when jesus comes

When Jesus Comes

Today, we will engage in a topic that is both significant and steeped in hope—when Jesus comes. Many Christians hold varying opinions on what His return signifies and what it means for our lives today. As we read through God’s Word, let’s keep an open heart and mind, ready to absorb the wisdom and insight that comes from Scripture. Remember, this is about not merely understanding the event itself but also embracing how this promise profoundly impacts our daily lives. So, get cozy as we embark on this enlightening journey together!

The Promise of His Return: A Joyful Expectation

The anticipation surrounding Jesus’ second coming is not just a theological event but a promise of hope and restoration. In the New Testament, Jesus speaks directly about His return, emphasizing its importance to His followers (John 14:3). The word “return” captures the essence of coming back to fulfill a promise, just like a long-awaited family member returning home. In the Greek, the word used is “parousia,” meaning presence or arrival, encapsulating the excitement and joy expected with His coming.

Historically, this concept dates back to biblical times, where prophets like Daniel described visions of the coming Messianic kingdom (Daniel 7:13-14). Jews of antiquity cherished this promise, awaiting the return of their Savior to restore them. This hope paved the way for early Christians as they faced persecution and hardships. It was not just about an event to come; it was tangible support to endure trials. Thus, for us today, that expectation remains a source of comfort, urging us to live intentionally in accordance with God’s purposes.

In Matthew 24:30-31, Jesus assures His followers that His return will be evident for all to see, accompanied by signs in the heavens. He further highlights the joy of God’s people gathering, marking the fulfillment of one of history’s grandest reunions. Imagine it: family and friends gathered together after years apart! This heavenly family reunion instills hope in our hearts and encourages us to believe that no matter our circumstances, Jesus will come for us.

The signs leading up to Jesus’ coming are outlined in multiple scripture passages, providing insight into what to expect as His arrival approaches. In Matthew 24:6-8, He mentions wars, rumors of wars, famines, and earthquakes as signs of the end times. These challenges might seem daunting, yet they also serve as reminders to keep our eyes fixed on Him. The Greek term “simeion,” meaning “sign,” reinforces the idea that these events are markers leading to fulfillment. Much like road signs guiding a traveler to their destination, these occurrences signal how close we are to His comeback.

Across history, believers have observed various phenomena aligning with these prophetic signs. Wars, natural disasters, and societal upheavals have been prevalent, spurring debates about whether we are in the last days. However, we are encouraged not to fear but rather remain steadfast in faith (Luke 21:28). When calamities arise, Jesus reminds us to lift our heads, for our redemption draws near.

Moreover, the spirit of deception will ramp up (Matthew 24:24), leading many to stray from truth. This encourages us to stay grounded in the Word, as 2 Timothy 3:16-17 teaches that Scripture equips us for every good work. By being rooted in faith, we gain wisdom to discern truth from falsehood. Thus, the signs are not merely for awareness but serve as a wake-up call to ensure that our hearts are aligned with God’s will.

Knowing that Jesus is coming back should radically change how we live. As Philippians 3:20-21 states, our citizenship is in heaven, reminding us that our ultimate hope lies not in earthly comforts but in our eternal home. The Greek word “politeuma” denotes citizenship, implying that as believers, we carry the responsibility to reflect that heavenly culture here and now.

Practically, living in anticipation motivates us towards action, pushing us to love others generously, share our faith boldly, and serve diligently (1 Thessalonians 5:11). The urgency surrounding His return encourages us not to take our days for granted. Every opportunity is a chance to share the love of Jesus with those around us. We must treat each moment as precious, understanding that life is a fleeting gift entrusted to us for His glory.

Additionally, there is a sense of accountability that comes with anticipation. Romans 14:10-12 reminds us that we will all stand before God and render an account of our lives. This knowledge instills a healthy fear of the Lord that leads to wisdom (Proverbs 9:10). By living each day with our focus toward heaven and His return, we invite transformation into our hearts and actions. It becomes easier to forgive, to offer grace, and to build community, knowing we’re on this journey together while awaiting His glorious return.

What can we expect when Jesus finally arrives? Scripture is rich with descriptions indicating the magnitude of this event. In Revelation 1:7, we read that every eye will see Him. This visibility underscores the universal impact of His arriving presence. Imagine the sheer awe and wonder as the skies part, heralding the victory of good over evil. The Hebrew word “ne’eman,” meaning faithful, illustrates the trustworthiness of God’s promises, indicating we can rely on His Word about His return.

Furthermore, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 describes the resurrection of the dead in Christ, an incredible comfort for those mourning loved ones who have passed away in faith. It reveals that death is not the end but a pause before a glorious reunion. The thought of meeting loved ones again in heaven should inspire us to share this hope with those who may not know it yet, ensuring that we all have a place at His grand celebration.

The second coming of Jesus is not merely a completion of history but a fulfillment of God’s justice (Matthew 25:31-32). The righteous shall be rewarded, while the unrighteous will face judgment. This reality drives us to remain vigilant and self-examining, encouraging us to pursue holiness in our daily lives (2 Peter 3:11-12). Understanding His holy nature amplifies our desire to live aligned with His ways, living testimonies of His grace while eagerly imagining that day when we behold Him face to face.

While we look forward to Jesus’ return, we are called to be proactive in our preparations. Matthew 25:1-13 tells the parable of the ten virgins, which emphasizes the importance of being ready when He comes. The five wise virgins demonstrate preparation and foresight, ensuring their lamps were filled with oil— a symbol of the Holy Spirit fueling our readiness. The Hebrew word “mashiach,” meaning anointed one, paints Jesus as the ultimate source of our readiness, for it is through Him that we gain spiritual insight and strength.

This readiness is not a passive waiting but an active engagement in our faith journey. We can ask ourselves: Are we cultivating a relationship with God through prayer, worship, and study of His Word? Are we being sensitive to the needs of others while reflecting the love of Christ? Taking practical steps to deepen our faith not only enriches our lives but positions us to be vessels of His peace and hope to those around us (Colossians 3:23-24).

Moreover, Matthew 24:42 advises us to keep watch, for we do not know the day or hour of His return. This urgency calls us to be accountable to our broader community, encouraging one another in faith (Hebrews 10:24-25). Being part of the body of Christ means we thrive collectively, reminding each other that the wait is worth it and that every day brings us one step closer to His glorious coming.

Final Thoughts

As we’ve discussed, Jesus’ return is a joyous promise that encourages us, inspires hope, and gives us direction in our lives. While signs of His coming may seem intimidating, we can transform that fear into readiness and anticipation. The nature of His return offers us assurance regarding our eternal destiny and the joyful reunion with our loved ones who believed in Him. Each day, we are called to prepare our hearts, eyes focused on the heavens, living as citizens of His kingdom. Let’s embrace this journey together, embodying the love of Christ and encouraging each other to remain firm in faith. Our wait will be worth every moment, and when Jesus comes, we will rejoice in His glorious return!

May we continue to seek His presence, drawing close to Him as we await the day when we see Him face to face!

Further Reading

30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)

30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)

30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)

30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)

4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4

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