Pastors Corner: Jesus is coming again

Jesus prepared his disciples for what was going to happen as he was about to suffer condemnation and sentenced to death on the cross. The birth of the Word of God in Mary was coming to its conclusion in Christ. He lived the prophecies in the Old Testament. He spoke the words God the Father spoke. He did the things God the Father planned even to his death on the cross and resurrection. John 17:1 - 11 reminds his disciples they are just an extension of God the father through himself, Jesus, the Word Made Flesh. They received the word as Mary did and it took root in their hearts like the seed Jesus extolled rooting in good soil (Matthew 13:23). The seed planted in their hearts grows and becomes a tree of life within.

Acts 1: 6 – 14 helps us to envision the Word of God bearing fruit within each heart as we are released from the umbilical tether to the flesh Jesus loses us to become children rather than infants. He returned to his father to await the day and the hour when his father would lose him to return for his bride at a midnight hour with the sound of a trumpet and the light awaiting him in every heart belonging to him readying themselves for the marriage supper of the lamb. It has taken much longer than anyone thought because a thousand years is as a day and a day as a thousand years in God infinite timeframe. People prepare for his return, observing the signs like the return of the Jewish people to their homeland in Israel in 1948 (Ezekiel 36:24 – 26), wars, rumors of wars, famine, pestilence, etc. God has promised a special honor, a crown to those who eagerly await his return. (2 Timothy 4:8)

1 Peter 4:12 – 16 and 1 Peter 5:6 – 11 highlight our preparations. We are not surprised at the fiery trials taking place among us, testing our faith and being found as pure gold. Our sufferings don’t reflect sinful hearts but resistance of darkness to light as Jesus endured during his time on earth. We rejoice in the opportunity to suffer for Christ and consider ourselves blessed because the spirit of God rests on us rather than suffering for ill-chosen actions: murder, theft, criminality or even mischief making. Suffering as a Christian is not a disgrace but an opportunity to glorify God because we share His name—Christian.

We humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand expecting to be lifted up in due time. We discipline ourselves not waiting for someone else to discipline us. We keep alert knowing our adversary prowls around looking for someone to devour. We resist the one who whispers attempting to deceive us and draw us into what is not beneficial to us or anyone else. We remain steadfast in faith knowing Christians around the world undergo similar trials of suffering. When suffering ends, the God of all grace who calls us to His eternal glory in Christ restores, supports, strengthens and establishes us for the power belongs to Him forever.