'Jesus is coming again'

Words  -  empty words ?      promises  - hot air ?

         2000 years seems a long time, by human calculation, since the promise was made that the Lord Jesus would return. Some will say ‘where is the promise of His coming?’ 

  The teachings and promises of the Lord Jesus were very clear, that He would come again, and to faith that is enough. However for Peter, the promise of the coming Kingdom was something he had actually seen.  On the high mountain of transfiguration, he with others had actually witnessed the character of the coming Kingdom. It was the face of Jesus shining like the sun, His clothing glistening white like the light, the interactive presence of Moses and Elijah. Above all this was the voice from heaven which singled out the distinctive glory of Jesus as the SON of God, in whom the Father was well pleased.  (2Peter 1) The voice from heaven said, “hear Him”! Peter was convinced and he was willing to die for the belief in this blessed hope, and he did.

                 Others were privileged to watch The Lord ascend from Mount Olivet, and then hear the angels affirm ‘He who has gone into heaven will so come from heaven’ (Acts 2) One could go on to speak of Paul’s revelations by the Holy Spirit of the coming of the Lord. John was content to suffer for HIS name in the hope of the vision of the returning King.

                Some are focused on the fulfilment of signs that indicate the assurance of the promises. Signs there are, but I suggest one of the clearest signs is what Peter said  -   they shall say ‘where is the promise of His coming’  i.e. the present apathy of the general populace toward Christ and His coming sets the stage for Him to come “as a thief in the night”.

           My purpose in this message is to reassure faith, which leads to hope  “Our Lord will come”

He Himself challenges us to be ready!    ‘Will He find faith in the earth’ – in you and me?     Will He know us ( as one of His sheep) when He returns?  Are we busy in His service, or distracted by criticizing others?

“We are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth He has promised, a world where everyone is right with God” 2 Peter 3.13NLT

2014 --  may this be the year  -  “even so come Lord Jesus”

J. McKee