For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, training us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live in a manner that is self-controlled and righteous and godly in the present age. Titus 2:11-12 TLV

The Grand Appearance.   I love the translation of this passage from Titus. “For the grace of God has appeared . . .” Paul puts into perspective why Jesus came on this earth. Yeshua “appeared” in Bethlehem because of the grace of God the Father. Why is this important? Because Jesus came that we could have a relationship with His Father.

Yes, His sacrifice on the cross brought the opportunity to Jews and the nations for salvation, but that was the means to a relationship with the Father. Something the Father has longed for since the Garden.

The New Covenant—sometimes known as the New Testament—was always about relationship. You all know how I love Jeremiah 31, because it is all about relationship with Him.

“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days”—it is a declaration of ADONAI [the LORD]—“I will put My Torah [Law] within them. Yes, I will write it on their heart. I will be their God and they will be My people.” (Jeremiah 31:32, TLV, emphasis mine)

In today’s passage, Paul summarizes how Yeshua taught us how to live with the Torah inside us (Matthew 5-7; Luke 6)). Again, this is about a loving relationship, not about rules and regulations. Another way to put it is that since the Creator of the Universe—and we’re part of that Universe—created stuff, He knows how His creation works. When the created are off through sin or neglect or disregard for Him, the creation doesn’t work right.

Those Laws were put in place to protect us and to help us live an optimal life, yes, but more than anything they are a joy because they connect us with Him.

He gave Himself for us so that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and so that He might purify for Himself a chosen people, zealous for good deeds. (vs.14, TLV)

The Grand Appearance marked the world permanently. For those who believe, we are grateful for all Yeshua did so that we can call the Creator of the Universe our Father. So that we can receive the gift of the Holy Spirit—a part of Him—to live as chosen people zealous for good deeds.

For those who shun the sacrifice and its purpose and meaning, then the open hole they seek to fill in other ways will never keep them satisfied. Even if those ways are good deeds.

One day there will be a Grand Reappearance. Yeshua will return in the same way He exited this earth. And in that day, the world will know all the whys and hows of His sacrifice. Some will rejoice, others will weep.

While they were staring into heaven as He went up, suddenly two men stood with them in white clothing. They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you keep standing here staring into heaven? This Yeshua, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw Him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:10-11, TLV, emphasis mine)

Let’s be sure as many people as possible learn about the Grand Appearance and all that means for each soul. Yes, let’s increase our Father’s family.

Shabbat Shalom!