Return of the King
Return of the King
This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen Him going into heaven. (Acts 1:11)
A Promise Made
Jesus promised to come back. Angels testified that He will return. The apostles and prophets repeatedly underscored that our King will return on a date known only to God. Therefore the only uncertainty is the timing, not the event itself.
We can easily get complacent about this—investing our time and attention in the here and now, conducting our daily lives as though the possibility of Jesus’ soon return is so remote we essentially discount it—an attitude that would have been shocking to believers of earlier eras.
The Event Looms Large
How do we keep a sense of longing for His return? How do we shake off the complacency that creeps in? Perhaps it would help if we upped the “ouch factor.” Sometimes we don’t long for His presence because, frankly, life can be pretty good down here sometimes. Praying for the return of Jesus may come more naturally if you are persecuted, impoverished, imprisoned, sick, or sad. It may rarely cross your mind, however, if you’re sporting a fat bank account and a bass boat.
One way to increase your expectation and focus is by deliberately investing in the kingdom of God to the point that it hurts a little bit—that it costs you—pouring more of yourself and your money into the things that matter to Jesus. After all, He could actually come this week.
Bottom Line
Does your support for the work of God reflect a belief that Jesus could come back at any moment?