Do You Know The Signs Of Christ’s Coming?
Good Morning Friends,
Today is Christ the King Sunday but since I have covered the topic in previous devotionals, I am going to be looking forward to the first Sunday in Advent’s scripture which really is a continuation of the little apocalypse presented in today’s Gospel reading. Today we fast forward a week and read about the sea threatening to spill over its shores and engulf the world, and it seems a lot like the effects of global climate change to me, but it is more, for there is something that God can do to change the climate of human history that is more powerful than the threat of environmental destruction. The Gospel setting is just before the Last Supper and Jesus’ betrayal. And perhaps the below the surface message is that only after experiencing the despair of life can we truly experience the full nature of hope. For in this moment as in other pregnant pains we come to realize that out of death comes life. So, on this stage we have the paradox of this infinite infant and cosmic King Christ. Both bringing birth pangs of redemption in the cycles of life…the signs of the end and the beginning. Yes, the wise men knew something was coming of importance into the world. Perhaps we might see some of the indications of Christ too as we look up to the heavens as well as the nature of our very souls. So, Do You Know The Signs Of Christ’s Coming?
Scripture: The days are surely coming, says the Lord, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved and Jerusalem will live in safety. And this is the name by which it will be called: “The Lord is our righteousness.
Jeremiah 33:14-16 (NRSV)
And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we abound in love for you. And may he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Finally, brothers and sisters, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that, as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God (as, in fact, you are doing), you should do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2 (NRSV)
“There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” Then he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near. So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Luke 21:25-36 (NRSV)
Message: Every generation of believers, including believers in the New Testament, has strongly believed that Jesus would return in their lifetime. Some are mistakenly frightened that they have missed the Second Coming. Others doubt that it will ever occur. So, we must avoid both extremes. Many people have made guesses as to when the Second Coming will occur. They have all been incorrect. The Bible declares, No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Still there are some similarities between the First and Second Coming worth noting that might give us insight. For they were both foretold by prophecies. In the Biblical narrative both were set into motion at the same time and point, when Adam disobeyed God…when we disobey God. They both involve the physical appearance of Jesus Christ. They both have their place of action as the land of Israel. And most of the people in the world have doubted or currently doubt the reality of both. But there will be differences that might give us insight as well. Jesus came as a Baby in weakness, in meekness and in obscurity. He will come the next time in power and glory to assert His will over all the earth. Very few bowed before Him at His First coming, but in the Second, when He comes again all knees shall bow at His feet in humble worship. At His First Coming the door of the inn was shut in His face, but for his Second Coming we read of a door opened in heaven out of which He rides as King of kings and Lords of lords. His First Coming was shrouded in secret. Very few knew of His arrival. But when He returns, everyone will know. Every eye will see Him and recognize Him as the one they pierced, and all the people of the earth will mourn because of Him. For His first coming Jesus came to suffer for the sins of the world. He was mistreated, humiliated and rejected. He will return as Judge to pass judgment on all those who rejected Him. He came in great humility as a servant, but He will return as the Commander in Chief of a very large army. He came the first time to wear the crown of thorns, but He is coming the Second time to wear the crown of power and glory. He came to set up His assembly which includes sheep and goats, the good and bad. And they will be judged. Friends, there are many signs telling us that Jesus can show up on earth at any time. But know that much though we might desire His second coming that Jesus’ return to earth is a double-edged sword. Friends, God Jesus Christ will return to earth to judge the world of its sin but will also come to take home to heaven all who believes in Him! The fullness of the Gentiles and Jews must come first. There is working to be done first. Thankfully Jesus plants in us a program that runs in the background to prepare us as a sign that God believes in us more than we believe in God.
Pray that despite troubles and judgments coming to earth, that we stand with confidence that Jesus will keep us safe forever. Pray we have a hope that does not betray us. Pray we are watchful but realize that the when should never be so much of a concern as to the why of Jesus’ return. Pray we realize that God’s breaking into history is deeper than a timeclock and not such a far off divine event as it is a present help in our troubles and an abiding opportunity to be part of God’s plan. Pray that despite the distress of nations and the perplexity of it all that we make something of our life. Pray we see signs of God’s purpose in us that brings a rhythm to our life that honors God. Pray we sow the seeds of love and the making of disciples. Pray we be fruitful.
Blessings,
John Lawson
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