He is coming – Again!
Israel waited for a king, their Messiah. They longed for Him to come, to rescue them from the oppression of their world. When He came they didn’t recognize Him. They looked for a king, God sent a babe. They expected a palace, He came to a stable. They looked for Him to come in power, He came in humility. They thought He would live with them and reign over them, but He came to die for them. He traded a crown of gold for a crown of thorns. Being nailed to a cross He paid the ransom to set them free. He walked with them, yet they didn’t know Him. He talked with them yet they did not hear. They wanted change for their country, instead He offered them change for their hearts.
We are much like them, waiting, looking; anticipating our king’s arrival – His second coming. To be rescued from the oppression of a world we are to live in but not be a part of. We, like them, want change for our country, and He offers us, like them, change for our hearts. Are we hearing Him, do we recognize and know Him?
Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him.
Revelations 1:7
This coming will be different. The humble king born in a stable will return with power, escorted not by singing angels announcing His birth, but by an angel army proclaiming His glory, His rightful reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He will gather His people; all who know Him and look for Him to come. Those who know the baby who was wrapped in swaddling clothes so long ago, is now clothed in glory and sits at the right hand of God on high. When He comes His presence will split the sky, shake the earth, and all will see Him. Every knee will bow before Him and every tongue will confess that He is Lord.
Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:9-11
As our thoughts this Christmas turn back to that manger and the memories of His first coming, may we also look expectantly forward, knowing He is coming again and bringing His reward with Him. Eternity in His presence – Christmas forever!
What a powerful message, Charlotte. I am looking forward to His second coming.