One New Year will be our last celebration. One month, it will be the last time we flip the calendar. One Sunday will be the last Sunday we go to Church. One week will our last work week. One day will be our last day we get out of bed, or perhaps the last night we go to sleep. One day, all our hopes and dreams of Christ’s return will suddenly be here.
How can we not long for the One who died for us? How can we not desire those future days of Christ’s reign and glory when the lion will lay down with the lamb, when no country trains for war, when those we love can’t be snatched from us by danger, death, and evil? How can we not be dissatisfied with the corruptions of this life? And how can we not long for the days when our loving King is honored and glorified through the whole earth – not ignored, ridiculed - and His name no longer blasphemed as a common curse word?
The Churches were commanded to teach this “Blessed Hope” as part of the Gospel and keep it at the forefront of all teaching. The book of Revelation was written to the “seven Churches” as the great Hope which kept them through centuries of persecution. It is the greatest comfort to the Believer, a warning to earth’s tyrants, and a reality check to the lukewarm and wayward. Even creation groans and awaits Him with intense anticipation… “For the intense anticipation of creation is awaiting the revelation of the children of God”– (Romans 8:19).
How can we not want more than this life – eternal days with those we love where all is made right? How can we not desire those unending joys where He who is named: “Miraculous, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Father of Eternity, the Prince of Peace,” dwells among us face to face? How can we not desire glory for Him after His scars?
Because there was a Cross, there will be Glory. And after all He’s done for us, is doing for us today, and planning for us eternally, how shall we not anticipate, celebrate, and glory in His return? It is the most natural, logical, reasonable, thankful, response of those saved from death and granted Life at the Cross - who can hardly wait for all the good He has in store for those who love Him.
Come, Lord Jesus.
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