Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2, ESV)
Christ’s return shouldn’t be feared or doubted. We should expect it daily with hope, anticipation, joy, and comfort.
I recently saw a billboard boldly proclaim, “The Return of Jesus – May 21, 2011.” I couldn’t help but smile. Though I firmly believe Christ’s return is imminent, the audacity of the billboard humored me. Jesus Himself said no one knows the specific day except God the Father. So, either this person has “inside” information Jesus didn’t have or he is guilty of false advertising. I suspect it’s the latter.
In today’s reading, Paul reassured the Thessalonian believers regarding Christ’s return. He urged them not to be alarmed or misled. But his message serves as a caution for us today. The deceptive attraction of this world’s temporary treasures and pleasures shouldn’t distract us. Setting our heart’s desire on the temporal instead of heaven’s permanence is tantamount to desiring a vacation campsite instead of the return to the comfort of our home.
Pointless Predictions
Famous people predict Christ’s return based on some new “revelation.” Movies predict a date based on “newfound” and mystical research. Even current events lead many people to nervously conclude Christ’s return is near. Regardless of all this, we should live every moment as if His return was occurring today!
The lyrics of “This Could Be the Dawning of That Day” (Gaither Music) so beautifully capture the blessed hope and anticipated joy of Christ’s return. I encourage you to listen to it during one of your devotional times over the next few days.
Although living here and now, our steadfast focus should be on God. We should please Him and witness (both verbal and visual) to our lost friends and neighbors. Doing so removes the fear of being embarrassed and unprepared when Christ returns. With every passing twenty-four hours, we are one day closer to Christ’s return. Are you ready? If not, I encourage you to prepare yourself today. Hallelujah, Christ is coming soon!
Discussion Questions
- Christian, are you joyfully anticipating Christ’s return or are you distracted by the world’s allure?
- Unbeliever, if you are skeptical or fearful of Christ’s return, what is holding you back from accepting Christ as your personal Lord and Savior today?
