"The Coming of the Lord"

GOOD MORNING!

"Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming." Matthew 24:42-51

In Matthew 24 we are encouraged to trust in the authority of Christ and persevere in the power of Christ. Based on the portrait of Christ we see throughout Matthew’s Gospel, we should long for the coming of Christ. The realities of tribulation, deception, temptation, and persecution create anticipation. The more we live in this world, the more we will long for Christ to come back to this world.

This text leaves no doubt that the day of Christ’s return will be evident to all. His coming will be no secret: the angels of heaven will let out a trumpet blast, and every eye will behold the Son of Man in the sky [vv. 29-31]. How different this will be from His first coming! The first time He came to a remote, obscure town just outside Jerusalem, where He went largely unnoticed, save for a few shepherds and some farm animals. He came the first time lying in a manger; however, He will come the second time riding on the clouds. This is what Daniel prophesied centuries before:

"And I saw One like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was escorted before Him. He was given authority to rule, and glory, and a kingdom; so that those of every people, nation, and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will not be destroyed" [Daniel 7:13-14].

Just as surely as He came the first time in humility to provide salvation, so He will come the second time in glory to execute judgment.

As Christ-followers - We watch. We wait. We work.

Much love and care, Pastor Pat

GREECE ASSEMBLY OF GOD