Promise Or Threat?

There are times when someone may offer the parting words, “I’LL BE BACK.” Those words on occasion have been met with the question, “Is that a threat?”, to which the departing one may declare, “No, it’s a promise.” Though such conversation has taken place in jest, it is very possible for one’s return to be viewed by some as a threat while others would anticipate it as a promise. Our LORD’S RETURN appears to be viewed both ways. Though we may not know when JESUS’ RETURN will take place ( Matthew 24:36) it is given as a promise. It is a day that will come. Perhaps the devil would like the LORD’S COMING to appear as an angry threat rather than something to look forward to. This may be why some who call themselves “Christians” still seem to have so much fear regarding end times. However, for us who are His, there should be a sense of eagerness and longing.

Jesus extended His promise as an encouragement to the disciples when He said…

“(1) LET NOT YOUR HEARTS BE TROUBLED. Believe in God; believe also in me. (2) In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? (3) And if I go and prepare a place for you, I WILL COME AGAIN AND WILL TAKE YOU TO MYSELF, THAT WHERE I AM YOU MAY BE ALSO.” ( John 14:1-3 ESV)

That coming Jesus promised will be a fearful coming for those who refuse to acknowledge Him now. It may also be true that knowing Jesus will return can be good motivation for striving to keep one’s life pure. (i.e. 1 John 3:2-3) However, just as Jesus offered the promise of HIS RETURN to encourage the fainting hearts of His disciples before His crucifixion, for Him to be our Lord ought to fill us with the same sense of encouragement regardless of what is going on around us.

The Hebrew writer warned, but also encouraged…
“(27) And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, (28) so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, WILL APPEAR A SECOND TIME, not to deal with sin but TO SAVE THOSE WHO ARE EAGERLY WAITING FOR HIM.” ( Hebrews 9:27-28 ESV)

The first time Jesus came, He dealt with our sins on the cross. When He returns, His desire is to take us home to be with Him forever. ( 1 Thessalonians 4:17) May Jesus remain the Lord of our life as we strive to live pleasing to Him so that HIS RETURN can be eagerly anticipated as an exceedingly glorious event. In Him our condemnation has been removed. ( Romans 8:1) Let us rejoice in His promise!

Have a great day REMAINING READY FOR HIS RETURN!
Carl

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