Focusing On Jesus'Return

It is of interest to me that even in the first century much controversy about the return of Jesus circulated. John's gospel (see John 21:22ff) and the Thessalonican and Corinthian correspondence all reference misconceptions about the Second Coming of Jesus.

Our situation is little different. From wild speculation to rapture theories to date setters we live in a time of continued controversy about the return of our Lord. What does the Bible teach about Jesus' second coming?

No one can know when the Lord will return. The Bible makes this abundantly clear both from Jesus' own parables (see Luke 12:37ff) and Paul's writing in Thessalonians. ""For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night"" (1 Thess. 5:2). All who find ""signs"" of the imminent return of Christ in current events do nothing but show their own folly and foolishness. The New Testament simply never gives any schedule or calendar or hidden, coded events that only an elite few will recognize as the markers of the near-return of Jesus Christ. In fact, it seems most unlikely that Jesus will return when many predict (a nice even year, like 2000, for example) because such a return would not be like a thief in the night. Thus, predictions of Jesus' return are actually self-defeating!

Jesus could come at any second. This is literally true. Jesus could return before you finish this article, indeed, before you finish this sentence. ""Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect"" (Luke 12:40). Scripture consistently treats the matter of Jess' second coming as a surprise, as something unexpected, as a return that catches most people utterly unaware.

I fully expect worldly people to be totally shocked when Jesus appears but sometimes I wonder about even brethren. There is much emphasis in preaching and writing on being faithful unto death (a needed emphasis). However, it must be admitted that some may never die. I may not live to be seventy or eighty, and not because of an accident or poor health, but because Jesus chooses to come! It could happen, couldn't it? The sky would be torn in two, the trumpet would sound and Jesus would be here. Quite a thought, isn't it? Yet, how often do we consciously think about Christ's return? When was the last time you actually thought ""I wonder if today will be the day?""

As no one can know when Jesus will return, and such a return could happen anytime, does it not make sense to be ready to go whenever the Lord should come for us? Doesn't the knowledge of Jesus' sure return reinforce a need to live pure and holy lives always? ""Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ . . . "" (Titus 2:12-13). Each day I must confront the reality that this could be my last day and so I must live in a way that eagerly looks for the glorious appearing of Jesus.

Scripture convinces me that when Jesus comes again many will be terror-stricken. I am sure many will shout ""Now? Not now! You can't be coming now, not just yet!"" Others, however, will turn their face to the sky in delight and sheer joy. ""I was waiting for You, and I'm so glad You've come!"" Think about it: would you be thrilled if Jesus came today?