January 7, 2015
It’s either true or it isn’t. And, if it isn’t true, we might as well give up on all that we think is right and important.
"Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” Acts 1.11)
The Second Coming of Jesus is a much-ridiculed notion by many; including some who profess to be His followers. With the passing of time, it’s easy to be a bit skeptical. After all, if He was coming back, wouldn’t He have done so before two thousand years had lapsed? Honestly, I sometimes am drawn to such skeptical thinking. But, the best answer and remedy is this passage: “Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.’ … But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.” (2 Peter 3.3-4, 8-10)
Two thousand years is a mere two days with our Father; hardly any length of time at all. And, if the seeming delay is cause for skepticism, don’t lose sight of its real purpose: a gracious opportunity for repentance. But, once that time period is concluded, God will decisively act, and send His Son back - exactly as promised.
The established fact of the return of Jesus makes this day and moment pregnant with possibilities. On the one hand, it brings urgency to what we do and say. There is kingdom work to be done now, not later. There are friends and family who need to be nudged toward decision. There is huge encouragement in knowing that the challenges and struggles of life could be ended in a moment, with a trumpet blast.
Either the Second Coming of Jesus is fact or fiction. I choose to believe it is fact, and there is abundant evidence and precedent for believing it to be so. Beyond the fact, the key issue to grapple with today, and every day, is: what are the implication for my life today based on this truth?
May we keep pressing on, all the while we keep looking up.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
"Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” Acts 1.11)
The Second Coming of Jesus is a much-ridiculed notion by many; including some who profess to be His followers. With the passing of time, it’s easy to be a bit skeptical. After all, if He was coming back, wouldn’t He have done so before two thousand years had lapsed? Honestly, I sometimes am drawn to such skeptical thinking. But, the best answer and remedy is this passage: “Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts, and saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.’ … But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up.” (2 Peter 3.3-4, 8-10)
Two thousand years is a mere two days with our Father; hardly any length of time at all. And, if the seeming delay is cause for skepticism, don’t lose sight of its real purpose: a gracious opportunity for repentance. But, once that time period is concluded, God will decisively act, and send His Son back - exactly as promised.
The established fact of the return of Jesus makes this day and moment pregnant with possibilities. On the one hand, it brings urgency to what we do and say. There is kingdom work to be done now, not later. There are friends and family who need to be nudged toward decision. There is huge encouragement in knowing that the challenges and struggles of life could be ended in a moment, with a trumpet blast.
Either the Second Coming of Jesus is fact or fiction. I choose to believe it is fact, and there is abundant evidence and precedent for believing it to be so. Beyond the fact, the key issue to grapple with today, and every day, is: what are the implication for my life today based on this truth?
May we keep pressing on, all the while we keep looking up.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 7:58 AM
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