129. Child of destiny.

"This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel and to be a sign to be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed."( Luke 2:34) Unlike others, he was born with a purpose and he realised his mission on earth even as a boy for he told his parents, '"Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house? But they did not understand what he was saying to them.' (2:49-50) Unlike others, he didn't find his purpose in life after everything else failed but as soon as he knew enough to reject the wrong and choose the right. (Isaiah 7:14-15) He didn't accidentally stumble into his destiny but was born into destiny. Just as it was said that this child was destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, so does history bears witness to this fact. Starting with the death of King Herod, and the decline of the Roman Empire because of Christianity and the fall of nations through the Church age and the coming fall of world governments and the destruction of the kingdom of the beast - all these have the hallmarks of this prophecy that pertains not only to Israel but to the world because he is destined to rule the nations. So it is was heard being said in heaven: "The kingdoms of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ and he will reign for ever and ever."(Revelation 11:15) But he was, is and will be a sign to be spoken against, from the time of his birth upto his second coming. "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first ... They will treat you this way because of my name ... But this is to fulfill what is written in the law: 'They hated me without reason.'" ( John 15:18-25) The world seems to be divided about Christ just as they were when he was on earth. 'Thus the people were divided because of Jesus.' (John 7:43) You are either for or against. There is no neutral ground! "He who is not with me is against me and he who does not gather with me scatters." (Matthew 12:30) All who have dealt with him stands exposed. The hearts of Annas and Caiaphas the High Priest, Pilate the Governor, Herod the tetrarch and many others stands exposed for their hypocrisy. There is a day coming when 'he will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts.' (1 Corinthians 4:5) We too are children of destiny 'for those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.'(Romans 8:29) As we prepare to enter the new year, let's do so with a renewed vision and fulfill our life mission. Amen.