In the New Testament, Christ’s 2nd Coming is mentioned close to 300 times. One out of every 13 verses is about the 2nd Coming. But it’s never brought up to get you to speculate about the End. Let me share what Jesus said regarding His 2nd Coming in the last days of His 1st Coming in Mathew 24:36,42:
No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father…………Watch because He will come at a time when you don’t expect Him.
Tim Keller writes: “The whole point of bringing up the 2nd Coming – whenever it’s brought up by Paul or John or Jesus or whoever is always to get you passionate about living now, and passionate about living here.” Let me share an example from the Apostle John regarding the motivating power of Christian hope for life in this present world:
Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. All who have this hope in Him purify themselves, just as He is pure (1 John 3:2,3).
The Christian hope is a glorious future hope: The believer will see the resurrected Jesus face-to-face in the same kind of glorious body as Jesus possesses. John expects this to be a powerful motivating force to live a pure life here and now.
All of the Apostles talk about Christ’s 2nd Coming and the End as powerful motivators for present-day living. None of them are so heavenly minded that they are no earthly good.
Christian hope properly understood is very earthy and practical. For example, let me share with you what the Apostle Peter shares in 1 Peter 4:7-10:
The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards.
Here we see Peter encourage believers to put into practice a number of present-day behaviors because of our future hope in Christ: faithful prayer, deep love of God’s people, the offering of generous hospitality and the gracious and responsible exercise of spiritual gifts for the good of others.
As we experience the common trials and challenges of this world, let us not give into despair. Let us not grumble about one another or complain and condemn our political leaders. But let us be faithful in the service of God’s kingdom in the power of God’s Spirit and Christian hope. This is the Good News of the crucified and risen Jesus Christ!
QOTD: Is the hope of Christ’s 2nd Coming empowering you to holy living and faithful service right now and right here?
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