📅 The Promise of His Return
Beloved, let us gather and reflect on the promise of our Lord Jesus Christ to return. In John 14:3, Jesus says, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” This promise fills our hearts with hope, reminding us that our Savior will come again.
Let us explore further:
"For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be." - Matthew 24:27
"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 1:11
"Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ." - Titus 2:13
"Revelation 22:12: "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to his work."
"1 Thessalonians 4:16: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first."
🔔 Signs of His Coming
Now, brothers and sisters, we must understand the signs leading to His coming. Matthew 24:30 warns us, “Then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” The heavens will declare His return, and we must be vigilant and watchful.
Consider these verses that highlight the signs:
"Matthew 24:6-8: "And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows."
"Luke 21:25-26: "And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them from fear and the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken."
"2 Timothy 3:1: "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy."
"Mark 13:22: "For false Christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect."
"Revelation 11:3: "And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth."
⏳ The Time is Near
Listen closely, dear ones, for the time is drawing near! In 1 Thessalonians 5:2, we read, “For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.” We must be prepared at all times, for no one knows the hour of His return.
Let’s reflect on these warnings:
"Matthew 24:42: "Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming."
"Revelation 16:15: "Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame."
"Luke 12:40: "Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."
"Mark 13:33: "Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when the time is."
"1 Peter 4:7: "But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers."
⚖️ The Judgment Day
On that glorious day, all will stand before Him in judgment. Revelation 20:12 reminds us, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” What a solemn moment it will be! We must ensure our names are written in the Book of Life.
Consider these sobering verses about judgment:
"Romans 14:10: "For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ."
"2 Corinthians 5:10: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."
"Matthew 25:31-32: "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats."
"Revelation 22:11: "He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still;
🙏 Repentance: The Key to Salvation
My dear brothers and sisters, as we reflect on the coming of our Savior, we must understand the crucial role of repentance. Jesus Himself preached, “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). To repent is to turn away from sin and return to the loving arms of our heavenly Father. It is more than words—it is a complete transformation of heart and mind.
Let us consider what the scriptures say about repentance:
"Acts 3:19: "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."
"2 Chronicles 7:14: "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
"Isaiah 55:7: "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."
"Luke 15:7: "I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance."
"1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
🔥 The Transformation through Holiness
Repentance opens the door, but holiness keeps us on the path. We are called to live holy lives, set apart for God’s purposes. As the Lord says in Leviticus 20:26, “And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the Lord am holy, and have severed you from other people, that ye should be mine.” Holiness is not just an outward expression, but an inward change that reflects the character of Christ in us.
These verses help us understand the depth of holiness:
"1 Peter 1:15-16: "But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’"
"2 Corinthians 7:1: "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God."
"Romans 12:1-2: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
"Hebrews 12:14: "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord."
"1 Thessalonians 4:7: "For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness."
💡 Living in Readiness
Finally, we must live in a constant state of readiness, for no one knows the hour when the Son of Man will return. As it is written in Mark 13:35, “Watch therefore, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming— in the evening, at midnight, at the crowing of the rooster, or in the morning.” We are called to live each day as if Christ will return at any moment, ever watchful and prepared.
These verses encourage us to stay vigilant:
"Matthew 25:13: "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming."
"Luke 21:34-36: "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man."
"Romans 13:11: "And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed."
"1 Peter 5:8: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
"Philippians 4:5: "Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand."
Respond to the Call
Now is the time to surrender fully to Christ. If you have not yet accepted Him as your Savior and submitting to him, do not delay. The door of mercy is open, but it will not remain so forever. Embrace the truth, repent of your sins, and commit to a life of holiness. The Lord is calling you to be ready, to be vigilant, and to walk in His ways. Remember, on that day, it is righteousness that will matter, not our earthly achievements, position in church, or associations.
Reflect on these words and respond to God’s call today. Talk to Someone for further guidance and support on your spiritual journey.