Monday, September 15, 2025

            Revelation is the last book of the Bible.  It was given by Jesus to John as a record of the earth’s final events and last days.  Many different interpretations have been applied to this book through the last almost two thousand years.  And, we should be willing to extend some grace to those who might have a different way of seeing and interpreting this book than you or I do.  It is possible for Christians to have different views on matters like the millennium, the last days, God’s final judgments and the timing of Jesus’ return.
            However, there is one certainty.  Jesus will return.  We say it again...Jesus will return.  The last promise of the Bible underscores this reality.  Revelation says, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon’” (Revelation 22:20).  In making this promise, Jesus did not set a date.  He simply promised He would return.  We bank on that promise. And we live in expectation and anticipation of that promise.  Two angels in Acts 1 promised that Jesus would return too.  Luke wrote in Acts, “’Men of Galilee,’ they said, ‘why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven’” (Acts 1:11).
            Jesus personally promised to return again while He was on earth the first time.  In Luke 21:27 we read, “At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”  Scripture is both certain and confident about the second coming of Christ. We refrain from setting dates and times because such an exercise is fruitless and meaningless.  Everyone who has set a date in the past has been wrong.  The failure rate is 100% for all previous date-setting attempts.
            So, how do we await the Lord’s return?  First, we wait faithfully.  We hold on to His promise and live in anticipation of seeing Him return.  God’s timing is not our timing.  But God’s timing is true and sure.  He never acts too late or too early.  Second, we share the gospel of others so they too can live with the same anticipation.  The Lord has graciously given these days and times to spread the gospel of grace and forgiveness as frequently and as widely as possible.  Third, we grow in our faith.  We invest in His Word and prayer. We talk to the Lord routinely throughout the day in prayer.  We worship consistently.  We turn from sin and temptation.  We make serving Him and living for His glory our daily priorities.  In Luke 12, Jesus spoke about servants being ready for the master’s return.  He compared this example to His people as we await His return.  Jesus said, “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him” (Luke 12:40).
            Be grateful for ALL the Lord’s many promises found in His Word.  Be especially grateful today for His promise to return!  Live with your eyes pointed upward, your hands outward in service and your faith and trust squarely in His hands.  Have a great Monday!