A Sign to Be Opposed

Simeon, the old man of the Temple at Jerusalem, who was looking for the consolation of Israel (Lk 2:25), prophesied that the birth of Jesus Messiah would be met with resistance (Lk 2:34). The virgin birth of the eternal Son of God, who took on flesh (Jn 1:14), being sent by God His Father (Jn 3:16), on a mission of reconnaissance (Mt 1:21), prepared Him a body (Heb 10:5).

Man is at enmity with God since the fall in the Garden of Eden (Gen 3; Rom 8:7; Eph 2:15–16; Heb 12:3; Jas 4:4). The enticement to usurp the position, power, and prowess of God is man’s folly under Satan’s dominion (Acts 26:18). The devil’s domain is darkness (Col 1:13); and his work is to blind the minds of men (2 Cor 4:4). Distraction and distortion are his forte. For this reason, the darkness does not comprehend the Light that has come into the world (Jn 1:5, 9). Afterall, men love the darkness because their deeds are evil (Jn 3:19). Professing to be wise, men prove to be foolish in spiritual matters of eternal life or death (Rom 1:22)

The foolish generation looks for a sign from God (Mt 12:39; 16:4); but blessed is the one who receives one, sees it, and believes. A sign sends a message. It communicates something from one party to another. For instance, the sacraments are signs. These visible images tell us something of our salvation.

Usually, signs are not the reality; rather, they announce the reality. The prophet Isaiah declared the Word of God, a prophecy regarding a virgin being with child (Is 7:14). This child, whose name would represent all that He is to us (e. g. wonderful counselor; Mighty God; Eternal Father; Prince of peace; Savior, Christ the Lord; horn of our salvation), would be Emmanuel, God with us (Is 8:8; 9:6).

Now this begs the question, “If God is with us and for us, who would be against that?” Jesus Christ is a sign of the antagonism between man and God. Not only was He the sign pointing to this reality…He manifested that reality as sinners sought to destroy the one and only Savior of sinners (Acts 4:12; Titus 1:4; 2:14).

Jesus is a stumbling block, a rock of offense (Rom 9:33; 1 Pet 2:8), in which many have fallen and are still falling into the pit of outer darkness, in a Christ-less eternity (Mt 8:12; 22:13; 25:30). No doubt the resistance began at Nazareth as Mary was pregnant outside of wedlock. Town folk can often be the cruelest. Next, it was Herod at Jerusalem, who sought to murder the child born, “King of the Jews.” This opposition sentiment is captured in the protest, “We do not want this man to reign over us” (Gen 37:8; Lk 19:14; Acts 7:27).

It is true that first Christmas was an act of war. It was not an invasion of the Lord of hosts and of heaven; but it was a strategic deployment of the seed of the woman (Gen 3:15); the seed of Abraham (Gal 3:16), the descendant of David (Rom 1:3; 2 Tim 2:8; Rev 22:16) — the beginning of a reconnaissance mission to gather in God’s elect, whom the Father had given to the Son before the foundation of the world (Jn 17:2, 6, 24; 2 Tim 1:9). It would be on this mission trip that the elect would also be identified as the redeemed of the Lord because He came to save His people from their sins (Ps 107:2; Mt 1:21).

The glorious incarnation leads us to the glories of the cross of Calvary, outside the camp. The way to the cross was Jesus’ growing in stature and wisdom before men, and His three-year earthly ministry — a crescendo of opposition. As the appointed day drew near, the children of the devil, both Jew and Gentile, schemed Messiah’s demise. They plotted against the One sent to deliver them (Ps 21:11; 37:12; Mt 26:4; Lk 11:54; see also: Joseph; Mordecai; Elijah; Jeremiah; etc.).

Despite the opposition of men and demons, this child was 100% victorious in defeating the enemies of God (Prv 21:31; 1 Cor 15:54). His perfect life without sin, and His perfect death with our sins imputed to Him, is truly good tidings of great joy (2 Cor 5:21; Heb 4:15). Salvation and judgment met in Christ at the cross. Our God and Savior, the God-man, released us from our sins, even the guilt and shame (Rev 1:5).

Unwrapping the gift of God at Christmas is to tell of His salvation all day long (Ps 71:15) — that all people might hear this Gospel of God and His grace toward sinners (Lk 1:77; Eph 2:8–9). The war is over. Christ Jesus is the Victor victorious (2 Cor 2:14); and we enter his victory by faith (Col 2:15; 1 Jn 5:4). This common confession, handed down to all the saints (Jude 1:3), is what we believe (Titus 1:4). It is our declaration of victory in Jesus, who was revealed in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, and taken up in glory (1 Tim 3:16).

Our Christmas letter to unbelieving family and friends includes a warning for those who continue in unbelief (Rom 11:23). There is only one way for enemies of the living God to be reconciled to Him (Jn 14:6; Rom 5:10; 2 Cor 5:20). Christ Jesus, alone, is the way. He has done all the work (Is 26:12); and He alone deserves the glory (1 Cor 10:31). It is utter vanity to deny Jesus the glory due His name (Ps 29:2).

Still, according to the biblical record of prophecy, hostilities will remain until the last of God’s elect souls is brought into Christ’s church (Mt 24:14; Mk 16:15). This is the only relevant event in the future of this doomed world (2 Pet 3:10–12); and this last addition will trigger the end when Christ comes again in judgment (Rev 19:11–21).

Despite Messiah’s victory two thousand years ago, God has permitted rebel sinners to persist in their scorn and scoffing of the anointed Son (Ps 2). The Gospel of salvation, according to Jesus Himself, must be preached to all nations (Mt 24:14). The Gospel call for all men everywhere to repent to and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ remains in effect (Acts 16:31; 17:30). Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts (Heb 3:7, 15; 4:7).

God and sinners reconciled (Rom 5:10; 2 Cor 5:18–20; Col 1:22) — the God-man has come to set the captives to sin and death free (Is 61:1; Jn 8:32, 36) — a Light of revelation to the Gentiles (Lk 2:32), the glory of His people, the Israel of God from every nation, tribe, and tongue — both Jew and Gentile (Acts 13:47; 26:23; Gal 3:28; 6:16; Rev 5:9; 7:9).

May God richly bless you with much grace and with the gift of the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4; 2 Tim 2:25), as it is in Jesus (Eph 4:21). Also, may God’s gift of His Holy Spirit be found in you this Christmas (Jn 14:17; Acts 2:38) — with peace and joy and the Light of life amidst the darkness that will soon be no more (Rev 21:24; 22:5). Merry Christmas and remember to let your light shine in this present darkness (Mt 5:16); but when you do, the sign is still be opposed by those who sit in darkness. May God be glorified in opening the eyes of those chosen to see and believe.

David Norczyk

Spokane Valley, Washington

December 24, 2024

Luke 2:34