Coming in Glory

 

[Jesus said] “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” (Luke 21:25-28 ESV).

 

There are very few serious Christian theologians that would deny the promise of Jesus to come again. The greater question has always been “when?” As our reading points to, Jesus plainly declares that He will come again to the Earth with many “signs” pointing to the event. It has always been a point of debate among students of the Scripture concern when it would happen and what it would look like. Even among the current population in America, more than one third believe that recent events point to the imminent return of Jesus.

 

The full context of our reading today is one of the passages that connect Jesus’ second coming with natural disasters, global pandemics, wars and political conflicts. It is certainly a riveting portrayal of the end times. And, if ever there was a time when we might be convinced that the clock of human history is about to strike midnight and the close of that time, this certainly feels like it. However, there is a caution I would encourage you with as you listen to so many voices proclaiming with certainty that this must be it: No one can KNOW the time of the coming. In fact, I would say when someone says this is the day, you can be sure this is not the day. Jesus said it would be unpredictable and surprising, “… like a thief in the night” (1 Thessalonians 5:2).

 

Well, what should we do? First, be alert and expectant. While we cannot know the day or the time, we can know the One who is in control of that time. Our Heavenly Father will send His beloved Son on time. Second, do not be anxious or fearful. Jesus says these things are happening to remind us that “our redemption is drawing near” (v. 28). It just means we are getting closer to the final act of our God to set all things right, restoring ultimate peace and final redemption. And, third, pray. Pray for all those who are suffering through the great calamities of our current world. Whether the end is near or not, the pain and suffering at the hands of such horrible events as we are seeing unfold before our eyes is real. It is a time of great trial. Pray for Jesus’ glorious return and the comfort of all those suffering so deeply.