Back to the Future: [Un]expected return
We’re wrapping up our jump back to the future in the final chapter of Revelation this week. John’s glimpse into heaven is done and he is given a final message:
Revelation 22:7a | “Look, I am coming soon!”
In fact, in just this final chapter, Jesus says three times– “I am coming soon!” (Revelation 22:7, 12, 20).
God’s plan for the future, the promise of Heaven, and the defeat of Satan have all been laid out and now the parting and most important message is that the return of Jesus – the future – is soon.
This might seem kind of crazy since John was alive 2,000 years ago and Jesus hasn’t yet returned. But the same passage that tells us that God is patiently waiting because He doesn’t want anyone to perish says:
2 Peter 3:8 | But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day.
In light of eternity [forever without beginning or end], how do we measure soon?
But friend, Jesus does mean soon. In fact, Revelation 22 isn’t the only time Jesus emphasizes the timing of His return. He explains over and over that it will be sudden and unexpected:
Matthew 24:27, 36-39 | For as the lightning flashes in the east and shines to the west, so it will be when the Son of Man comes. However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows. When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day. In those days before the flood, the people were enjoying banquets and parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. People didn’t realize what was going to happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is the way it will be when the Son of Man comes.
While the timing of Jesus’ return is unknown and will come as an unwelcome surprise to those who don’t know Jesus, His followers should be eager for Christ’s return, like our theme verse says:
Hebrews 9:28 | Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him.
Because we are eagerly waiting for Him, we should live ready for Jesus to come back at any moment -
Luke 12:40 | “You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
Our daily readings this week will give us a better understanding of what living ready looks like, but for now, our timeless truth is: Live ready to meet Jesus. One day, whether it is at His return or after the end of our lives here on earth, we will meet Jesus face to face. Like we learned last week, each and every one of us will stand before Jesus at the final judgment and will either be found right in God's sight because of Jesus (Romans 3:24) or guilty of our sin and deserving of death. While the timing of that meeting is unsure, you can be certain that it is coming, as is Jesus’ final return. So, true for all people at all times – we must live ready to meet Jesus.
How does Jesus explain the timing of His return?
Why hasn’t Jesus returned yet?
What should Jesus’ followers do while they wait for His return?
Does your life look like you’re eagerly waiting for Jesus’ return? In what ways or why not?