Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7 Zec 14:4-7, Rev 1:7, Matt 24, Rev 19:11-16
Introduction
The word second coming means there must have been a first coming, if we do not understand what He came to do the first time, we will hardly understand His second coming. The scriptures, old and new points us clearly to the coming of Jesus Christ both the first and the second. Jesus Christ came to earth as a baby in a manger in Bethlehem, just as prophesied. Jesus fulfilled many of the prophecies of the Messiah during His birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection. However, there are some prophecies regarding the Messiah that Jesus has not yet fulfilled. This is particularly so because some of these prophecies will be fulfilled as Jesus—the head and we—His body. We have a significant role to play.
Paradigm Shift
In His first coming, Jesus was the suffering servant and the salvation of the world. In His second coming, Jesus will be the conquering King and the Judge of all. In His first coming, Jesus arrived in the most humble of circumstances. In His second coming, Jesus will arrive with the armies of heaven at His side with power and great glory.
Jesus clearly spoke to His disciples about the signs of the times and the end of age. He identified to them that the activity that will characterize the end of time and herald His coming is DECEPTION. He particularly warned them to take heed because many will be deceived and the very elect will not be excluded. Already today, deception looms around us even concerning this topic of second coming but irrespective of whatever is flying here and there, we must take heed to the words of Jesus Christ for lawlessness will abound and the love of many will wax cold as only those who will endure till the end shall be saved.
No one knows when particularly He’ll return but we can watch out for signs and be diligent with work in anticipation for His return. A bride anticipates the coming of His groom so also does a servant who has completed the work awaits his master’s return.
Applications
Between the first and the second coming is a period of absence of the Master, an opportunity for the servant to carry out his master command to the very last detail. We have a great opportunity today to live in anticipation of His coming; living each day doing His will. The urgency of the task and the anticipation of His coming must propel and compel us daily to work and live as though today is the final one.
What Would Jesus Do
Jesus boldly declared, i always do what pleases the Father. First or second, His life was clearly characterized by doing the Father’s will. My life must not be less because i’m a part of His body and I must supply to the body my part of the work that makes it wholesome.