“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” – Matthew 24:36
The Importance of Being Prepared
As we await Jesus’ return, we understand the importance of being prepared. We are encouraged to keep our hearts and minds focused on our faith and to engage in good works. Living as if today could be the day He returns challenges us to reflect Christ’s love in our actions. This readiness is not about fear but about embracing the opportunity to live fully in our faith. It reminds us that our time on earth is precious and should be used to glorify God and serve others. By being vigilant, we show our devotion and anticipation, making each moment count in our preparation for His return.
Matthew 24:42
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” – Matthew 24:42
1 Thessalonians 5:2
“For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:2
Luke 12:40
“You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” – Luke 12:40
Revelation 16:15
“Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.” – Revelation 16:15
Matthew 25:13
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” – Matthew 25:13
The Signs of His Coming
When we look at the signs of Jesus’ coming, we are reminded that God does not leave us in the dark. He gives us indications of His return to encourage and equip us for what lies ahead. Throughout Scripture, we see prophecies and signs that help us recognize the times we are living in. Rather than bringing anxiety, these signs offer hope, reminding us that each event draws us closer to the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan. We should look for these signs with eyes of faith, understanding that every sign brings us a step closer to the glorious return of our Savior.
Matthew 24:30
“Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” – Matthew 24:30
Mark 13:26
“At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.” – Mark 13:26
Luke 21:25-26
“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.” – Luke 21:25-26
Revelation 1:7
“Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of him. So shall it be! Amen.” – Revelation 1:7
2 Peter 3:10
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare.” – 2 Peter 3:10
The Promise of His Return
We hold onto the powerful promise of Jesus’ return. This promise is a cornerstone of our faith and encourages us to persevere even in tough times. When life gets difficult, reminding ourselves of His return can reignite our hope and strengthen our resolve. Knowing that Jesus will come back one day helps us endure, keeping our focus on the eternal rather than the temporary hardships we face. We are reassured that He is coming back not just to claim us but to establish His Kingdom in fullness. This anticipation fuels our desire to share His love with others.
John 14:3
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” – John 14:3
Acts 1:11
“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” – Acts 1:11
Titus 2:13
“While we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.” – Titus 2:13
Hebrews 9:28
“So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” – Hebrews 9:28
Revelation 22:12
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” – Revelation 22:12
In the anticipation of Jesus’ return, we find a powerful message of redemption. Through His coming, we are reminded of our hope as believers. Jesus promised to come back and restore all things, bringing an end to suffering and injustice. The hope we hold onto goes beyond this life; it points to the eternal joy and peace that awaits us in His presence. This promise challenges us to live out our faith boldly, acting as representatives of His love and mercy in a world that often feels chaotic. Knowing that redemption is a part of our future inspires us to share this good news with those around us.
Romans 8:21
“That the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.” – Romans 8:21
Philippians 3:20-21
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” – Philippians 3:20-21
Isaiah 25:9
“In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the Lord, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.” – Isaiah 25:9
Colossians 3:4
“When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” – Colossians 3:4
Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Revelation 21:4
The Call to Share the Gospel
As we look forward to Jesus’ return, we also hear the urgent call to share the Gospel. It is our duty as followers of Christ to communicate His message of hope and salvation. Every moment until He returns is an opportunity for us to spread His love, encouraging others to experience the gift of faith. This mission of sharing means reaching out to those in need, providing comfort, and sharing our testimony of faith. The more we share about Him, the more we prepare their hearts and ours for His return.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20
Mark 16:15
“He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” – Mark 16:15
Romans 10:14
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” – Romans 10:14
2 Corinthians 5:20
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.” – 2 Corinthians 5:20
Acts 1:8
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8
The Joy of His Return
When we think about Jesus’ return, we should be filled with joy. It is a moment we await with eagerness, knowing that our God will reveal His glory in a magnificent way. This joy is not simply about our salvation but the celebration of God’s promises coming to fruition. It is about everything being set right and the culmination of God’s Kingdom. As we anticipate this incredible moment, our joy should overflow, radiating to everyone around us. This joyful expectation encourages us to share our faith and to live authentically, reflecting His love and grace.
Psalms 118:24
“This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalms 118:24
Revelation 19:7
“Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.” – Revelation 19:7
Luke 15:10
“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” – Luke 15:10
1 Thessalonians 2:19
“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?” – 1 Thessalonians 2:19
2 John 1:8
“Watch out that you do not lose what we have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.” – 2 John 1:8
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the topic of Jesus’ return, we are filled with hope, joy, and an urgent call to be prepared. We know that His coming will be marked by signs and that it is essential to live in anticipation of this day. It invites us to not only think about our own faith but to share it heavily with others. With each verse, we find a reminder of our role in spreading the good news while preparing ourselves for the incredible joy of witnessing His return. May we continue to encourage each other in faith, remaining steadfast in our mission.
In being prepared, we embrace the opportunity to live out our faith actively, ensuring we do not miss what God has for us. Let’s be inspired by the promise of redemption and motivated to share this promise with those around us. Our preparation and anticipation bring us closer to this hope, fueling our desire to live in alignment with His will.
Let’s continue to search the Scriptures and explore topics such as God’s timing and patience or the coming day of the Lord. Each topic has something special to offer as we grow in faith together.