"Hope in Christ's Coming" May 5 Readings: 1 Samuel 29-31, Luke 21:25–38, Psalm 56:9–13, Proverbs 12:11-12

Today's Readings - 1 Samuel 29-31, Luke 21:25–38, Psalm 56:9–13, Proverbs 12:11-12

Devotional - Hope in Christ's Coming

"I believe Jesus is coming back in my lifetime."

If I had a nickel for every time I've heard that, I would have a lot of nickels. During my lifetime there have been two time periods in which eschatological interest was bubbling over - during the late 60s and early 70s there was a high focus, then during the runup to the new millennium things seemed to get hot again. Of course, it would be wonderful to be part of the generation that sees the last of the last days, that hears trumpets rather than visits the undertaker. Believers have been anticipating the end and the return of Christ since the Apostles themselves.

Even in Jesus day, before his death and resurrection, people wanted to know when the end would come how they would know when the days of the end were drawing near. What kind of signs would serve as markers of the end?

I'm guessing that no one liked Jesus' answers much. He never gave them the clear answers they sought, never scratched their curiosity-itch. He told them that they would never know when the end was near, that Jesus would return "as a thief in the night - without warning - and that their job was to be continually prepared for whenever Jesus returned. That's not what they wanted to hear!

It is easy (and dangerous) to become morbidly fascinated with the details of the end times that we miss the greatest message of all. Jesus reminded his disciples of the message in Luke 21:27-28.

And 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, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

We are looking for the SON, not a series of signs that will warn us to get our lives in order. I cannot tell you whether Jesus will come back in my lifetime. I just don't know and Jesus said that was the way the Father wanted it. But I do know two things. First, I know that Jesus is coming back one day. He is not gone forever. He will descend from heaven with "power and great glory."

Jesus intended his second coming to be a source of comfort to us - not just curiosity or debate. We live in a sinful world in which wickedness is increasing and often seems to prevail. But we can rest assured that the enemy's days are numbered and one day this world will give glory where glory is due.

In that day, all the promises of God will be fulfilled. Our sin will be done away with and Jesus will be Lord of all. Lift up your head, believer, our redemption is near. Our Redeemer is near. You can trust him and rely on him. He will stand in victory over this earth.

In the midst of difficult days, we have the assurance of the final victory of Jesus Christ! This sinful world's days are numbered!

Father, I rejoice in your victory over sin in my life and in this world. I long to see that day. Comfort me with that hope today.

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

Do you live in the light of the return of Christ?
Is the return of Christ a source of curiosity and speculation to you, or of comfort and motivation?