GOD’S WORD FOR APRIL 7 ~ ~ Acts 1:11 ~ ~ “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen Him going to heaven.”
This is our last day studying in Nancy DeMoss Wohlgemuth’s book, “Incomparable”:
The capstone, the crowning point of Christ’s life is still in the future. HIS SECOND COMING.
When General Douglas MacArthur was forced to leave the Philippines in the early part of World War II to escape the Japanese offensive, he made a short speech, which ended with the phrase for which he is best known. He simply said,
“I shall return.”
More than two years later, General MacArthur fulfilled his promise, returning to the Philippines in victory,
Two thousand years ago, the Lord Jesus, the great General of our faith, left this world in the midst of a hotly contested battle. When He left, He also promised:
“I shall return.”
This promise of a “second advent” sustained those first-century believers through intense threats and persecutions, and generations of Christ followers since then have found courage and comfort in Christ’s promise that “I am coming quickly.” (Revelation 20:22), even (especially!) when it seemed the enemy was making great gains.
We don’t know precisely when our Savior will return (Matthew 24:36), but we know that day is coming, and we know it will be glorious!
Let’s consider how Jesus’ second coming will differ from His first:
*He arrived on earth the first time as an infant, born in time and space, small and weak. He will return as the everlasting King, mighty in strength and glory.
*when He came the first time, He shrouded and concealed His glory. When He comes the second time, His glory will shine out brightly.
*His first coming was obscure, witnessed only by His earthly parents, some farm animals, and a few poor shepherds, with almost no one recognizing who He was. At His second coming, every eye will see Him and know exactly who He is.
*At His first coming He was judged and condemned to die by sinful people. When He returns, He will come as Judge to execute justice and judgment on all people who have refused to repent of their sins.
*He came the first time as a Man of Sorrows. He will return the second time as ALMIGHTY GOD!
*At His first advent He rode into Jerusalem on a lowly donkey. When He returns, He will be riding a majestic white horse
*When He came the first time, only a few people knelt to pay Him homage. When He returns, every knee will bow and every tongue confess that He is Lord.
*He came the first time to die. The second time He will come to reign.
*the first time He came as a humble servant. The second time He will come as Commander in Chief of the armies of heaven.
*The first time He came to wear a crown of thorns. When He returns, He will be crowned with many crowns.
*He came the first time to make peace between God and man. When He returns, He will make war on those who have rebelled against Him.
*He came the first time as our suffering Savior. He will return as our sovereign, ruling Lord.
Oh! What a day that will be! How my heart longs for His return. Doesn’t yours? But how are we to live in the meantime, when His return seems so far off that we can easily lose sight of it altogether?
God’s Word gives us clear marching orders as we await the fulfillment of His promise. We are urged:
*to be alert and watchful, eagerly awaiting His return, which could be at any moment. (2 Peter 3:12-13).
* to keep our hearts detached from this world. (2 Timothy 4:8)
* to make every effort to live holy lives (1John 3:3)
*to serve Him zealously and faithfully until He returns (Luke 12:43).
The “blessed hope” (In the original language the word translated “hope” means a sure thing….not like we think of the word “hope”…it meant a promise.) of Christ’s return (Titus 2:13) will strengthen and carry you and me through every wearisome day of this life, for “now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed” (Romans 13:11).
In the meantime, “based on His promise,” let us patiently “ wait for the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13).
Then we will see His face, and there we will worship and serve Him forever.
Our Jesus.
Our INCOMPARABLE Jesus!!!!