The suffering and pain we’re experiencing right now is not for forever. There is a conclusion to this story, to all of our stories. And that conclusion is being written by a God so good, so loving, and so powerful, that we know this story of humanity ends triumphantly.
In the last devotional of this series on God’s promises, today we’re looking at the promise of his return. The suffering and pain we’re experiencing right now is not for forever. There is a conclusion to this story, to all of our stories. And that conclusion is being written by a God so good, so loving, and so powerful, that we know this story of humanity ends triumphantly. So may God fill us with hope, peace, and passion today as we take time to focus on his return.
John 14:2-3 ESV
The second coming of Christ will mark the end of this age with resounding and final punctuation. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 says, “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God.” Jesus promises that he is coming back for you and me. He’s returning to make his lordship known to all the earth. Upon his return, he will destroy once and for all the destructive works of the enemy. He’s going to rid the earth of the damage sin has caused, and bring about the final restoration of all things to himself.
Jesus’ return will be both powerful and triumphant. It will be a time of sorrow for those who did not believe in him and a time of rejoicing for us, his Bride. Jesus is coming back in all his glory, lovesick for those who have been brought into his fold by faith. You see, he’s coming back for you because he loves you. He longs for the day when you can be with him, face to face, held back by nothing. He’s so overjoyed to walk in relationship with you right now, but like you, he longs for something greater. Like a bridegroom patiently awaits the marriage ceremony, he’s waiting, expectant for what is to come.
It’s his love that is our source of hope. It’s his desire for our final restoration to him that is meant to give us cause for joy here on the earth. What you’ve known of life thus far is not all there is. What you’ve experienced of God is just a drop in the vast ocean of his loving kindness. Jesus says in John 14:2-3, “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? 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.” He desperately wants you to be where he is. If you are a believer, he’s promised that you have a place in his kingdom. You can have hope here that all the suffering, trials, temptations and heartache you’ve experienced on earth will pass away with his return. Written within his promise to return is his promise of a life lived free from all the destruction sin has caused.
We’re meant for relationship with our Savior both here and in the age to come. He’s made a way for us to experience him both now and forever by his death and resurrection. Your greatest joy should come from this truth. Your highest calling is meant to be drawn from his promise of relationship. All of eternity hinges on his promise to return. And he who gave up his life for you will return to lead you to the Father. Spend time in his presence today. Experience the very God who will return in all his glory. Live today in light of his promise, and experience the love and hope of your God who is faithful to bring to fruition all that he’s promised you.
1. Meditate on the powerful, hope-filled truth of Christ’s return.
“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? 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 14:2-3
2. Where do you need hope today? Where do you need the truth of Jesus’ return to transform your emotions?
3. Let the truth of Christ’s return sink into your heart. Allow it to heal any place in your heart that feels hopeless.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
Looking toward the day of final restoration is meant to give you fuel to live in light of eternity. This life on earth is but a vapor in the scope of your eternal life. It’s a dust blowing in the wind. It doesn’t mean today doesn’t matter. What it does mean is that you know how your life will turn out. You know how the story ends. May the glorious, triumphant ending of your story produce steadfastness and hope in your heart today.
Extended Reading: John 14 or watch The Bible Project’s video on John 13-21.
May the glorious, triumphant ending of your story produce steadfastness and hope in your heart today.
