Conference Reflections - Part 2

Alistair Begg opened the conference with the topic "The Christ of History." The incarnation of Christ is the pivotal event of human history, and ever since Genesis 3:15, there was an expectation that the time would be fulfilled one day for the second Adam to appear. Jesus triumphs as the second Adam and defines the offices of Prophet, Priest, and King.
Prophet: When Jesus took the scroll in the temple and proclaimed that the scripture was fulfilled, he declared himself to be the bringer of the Kingdom to fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament. In doing this, He dealt with our ignorance.
Priest: Jesus was God's appointed Mediator to deal with our estrangement from God. By becoming Flesh, He was able to be the Priest and offer himself as the perfect sacrifice.
King: Jesus, as King, subdues our rebellion. The Righteous King came to Israel to assume the throne of David, and the resurrection and ascension of Christ is proof that He continues to reign.

So what practical difference does it make that Jesus is Prophet, Priest, and King? I know that the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! Alistair challenged us to make this truth part of every aspect of my life, especially during times of difficulty. What would be my worldview if faced with cancer? (A friend of mine just completed several months of radiation and chemotherapy, and she signed every email update with the closing, "In the palm of His hand." She is living out her faith in our Sovereign Lord.) Or what would my worldview be if Joel or I suffered a job loss? How about this one...what is my worldview now that our country is moving toward socialism at an alarming rate? The real issue is not economics or politics, it is my eternal values. I am called to a "living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you " (I Peter 1:3-4). This hope is not wishful thinking; it is a permanent and confident expectation of my heavenly home. God desires that I live each day with this confidence in His eternal purposes and bear witness of that hope to an unbelieving world. How well do these truths transform my life? I must be there in private before I can be there in public.