Glorious Appearing of Jesus

LOOKING FOR THE BLESSED HOPE AND GLORIOUS APPEARING OF OUR GREAT GOD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST. Titus 2.13.

The way everyone lives today gives one the impression that we are going to be here forever! No one thinks there is an end to life even though death is staring at us all the time; nor is there an end to the world though it is never rid of troubles! If we go by what we see and hear, the last thing anyone, including Christians, is looking forward to is “the glorious return of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ!”

The Lord had talked to the disciples specifically about His return. When He ascended into heaven, it was told again to the disciples by two angels that appeared to them. Here is the story: “When Jesus had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven” (Acts 1.9-11).

This made the early church look forward for the ‘return of the Lord Jesus Christ’ with eager expectation.

Let me suggest to you 2 blessings that will accompany those who keep expecting the return of the LORD, which many believe today is imminent.

You will purify yourself from sin and worldliness. The apostle John wrote, “We know that when the Lord appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure” (1 Jn 3.2,3). Dear friend, if you are living in sin or you are immersed in the world and have become worldly, remind yourself that ‘the Lord is coming!’ You don’t know when. But it is nearer, much nearer than in the first century. It could be any day! The thought of the Lord’s appearing will help you purify yourself and make yourself ever ready for Him! That’s what prophet Amos cautioned us long ago, “Prepare to meet your God” (Amos 4.12).

You will receive a crown of righteousness. The apostle Paul tells us, “There is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Tim 4.8). This is absolutely fantastic! If you keep longing for the Lord’s appearing, you will receive a crown of righteousness! Do you know why? Because you will try to do what is good and upright!

Pray and practise with me: Dear Lord, I thank You for the promise of Your coming. Help me to long for and prepare myself for Your coming, doing what You have given me to do in the meanwhile. Amen.