Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread,"
The big question that thoughtful people around the world are asking is: What is Jesus Christ doing today? Long ago He promised that He would return. "I will come again" (John 14:3), He said. He gave unmistakable signs to tell us clearly that "when you see all these things, know that it is near, at the very doors" (Matt. 24:33).
Careful Bible students for over 150 years have recognized those "signs." Even non-Christian people openly talk about an impending "end of the world." With one percent of the most wealthy living in shameful luxury while billions live in grinding poverty, what is Jesus doing? Does He care? Is He on an extended vacation in His "Heaven"? If "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son," does He still love the world?
The Book of Hebrews gives a clear answer to the question, "What is Jesus doing now?" He is ministering as the world's great High Priest in the true sanctuary, the one in Heaven, where the work He is doing directly relates to every human being on earth. The Book of Hebrews is easy to read, clear as sunlight. Just as the ancient high priest in Israel ministered in two apartments of the earthly sanctuary, a kindergarten sandbox lesson to God's people then, so now the real High Priest is ministering in two "tents" of the heavenly sanctuary (see Heb 9:1-9).
The idea is not finite geographical "places" in an infinite heavenly sanctuary, but clearly two phases of high priestly ministry that relate to humanity. Yes, He did promise, "I will come again," but that means of course that He must prepare a people to meet Him when He comes. "Our God is a consuming fire" (says Heb. 12:29; see Rev 6:14-17). That means that some very real preparation must take place if anybody is to endure His presence when He comes!
If Christ's true "Vicar" on earth is the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-11), it follows that what Christ is doing today is preparing a people worldwide to meet Him when He returns, a people who will be "translated" (see 1 Thess. 4:14-17; Heb 11:5). Yes, Jesus Christ is very busy! Cooperate with Him!
--Robert J. Wieland
From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: October 25, 2000.
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