting for him. Heb. 9:28
Generations of believers have eagerly awaited His return as we most appropriately do as well!
Although it’s impossible to accurately predict when that time will be, I know it’s imperative to remind believers that we all need to be physically, mentally, and especially spiritually prepared for the Lord’s return as Judge and King.
The prophetic Word declares when Messiah returns to Jerusalem, He will do so through the east gate of the city.
“Then the man brought me to the gate facing east, and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters, and the land was radiant with his glory” Ezekiel 43:1-2 NIV. (Also see Zech. 14:4-5)
Jerusalem’s East Gate is connected to many stories of miracles and divine manifestations. The Gates of Jerusalem, in general, are representative of an entrance or access point to God’s house. The eastern Gate, however, has a consecrated purpose concerning His Presence.
I believe as we consecrate in prayer, the places where we dwell and frequent, we actually create an invitation to His Holy Presence near us. Here at the holidays, we, as his servants, become spiritual butlers to our friends and family allowing blessing and joy to come down from His throne room of Grace to bless others.
The word baruch means bless. All Jewish prayers start with baruch, as in “Baruch atah Adonai, Elohenu Melech ha olam” which means “Blessed, are you O Lord, our God, King of the universe.”
Baruch is related to the Hebrew word berech, which means “to kneel.” When one blesses the Lord or another person, one is, in essence, kneeling in humility in order to meet their needs. Whether in service, provision or encouragement we must bow in order to bless. When Yeshua washed the feet of His disciples, He knelt and blessed them, becoming a servant to them. Let us then, also bless the Lord for all He has done for us. Let us humble ourselves before Him for when we do, the Word says that He will exalt us. But if we exalt ourselves in justification, offence or self-aggrandizement, He will abase us.
So, as we prepare for a New Year, let us stop to ponder all the blessings we have received this year, and strive to be a conduit by which His Presence can be realized to all we encounter.
I wish you a very happy holiday season and may the Spirit of the Most High be manifested in your home and everywhere you go.
